A successful businessman and philanthropist, William E. Simon also was dedicated to the U.S. Olympic Committee for much of his career, including a tenure as USOC president and chairman of the U.S. Olympic Foundation.

Following his career in the private sector, Simon served as Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Nixon and Ford.

He was USOC treasurer from 1977 to 1980; it was his speech that helped convince USOC delegates to vote for a boycott of the Moscow 1980 Olympic Games. Simon subsequently served as USOC president from 1981 to 1984, presiding over the Los Angeles 1984 Olympic Games and guiding a turnaround of the USOC’s financial fortunes.

Simon passed away in 2000. He was 72.