Gulls Announce Front Office Changes

August 1, 2003 - ECHL (ECHL)
San Diego Gulls News Release


SAN DIEGO - The San Diego Gulls announced today that four current staff members have been promoted to new positions within the organization.

Jeff Longo, formerly the club's vice president, is now the Gulls' president. Longo is beginning his seventh season with the Blue and Orange, the past two serving as the vice president. He began his career with the Gulls in 1997-98 in the ticket sales department. Since then, Longo has worked in the marketing and corporate marketing departments. Before moving out west, Longo served in the NHL's New York Rangers' public relations department. As the president, Longo is in charge of all the daily business operations, game-day operations and team budgeting. In addition, he acts as the team's alternate governor and liaison for all league related team issues.

"It is extremely exciting being at the helm of the San Diego Gulls organization as it takes such a great leap forward to the ECHL," Longo said. "The ECHL promises to deliver an increased level of excitement both on and off the ice. Now fans will have the opportunity to see the Gulls compete in this new 31-team league for a national title."

The Gulls also promoted Brad Belland, Julie Patton and Jim Kersten.

Belland, who was previously the director of ticket sales and fundraising is now the club's vice president. The former Gulls star center is beginning his ninth season with the organization, five of which were spent on the ice as a player. Belland played five seasons with the Gulls (1995 - 2000), helping them to three Taylor Cup Championships. After he hung up his skates, Belland moved to the front office in the ticket sales department. As the vice president, "Bellzie" is in charge of the ticket and fundraising departments as well as overseeing the day-day business operations.

"Brad experienced an incredible amount of success in his stint as director of ticket sales and fundraising," Longo said. "He's created and developed one of the most comprehensive ticketing programs in minor league hockey and his ability to help raise money and recognition for non-profit organizations throughout San Diego has been amazing. I'm excited to see Brad take an increased role with the organization as he continues to take each department to new levels."

Patton moves up as the director of marketing and game operations. Now in her fourth season with the Gulls, she is responsible for all game operations and the management of the game-day staff. She's also responsible for day-to-day marketing projects, assisting with corporate marketing sales and ensuring the fulfillment of benefits to all Gulls corporate partners. Patton began her career with the Gulls in the 2000-01 season. The following year she was named corporate marketing coordinator.

Kersten's new position is senior director of sales and corporate marketing. He's responsible for securing marketing partnerships with local and national merchants and companies. Kersten, now in his fourth season with San Diego, has been named Marketing Director of the Year twice since coming aboard in the summer of 2000.

"Our staff is comprised of an amazing set of individuals who share a common vision about the new heights the organization can take and how to get there," Longo said. "I am confident that with this group of talented individuals, we will surpass any past level of success we may have achieved."



ECHL Stories from August 1, 2003


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