COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. - On February 15, the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) implemented the first in a series of restructuring measures that will allow the organization to become more efficient and effective in the fulfillment of its mission.    Effective today, 40 staff positions have been eliminated at various levels and in various divisions throughout the USOC.  Twelve of those positions were vacant; 28 were filled.  In each case, individuals departing the organization due to the elimination of their position are receiving severance pay, COBRA assistance and outplacement services.    Consistent with company policy, the USOC will not comment on the positions that have been eliminated or the individuals impacted by the reduction-in-force.    "Change of this manner is never easy, but in order for the USOC to respond to the challenges and opportunities we face in the immediate future, these changes are necessary," said USOC Chief Executive Jim Scherr.  "We must make certain America's athletes have the support and resources they need to continue succeeding on the fields of play."    "Last year, the USOC completed a reform process that brought about sweeping change at the governance level.  Today, those of us who have the honor of serving this great organization as members of the professional staff must embrace that same spirit of change.  We must strive for increased efficiency by stewarding our resources as never before.  We must be innovative and bold in the approach we take to our business.  And, in many cases, we must learn to do more with less," added Scherr.    Scherr indicated the USOC would continue to evaluate its business practices to make certain the organization is operating as efficiently as possible.  This could lead to the reassignment of some members of the existing staff to different positions or divisions within the organization, as well as the elimination of additional positions.    "The USOC has a responsibility to mirror the same level of excellence we see in America's Olympic and Paralympic athletes," said USOC Chairman Peter Ueberroth.  "Jim Scherr and the management team are taking a close look at every aspect of our business to make certain the organization's resources are being used wisely and responsibly.  We have made good progress in this regard, but there is still important work to be done."