Boston 2024 Brings on Former State Transit Head as CEO
Former Massachusetts transportation head Richard Davey has been hired to lead Boston 2024, the group bidding to bring the Olympics. Boston 2024 made the announcement on Friday.
Davey will take the place of Dan O’Connell, who has served as the president for the organization since it was formed in 2014.
O’Connell had led the effort that ultimately saw Boston selected by the United States Olympic Committee earlier this month to represent the country’s bid to host the games. The former state housing and economic development secretary, who like Davey served under former governor Deval Patrick, will continue to serve as part of Boston 2024’s Executive Committee. No details were offered as to what O’Connell’s role will be moving forward.
Boston’s bid will compete with cities from across the world, including Rome. The field is expected to also include Paris, Istanbul, one of Berlin or Hamburg, and perhaps cities in South Africa and Qatar. The bidding process will last until 2017, when the International Olympic Committee chooses a 2024 host city.
Davey left his position as the state’s secretary of transportation last fall. Boston 2024’s plans involve a number of transportation and infrastructure projects in the region.
“Rich Davey is the perfect fit to continue the work that Dan helped launch,’’ Boston 2024 Chairman John Fish said in a statement. “His reputation for smart, innovative leadership and management of large and complex transportation systems and projects will be indispensable as we enter this next stage of our efforts.’’
The move may not be a big shock to some. No Boston Olympics, the group organizing against the games, predicted Davey would join Boston 2024 in October.
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In other Boston 2024 personnel news, Fish announced he would step down from his post as chair of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce earlier this week.
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