About Us
History
Olympic University was founded in 2006 under the primary idea of developing an institution of higher learning focused on providing all members of the Olympic Family with education critical to enabling the Olympic Movement to reach its fullest potential. This is designed as an institution open to the general public (corporations, non-profits, teachers, government), providing a platform for dialogue and leadership skills-building.
Olympic University Team Bios
Alicia Mandel
Director, Olympic University
Alicia Mandel joined the United States Olympic Committee as Director, Olympic University on August 21, 2006. In this role, she is responsible for assessing, developing and implementing a comprehensive leadership curriculum for the USOC and the National Governing Bodies along with overseeing an innovative career development and succession planning program. In addition, Mandel coordinates the development, the vision and the strategic plan for the USOC's Olympic University, which aims to provide learning to multiple constituencies - employees, leaders, coaches, athletes, corporations and non-profits. She is also responsible for overseeing a technical skills training program for the 400-plus USOC employees.
Prior to joining the USOC, Mandel was the Director of Leadership Development for a fast growing start-up company in Nashville, Tenn, where she watched the company grow from 900 employees to 5,000 in less than three years. Before moving to Tennessee, she was the Global Director of Executive Development at CibaVision - a subsidiary of Novartis Pharmaceuticals in Atlanta, GA.
Mandel spent 10 years in the Human Resources division of American Express in New York City. From 1993-2003, Mandel had various learning and development and leadership positions, and was most recently the Director of Employee Engagement for the company. She was responsible for developing strategies to drive business performance through such areas as change management, employee retention, orientation and on-boarding and integration of work/life initiatives. Mandel was the Senior Business Consultant, Learning and Development from 1995-2002 where she consulted American Express employees and leaders in such areas as organizational development, performance support, employee engagement and leadership development.
Mandel started her career at CitiGroup in New York City, and spent seven years in the Training and Development group of the Private Banking Division. There she built training programs focused on leadership, sales and credit.
Mandel has also played a leadership role for the past 10 years in a non-profit community called "The Leadership Forum at Silver Bay", which is responsible for running the oldest management conference in the country. Founded 89 years ago, this conference was designed during the industrial revolution by leaders such as the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers in order to keep up with the changing demands and needs of the workforce. Since then, the conference has been refocused on Purpose-Driven Leadership, and attracts leaders from not only the private sector, but the government, academia and non-profit sector as well.
Mandel graduated from the State University of New York (Oswego) in 1986 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication studies.
Carlee Wolfe
Coordinator
Carlee Wolfe joined the United States Olympic Committee as coordinator, Olympic
University in October 2007. Wolfe plays a key role in coordinating the
internal and external Olympic University programs. She is the main point
of contact for athlete and team member development for the National Governing
Bodies. Wolfe also assists with employee engagement, program development,
and facilitation.
Prior to joining the USOC, Wolfe was the coordinator of coaching education
programs and database services at USA Volleyball. Wolfe’s main role
was to enhance the coaching education programs by creating e-learning opportunities
and coordinating programs throughout the country. She also served as a
customer service and development liaison for the membership system to several
regional offices. Wolfe continues her involvement in the sport of
volleyball by coaching at the high school and club level.
Wolfe graduated in December of 2006 from Arizona State University in Tempe,
Arizona earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies, with
concentrations in Political Science and Mass Communications. She also received
a Certificate in International Studies. In 2007, Wolfe earned a Certificate
in Management from Harper College in Palatine, Illinois.
Olympic University Advisory Board Members
- Stew Friedman, Wharton School of Business
- Mike Morrison, University of Toyota
- David Oldfield, Midway Center for Creative Imagination
- Kevin Salwen, Motto Media
- Barry Saunders, PLAY
- Andy Stefanovich, PLAY
Locations
- Colorado Springs, CO (Headquarters)
- Lake Placid, NY
- Chula Vista, CA
- Other Olympic Training Sites across the US
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