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MLS Columbus Crew SC

CREW MAKES KEY STAFF ADDITION WITH HIRING OF PAUL HOWARD AS SENIOR DIRECTOR OF TICKET SALES

March 21, 2002 - Major League Soccer (MLS)
Columbus Crew SC News Release


The former Ohio State Soccer Buckeye returns to The Crew staff after a three-year hiatus, during which he worked for the Columbus Blue Jackets and the NFL Chicago Bears

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Columbus Crew General Manager Jim Smith today announced the hiring of Paul Howard as the club's new Senior Director of Ticket Sales. Howard begins his second tour of duty with The Crew today.

Howard was one of the first Crew staffers, joining the organization in 1995 as an account executive and departing in 1999 as Senior Manager for Business Development. From there, he became a Sales Manager with Sports Facilities Marketing Group, from 1999-2000, where he managed sales operations for Columbus Blue Jackets Personal Seat Licenses, luxury suites and season tickets.

In 2000, Howard joined the NHL Blue Jackets staff as a Senior Account Executive and became the organization's top-selling sales executive, producing more than $10 million in revenue. A stint with the NFL Chicago Bears followed, in which he specialized in two sales campaigns involving the Bears' final season at Soldier Field and promoting the opening of the new Soldier Field in 2003.

"I'm thrilled to be coming back to the Crew," Howard said. "After working in the NHL and with one of the most recognized sports teams in professional sports, the Bears, I can say the Columbus Crew rank right up there with the best!

"To come back to work for the Columbus Crew is an absolute honor. There's no difference between what The Crew does and what the Bears do. Both organizations are committed to winning championships and providing the best customer service for their fans, and both are very "family-oriented" organizations. A common experience I noticed was the passion their respective fans carry for Crew and the Bears."

Howard was a four-year letter-winner in soccer at The Ohio State University, from which he graduated in 1992. As a Buckeye, he served as a captain during his senior season and played against Crew head coach Greg Andrulis' Wright State Raiders. Howard dabbled in coaching himself, assisting former Crew marketing VP Andrew Arthurs at Westerville North High School, where their Warriors went to the OHSAA State Tournament in both 1997 and 1999.

"We are very fortunate to be able to bring someone of Paul's experience and quality back to the organization," Smith said. "By all accounts, he did a fantastic job here and then went on to continued success with the Blue Jackets and Bears. We couldn't be happier that he has come full circle and we look forward to his contributions."

Howard notes that he is likely one of a very small number of people to have worked for the two families whose names appear on the NFC and AFC championship trophies. The NFC trophy is named for George Halas, whose family still owns the Bears and the AFC trophy bears the name of Crew Founder and Kansas City Chiefs owner Lamar Hunt.

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