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:
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.