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10/05/2010 3:43 PM ET
Texas Rangers appoint Rick George Chief Operating Officer
Longtime sports executive joins organization after 7 years with PGA TOUR and Champions Tour
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ARLINGTON, Texas - Rick George, who has spent nearly 25 years as a sports executive on the professional and collegiate level, has been appointed Chief Operating Officer of the Texas Rangers, it was announced today.
George, who joins the Rangers after a 7 year stint with the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, will be responsible for and oversee all revenue generating and branding efforts for the Rangers, working closely with Managing Partner and CEO Chuck Greenberg and members of the club's business operations team. He is expected to begin his new position later this month.
"We are very fortunate to have attracted such a dynamic and accomplished sports executive to our organization in Rick George," commented Greenberg, who made the announcement. "Rick has played a key role in working with Tournaments and their sponsors on the PGA TOUR and Champions Tour, and he will have a significant impact on the growth of the Texas Rangers brand and revenue streams. Throughout our comprehensive nationwide search, top executives from around the sports industry actively sought to be considered for the position. Rick is the guy we wanted and we are thrilled to have him."
"Rick has exceptional people skills," commented Rangers President Nolan Ryan. "While his track record and achievements certainly are impressive, his ability to build relationships with everyone around him truly sets him apart. He and his family will be a welcome addition to the Rangers Family and the Metroplex."
"Rick has been a valuable member of our executive team over the past seven years and we thank him for the outstanding job he has done in overseeing both the Champions Tour and PGA TOUR," said PGA TOUR Commissioner Tim Finchem. "Under Rick's leadership, the Champions Tour enjoyed tremendous success instituting new initiatives that greatly enhanced the experience for our fans, sponsors, tournaments and sponsors alike, and he brought that passion and creativity to the PGA TOUR. We wish to thank Rick for his many contributions and wish him the very best in this new endeavor."
George has served as Executive Vice President and Chief of Operations for the PGA TOUR since June 2008. He is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the PGA TOUR, including, Player Relations, Competitions, the Rules Committee, and Tournament Business Affairs. In that role, he works closely with the tournaments and TOUR staff assisting in obtaining and renewing title sponsorships and working with the Tournament Business Affairs team to help tournaments with revenue generating opportunities.
He joined the PGA Tour, Inc. as the first President of the Champions Tour in January 2003 and was instrumental in helping grow revenues and increase sponsorships for its events. George added the responsibilities of Executive Vice President, Championship Management in December 2006 while continuing as President of the Champions Tour. In his role, he was also responsible for the day-to-day operations of Championship Management and oversaw all PGA Tour events.
Prior to joining PGA TOUR, Inc., George was the President/CEO of the Fore!Kids Foundation, a 501c3 organization whose mission is to raise money for children's charities through the production of golf related events, from August 1998-January 2003. He was a key part of rebranding the Foundation, increasing charitable giving for the Foundation and created numerous new initiatives in his role. His experience on the collegiate level includes positions as Associate Athletic Director for External Operations at Vanderbilt University from 1991-98; Assistant Athletic Director, Football Operations at the University of Colorado from 1987-91; and Football Recruiting Coordinator at the University of Illinois from 1983-87.
A four year starter in football and a 1982 graduate at the University of Illinois, George and his wife Nancy have two daughters, Jenni and Christi. The family plans to relocate from their current residence in Ponte Vedra Beach, FL to the DFW Metroplex this fall.
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