USOC appoints Thompson to senior diversity and inclusion role

By Tom Degun


May 1 - The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) has appointed Jason Thompson as its inaugural director of diversity and inclusion, with responsibility for creating and managing key initiatives for the organisation.

The appointment of a diversity director was one of the key recommendations from a report issued last year by the USOC's Diversity Working Group, a volunteer group of individuals assembled to help create a more inclusive, competitive and progressive organisation and management approach within the realms of the National Olympic Committee.

Among his core responsibilities, Thompson, a married father of two children, will be charged with implementing the remaining recommendations of the Diversity Working Group report.

"Diversity and inclusion are core values at the USOC because they make us better as an organisation, ensuring we're capable of solving our complex business needs and equipped to provide the kind of support America's elite athletes need," said USOC chief executive Scott Blackmun.

"The more we include diverse perspectives and experiences in our work and thinking, the more likely we'll be able to thrive in an incredibly competitive world."

The role will also involve regular travel with Thompson required to consult regularly with the Olympic and Paralympic Family as he creates and manages the USOC's diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Thompson will report to USOC chief administrative officer Kirsten Volpi and will be based at the organisation's headquarters in Colorado Springs.

"The USOC is an incredibly inspiring organisation and I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the team," said Thompson.

"To have the opportunity to help the Olympic and Paralympic family in the United States become even more successful is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and I can't wait to get started."

"I'm excited to have Jason join our team and certain he'll help our entire Olympic and Paralympic Family succeed," added Blackmun.

Thompson, a 25-year veteran of diversity and inclusion programmes, was most recently vice-president of diversity and community health improvement at INTEGRIS Health.

He has also served as director for the Office of Diversity at the University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Centre.

Thompson holds MA and BA degrees in sociology from the University of Wyoming and is a graduate of Harvard's John F Kennedy School executive training programme.

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