The director of licensing for the Salt Lake Organizing Committee, one of two employees placed on administrative leave because of their roles in the Olympic bid scandal, has resigned.
Rod Hamson submitted his resignation Friday, SLOC spokesman Frank Zang said. Hamson joined the bid effort in 1989 as a volunteer and was soon hired as finance director.Questions have been raised about money spent by Salt Lake bidders to influence the votes of members of the International Olympic Committee. The IOC overwhelmingly chose Salt Lake City to host the 2002 Winter Games in 1995.
In January, new revelations surfaced about cash payments made to IOC members in addition to the lavish gifts, travel and scholarships provided to them and their families.
At that time, the two top leaders of the organizing committee resigned, SLOC Chief Executive Officer Frank Joklik and Senior Vice President of Games Dave Johnson. Former SLOC President Tom Welch also lost his consulting contract.
Hamson and Kelly Flint, senior vice president of marketing and legal affairs, were placed on administrative leave. In mid-February, Flint was returned to his post but Hamson was left on leave pending further evaluation.
He gave no reason for his decision to resign, Zang said.
SLOC has also hired a new vice president of marketing and licensing, Mark Lewis, who had worked for Meridian Management in Atlanta. Merdian Management handles marketing and sponsorship programs for the IOC.