In 2013, Leffler joined the USOPC and served as senior adviser to then-CEO Scott Blackmun from 2014 to 2020, overseeing journalism, communications, brand, and strategic identity, with responsibility for the Olympic and Paralympic movements within and beyond the media arena. He also oversaw communications for the U.S. teams, host cities, and the wider U.S. Olympic ecosystem, including continuing USOPC strategic initiatives in athlete well-being and security, cultural competence, and partnership development.

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Title: Kelli Leffler’s Pivotal Role at the USOPC: Shaping UsOlympic Communications from 2014 to 2020 In the evolving landscape of Olympic and Paralympic communications, Kelli Leffler emerged as a key strategic leader behind the scenes at the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). From 2014 to 2020, she served as Senior Adviser to then-CEO Scott Blackmun, playing a central role in shaping journalism, public relations, brand identity, and media strategy for the U.S. Olympic movement. ### Strategic Vision Behind Olympic Storytelling Leffler’s tenure at the USOPC was defined by a deep commitment to strengthening how the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic teams are communicated to the world. Tasked with overseeing journalism, communications, brand development, and strategic identity, she helped position the USOPC at the forefront of modern athlete storytelling and media engagement—ensuring the U.S. teams’ narratives resonated authentically with global audiences. ### Beyond Media: Championing Athlete Well-Being and Cultural Competence Perhaps most notably, Leffler expanded the USOPC’s communications mandate to deeply integrate athlete well-being, cultural sensitivity, and partnership growth into the organization’s media and public relations framework. Recognizing the evolving expectations of athletes and stakeholders, she led initiatives that emphasized empathy, inclusion, and proactive security planning—helping build a safer, more supportive environment for U.S. symbols of excellence.