May 10--LA 2024 has brought aboard a four-time Olympian who is also -- more significantly -- an International Olympic Committee member.
Angela Ruggiero will serve as chief strategy officer for the private committee bidding to bring the Summer Games back to Southern California, it was announced Tuesday.
A Los Angeles native, Ruggiero won four medals during her 16-year career with the U.S. women's hockey team. She was elected to the IOC's athletes commission in 2010 and since has served on numerous additional commissions.
"As a hometown hero, Angela embodies Los Angeles' passion and dedication to sport," said Mayor Eric Garcetti, who has been closely involved with the bid. "She is uniquely suited to help LA 2024 build the perfect Games."
Los Angeles is competing against Paris, Rome and Budapest for the 2024 Games.
The L.A. bid committee already had one local IOC member -- Anita DeFrantz -- on its staff. Such appointments can be valuable because members bring with them a network of connections with Olympic officials worldwide.
DeFrantz and Ruggiero will not be allowed to cast a vote when the IOC selects a host city in September 2017.
FULL COVERAGE: L.A. 2024 Olympic bid
"I look forward to putting my Olympic experience at the service of L.A.'s candidature," Ruggiero said.
