Jim Scherr
Posted On: June 1, 2013 By :Jim Scherr, the former CEO of the U.S. Olympic Committee, has been appointed chief operating officer for the 2015 European Games in Baku, Azerbaijan. Scherr, who has been commissioner of the National Collegiate Hockey Conference since January 2012, has resigned effective immediately to take on his new role.
Earlier published reports had said Scherr had accepted the European Games job in May, although he told SportsTravel that no decision had been made at that time. In his new role, Scherr will oversee operations of the inaugural 49-nation European Games, which will feature up to 10,000 athletes. The event is scheduled for June 2015.
“We knew when we hired Jim that there would come a time when there would be competing bids for his services,” said NCHC Chairman of the Board and University of North Dakota Director of Athletics Brian Faison. “We are grateful for what Jim has done in his time with the NCHC and we are very happy that he has the opportunity to return to the Olympic sports world with the European Games in Baku. We know his expertise will greatly benefit their event.”
Prior to his appointment with the NCHC, Scherr served as CEO of the USOC. He also served 10 years as executive director of USA Wrestling, and recently helped the international wrestling federation make its pitch to the IOC to keep the sport in the Olympic Games.
The NCHC is a new collegiate conference whose eight members will begin play in the upcoming 2013–2014 season. “Serving as commissioner of the NCHC has been a tremendous experience and it is a difficult position to leave behind,” said Scherr. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Board for understanding the opportunity presented to me, and for working with me to make it a reality. I regret that I will not be there to lead the conference through its inaugural season, but I have full confidence in the coaches, administrators and conference staff that the NCHC will set the standard for excellence in college hockey.”
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