U.S. Olympic Committee adds board member amid struggle with Boston 2024 bid

This is a crucial time for the U.S. Olympic Committee, with leadership keeping a careful eye on Boston’s struggling bid for the 2024 Summer Games.

In the midst of this process, the USOC announced Tuesday that it has added a new member to its board of directors.

Robert L. Wood is a former Dow Chemical Co. executive who more recently has served on the boards for USA Gymnastics and the National Gymnastics Foundation.

“Bob has a long and successful career in business and brings to our board a unique background and set of capabilities that will make our organization better,” USOC board member Dave Ogrean said in statement.

In Boston this week, a city council member threatened to subpoena documents from the original proposal the 2024 bid committee submitted to the USOC.

Boston edged out Los Angeles in a competition to be the sole U.S. bidder. Since then, its campaign has suffered from low public support.

Potential host cities must apply to the International Olympic Committee by mid-September. While the USOC has continued to support Boston, it wants to see stronger poll numbers.

The committee ultimately could choose not to try for 2024 or make a last-minute switch, which could result in a bid submission from Los Angeles.