Fitzgerald Mosley takes up her new role having served as President and chief executive of Women In Cable Telecommunications (WICT), the oldest and largest organization serving women professionals in the industry, since 2001.

 

At USATF, she will be responsible for overseeing all of USATF's high performance and sport science programmes.

 

Fitzgerald Mosley will officially start her new role on July 1.

 

Her aim will be to achieve the target set by USATF chief executive Doug Logan of Americawinning 30 medals at the London 2012 Olympics.

 

Fitzgerald Mosley had served on USATF's Project 30 Task Force, which conducted a review of all USATF high performance programmes set up by Logan after last year's Olympics in Beijing.

 

Logan launched a national search for the position as soon as he created it in February.

 

After considering at least 20 candidates, he interviewed six, with Fitzgerald Mosley emerging as the top choice.

  

Logan saiid: "Benita came highly recommended to be a panelist on the Project 30 Task Force.

 

"I had never met her but quickly was impressed by her work with the panel.

 

"Her professionalism, keen mind, devotion to the sport and ability to quickly and ably cut to the root of an issue became very apparent, very quickly.

 

"Those qualities are just a few that she will contribute to her success at USA Track & Field."

 

At WICT, Fitzgerald Mosley managed all activities of the nationally recognised organization of nearly 8,000 members, including staff, budget, fundraising, programmes, events marketing and member services.

 

In 2004, she was named Cable TV Executive of the Year by Television Week.

 

She previously worked with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) in various administrative and developmental capacities, including as director of the USOC's Olympic Training Centres from 1997-2000.

 

Fitzgerald Mosley said: "Throughout my professional and athletic careers, I have always been motivated by taking on challenges and pursuing the highest levels of success.

 

"The opportunity to take the lead in USA Track & Field's efforts to win 30 medals in London, and to maximise our athletes' potential across all event groups, was something I could not pass up.

 

"I am incredibly excited about working with Doug and the USATF team."

 

The US finished top of the Olympic medal table in Beijing with 23 medals, including seven gold, but Logan wants the team to do better at London 2012.

 

Logan (pictured) said: "No single individual on the administration side will have a bigger impact on the fortunes of Team USA than Benita.

 

"She has already proven herself as a world-class athlete, operational manager and organisational leader, and she is a sophisticated communicator.

 

"I have no doubt that our high performance programmes will be revolutionised under her leadership."