ECHL Charlotte Checkers

Checkers Announce Front Office Restructuring

Published on August 22, 2008 under ECHL (ECHL)
Charlotte Checkers News Release


Charlotte-N.C.-Checkers CEO, Michael Kahn announced today the restructuring of the club's front office staff. At the beginning of the month, Jeff Longo the team's former president resigned to assume the position of vice president of marketing for the New Jersey Devils of the National Hockey League.

Tera Black, formerly the team's vice president will assume the position of Chief Operating Officer. Since joining the Checkers in 2006 Black managed the overall marketing, community relations, game operations, merchandise and involvement with non-profit organizations. Under her direction, the team won back to back ECHL Excellence in Marketing Awards in 2006-07 and 2007-08. In addition to her current responsibilities she will oversee the day to day operations of the front office staff. Black assumes the role she previously held with the San Diego Gulls until her departure in 2006. She was the first-ever female COO in ECHL history and only the fourth female in league history to run an ECHL organization.

Aaron Osborne, the team's vice president of corporate partnerships since 2004 has been promoted to senior vice president. Osborne joined the Checkers after a two-year stint with the Macon Knights Arena Football Team in Macon, Ga. While with the Knights, Osborne served as the director of corporate partnerships for the team and SportsTowne, the Knights official practice and training facility. Prior to his days in the af2, Osborne served in several capacities with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Baseball Club. While with the Single-A Seattle Mariners affiliate, Osborne worked in the group sales and corporate sales departments before being named vice president of sales in 2001. In addition to his current responsibilities, Osborne will help manage the day to day operations of the team.

Shawn Lynch has been promoted to vice president of the team. Lynch joined the Checkers in 2004 as a ticket account manager. In December of 2005, he took on the role of director of ticket services and in December, 2006 he was named vice president of ticket sales. In addition to his current responsibilities of overseeing the entire Checkers ticketing operation, Lynch will also help manage the day to day operations of the team.

Derek Wilkinson, the team's head coach and general manager has received a promotion to vice president. In addition to his current team related responsibilities of recruiting and coaching players, Wilkinson will be more heavily engaged in the day to day operations of the team.

Kahn said, "The position of president will not be replaced. Rather, a restructuring of the current staff has occurred such that each of the department heads will assume additional responsibilities to maintain the operational synergy of the office environment. I have been and continue to be extremely confident in the staff that is in place. Simply put, this transition will be smooth and seamless and I look forward to the upcoming season under this new structure."

Please note that opening night takes place on Halloween, Oct. 31st as the team battles the Augusta Lynx at 8 p.m! In the team's 15-year history, the Checkers have made the playoffs 11 times including four consecutive playoff appearances to date. The Checkers are entering their fourth season of play at Time Warner Cable Arena. Season tickets are on sale now with full-season packages starting at just $396. For season ticket information, please call 704-342-4-ICE or visit www.gocheckers.com.

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