EP98: Uniting Through Sport

On this episode of the WPOG podcast, LTG (R) Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28 and West Point class of 1983, unpacks the leadership, planning, and execution strategies powering the largest Olympic and Paralympic Games in history.As the CEO of LA28, the Organizing Committee for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, Hoover oversees the planning, delivery, and execution of the Games since June of 2024. Hoover has held various senior civilian roles in the U.S. federal government and leadership positions in the U.S. military, including as a three-star Lieutenant General. He has led the United States through some of its most complex logistics operations and was awarded the highest non-combat award in the Defense Department. Hoover graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1983 and holds master’s degrees in Public and Private Management from Birmingham Southern College and in Strategic Studies from the U.S. Army War College. He also received his law degree from The Catholic University of America’s Columbus School of Law.Whether you're interested in leadership, logistics, or legacy-building, this episode offers unmatched perspective into how the Olympics are evolving—and why LA28 is setting a new global benchmark.--Key Quote:“   It is the reason I came outta retirement. And got off the couch because, on the 2nd of July, 1979, I took an oath on the plain at West Point, like many West Pointers before and after me have done. To a life of public service, and I couldn't think of a better way to capstone a career of over 35 years in uniform and another four as a cadet, so close to 40 years, to come back and unite the world around sport and unite the nation around sport and unite all of Angelenos and Southern California around sport movement.”-LTG (R) Reynold Hoover, CEO of LA28– Episode Timestamps:(00:18) Reynold's Military Career Highlights(02:33) Transition to LA 28 Olympics(06:22) Challenges and Scope of LA 28(09:49) Applying Military Principles in Olympic Planning(22:28)  Balancing Tradition and Innovation(28:00) Why LA28 is “America’s Games”:–Links:Connect with HooverLearn more about LA28 We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!