Gaudreau Named Interim USOEC Director

MARQUETTE, Mich.—Brian Gaudreau will serve as interim director of the United States Olympic Education Center at Northern Michigan University. He has been a familiar presence on campus for nearly three decades, first as a student and most recently as associate director of recreation programming in the intercollegiate athletics and recreational sports department.

NMU President Les Wong said Gaudreau’s extensive sports administration experience and fresh insights will be a valuable combination as the university plans for the future of the USOEC.

“Brian’s job is to manage the transition and work toward the goal of institutionalizing the center into our athletic portfolio,” Wong said. “He will be part of the president’s strategy team that continues to work with the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) headquartered in Colorado Springs to develop a different but permanent model for the USOEC at NMU. His track record in managing recreational sports, club sports and other Wildcat athletic events will bring critical sports management skills to the position.”

Gaudreau holds a bachelor’s degree in recreation management from NMU and is working on a master’s in training and development. Originally hired as intramural coordinator, he ascended to program manager before becoming an associate director and member of the athletic director’s management team. Gaudreau will continue to be involved in NMU recreational sports while overseeing the USOEC.

“This is a great opportunity to branch out in a new professional direction,” he added. “The USOEC role will be a nice fit with my background in organizational planning, staff development and special-event planning and execution. My first step will be to do some research and get a better feel for where things are so I can help to keep things operational. From there, I will focus on ways to increase the center\’s visibility, as well as bring creative ideas to President Wong\’s team that is working with the USOC to move the center in a new direction.”

Gaudreau’s appointment is effective July 1. He succeeds Jeff Kleinschmidt, who previously announced his intent to retire after 25 years.