The United States Olympic Committee (USOC) announced on Thursday that it has named Janine Alfano as Managing Director of Development to prepare for the Beijing Olympic Games.

In her new role, Alfano will be responsible for directing USOC private donor fundraising activities, which include major gifts, Games-related hospitality initiatives, capital needs, planned giving and donor events, the announcement said. Alfano begins her duties in Colorado Springs March 10.

"This is an exciting time to join the US Olympic Committee with the Beijing Games just five months away," said Alfano. "I'm looking forward to introducing fans and donors to our programs, and finding ways for them to provide additional resources for the development and advancement of America's athletes."

Alfano comes to the USOC from inside the Olympic Family, bringing 12 years of fundraising experience at the US Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) to her new post in Colorado Springs.

"Janine is an excellent addition to our leadership team," said USOC Chief Executive Officer Jim Scherr. "With her expertise and record of success, we are confident she will continue to serve the Olympic Movement admirably, generating opportunities for Americans to support the US Olympic and Paralympic teams."

Alfano joined USSA in February 1996 as Director of Development and was named the Vice President of Fundraising in April 2007. Her fundraising efforts for the USSA Foundation resulted in more than US$6 million in annual giving. She played an instrumental role in the 60-million-dollar endowment of the "Legacy Campaign" that includes the Center of Excellence construction, a world-class training facility that serves as an educational resource for USSA's athletes, coaches, officials, clubs, parents, volunteers and stakeholders which broke ground in July 2007.

(Xinhua News Agency March 7, 2008)