In 1977, Pittenger became the United States Olympic Committee's director of public relations and special projects. One of his first tasks was assisting the organization's move to the new
United States Olympic Training Center in
Colorado Springs, Colorado. In 1978, he organized the first National Sport Festival, which later became the
U.S. Olympic Festival. He was promoted to assistant executive director in 1981 and served as acting executive director following
George D. Miller's departure in 1987. Miller's successor,
Harvey Schiller, resigned after less than three weeks on the job and the USOC chose to give the job to Pittenger. His contract was not renewed and he was replaced by Schiller in 1990. In 1992, he was awarded the
Olympic Order for his contributions to the Olympic movement. ==Later career==