COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) -- Mark Muedeking, a lawyer with more than 20 years of experience in government and private practice, is the new general counsel for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

 USOC Chief Executive Officer Norm Blake announced the appointment Tuesday, filling the final position on the USOC's newly structured leadership team.

 Muedeking replaces Scott Blackmun, who was named senior managing director of sport resources in April.

 Muedeking began his career in 1980 as a trial lawyer in the tax division of the U.S. Department of Justice. He was named the department's outstanding lawyer in 1983.

 From 1984 on, Muedeking was in private practice, working for such law firms as Hogan and Hartson in Washington, D.C., and Piper Marbury Rudnick and Wolfe LLP. He has extensive experience in tax, corporate, securities and employment law.