Wohlschlaeger enjoying Chief of Staff position
By: Justin Fell
Fred Wohlschlaeger is completely genuine when he talks glowingly about his new position as the United States Olympic Committee’s Chief of Staff. He’s only been at it for a month, but he’s already convinced.
"I have the best job in America," said the 1973 Princeton University graduate, who officially assumed the newly created post Jan. 23. Wohlschlaeger will oversee the organization’s Legal Affairs, Finance, Information Technology and Human Resources divisions under USOC Chief Executive Officer Lloyd Ward.
"I’m working with a guy who is a tremendous visionary," said Wohlschlaeger, who had previous experience with Ward when both were most recently at the Maytag Corporation. "It’s a special thing he’s trying to do. Preserving that Olympic spirit, maintaining that and developing that more, it’s great to be a part of it."
With the 2002 Winter Olympics in full swing in Salt Lake City, Utah, Wohlschlaeger has jumped into the job at one of the busiest possible times. He’s flown back and forth several times to take in the Games, and to get a better understanding of the behind-the-scenes details that he will help oversee.
"Salt Lake City has done an incredible job," he said. "It’s incredible what they’ve done with the venues. I can’t believe the number of volunteer hours that are being put in. People are taking a whole month off just to drive people around, not even to watch the Games. That kind of atmosphere really spreads.
"It’s great to see the behind-the-scenes things, the way you go about operating everything and how everything works together. There are a lot of dedicated people involved to make sure everything goes smoothly. A lot goes into it."
Wohlschlaeger, who was active in the Princeton-St. Louis club before relocating to Colorado Springs for his new position, has seen the inner workings of big-time businesses, but even they might pale in comparison to an Olympics production, particularly one on American soil, in which the USOC is heavily involved. His new position allows his a chance to work closely with athletics and utilize his career experiences.
Prior to joining the USOC, he was Maytag’s Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary. He also served as Maytag’s interim Chief Financial Officer. A 1976 graduate of the St. Louis University School of Law, he also worked for Hartmax Corporation, Morton International and The British Petroleum Company.
"I’ve been in some large corporate positions, but this is a tremendous opportunity. Sports had an impact on me from a formative standpoint," said Wohlschlaeger, who rowed freshman crew, played football, competed in the javelin and took tae kwon do while at Princeton. "It gave me an idea of the work and dedication that goes into things. It showed me about ups and downs. It became a metaphor for what we’re trying to accomplish as human beings. Working with these elite athletes, and being able to work with them and help them well beyond their competitive years, is an extraordinary opportunity."
The future remains a focal point for Wohlschlaeger and the USOC, which also organizes the Paralympics and the Pan-American Games. Wohlschlaeger is anxious to begin carrying out the USOC proposals that Ward has put forth.
"He wants to look at how we can reach out more," Wohlschlaeger said. "He’s got a tremendous vision as far as when these Games are over, how do we keep that spirit going? And, how do we bring it back?
"You have to remember that it will be close to 10 years before the Games come back to America or North America. We’re several years away from being able to bring something back to the United States. We want to start looking at 2012, and we’ll want to start narrowing down the candidates."
Part of Wohlschlaeger’s job, then, is to keep the excitement from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games around for 10 years, and to make sure that any future Games are as well supported as this year’s.
"The notion of ’17 Days of Glory’ is one we’d like to see transformed into some national events," he said. "We want to foster excitement over a period of time, and really be able to bring that down to the local level."
And, all the while, Wohlschlaeger has to keep the American and international athletes and the Olympic movement in mind.
"This is a little bit different from running a company," he added. "We have a very large volunteer involvement. Our role is to support the athletes and support the various volunteer organizations that support the athletes. It’s my responsibility to see that the athletes get first-class service."
Wohlschlaeger came on at the busiest time possible, and he’s thrilled with the excitement that this year’s Salt Lake City Games have generated and looking forward to being someone who can help make future Olympic Games the same rich experience for athletes, the same rewarding experience for volunteers and an even more meaningful to Americans everywhere.
"I came in on the eve of these Games," he said. "It’s been a terrific opportunity. I’ve met a lot of great people. It’s been an exciting start."
Fred Wohlschlaeger has taken a lot of twists and turns, beginning at Princeton University, then back to his hometown of St. Louis, and through Cleveland and Chicago before he’s landed with a perfect 10 at the best job in America.