USOC have announced their chiefs of security and information ©USOC

Nicole Deal has been confirmed as the next chief security officer of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), while David Zodikoff will take up the post of chief information officer.

The pair will report to USOC's chief of business operations Kevin Penn, following their appointment to the respective positions.

Deal is set to replace Larry Buendorf as chief security officer when he retires in April 2018 after the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics.

It will come as Buendorf marks his 25th anniversary of working for USOC.

Deal will bring experience of nearly 18 years serving with the US Department of State to the role, with her previous assignments including serving as regional security officer in Algeria, Kosovo and Venezuela.

She was also the assistant special agent in charge for then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton’s security detail, as well as working as a security coordinator at the Toronto 2015 Pan American Games and in venue roles at the Athens 2004 and Salt Lake City 2002 Olympic Games.

"With the critical importance of the safety and security of our athletes and delegation at the Games, we are fortunate to have an overlap of both Deal and Buendorf for the next seven months to ensure a smooth transition," said Penn.

Deal will oversee all security needs for the USOC, including at its headquarters building in Colorado Springs and training centres.

She will also be responsible for the security of the American delegations at USOC supported functions and Games.

Nicole Deal will oversee all security needs for the USOC, including at its headquarters building in Colorado Springs and training centres ©Getty Images
Nicole Deal will oversee all security needs for the USOC, including at its headquarters building in Colorado Springs and training centres ©Getty Images

"It's truly a dream job," said Deal, who took up her post on July 24 after relocating from Venezuela to Colorado Springs.

"I am excited to help keep Team USA and the USOC safe - allowing athletes and staff to stay focused on the competitions at hand."

Zodikoff will work to enhance technology solutions as the chief information officer, according to USOC.

This will include deploying innovative technology advancements to assist athletes competing at the highest level, while USOC hope he will be able to advance strategic initiatives around athlete data intelligence, sport technology and analytics.

Zodikoff, who began his role on May 8, previously held the same title with three other organisations – Association Member Benefits Advisors, The Pantry and Ambrose Employer Group.