Hounds Realign Staff with Key Strategic Initiatives
Published on December 2, 2015 under Major League Lacrosse (MLL)
Charlotte Hounds News Release
CHARLOTTE, NC - The Charlotte Hounds of Major League Lacrosse today announced a realignment of its executive team to focus on key growth opportunities. "Fan engagement is the key to running a successful sports team, and that has lagged the last two seasons following our exciting run to the championship game in 2013," said Hounds Managing Partner Jim McPhilliamy. "It is time for a comprehensive transformation of our approach both on and off the field in order to reenergize our fan base. We are realigning front office responsibilities with our desire to enhance our gameday experience and attract more fans and corporate partners in 2016."
As part of the restructuring, sports industry veteran Wade Leaphart will shift all of his attention to Business Development and relinquish his General Manager duties. "I'm proud of what we've been able to build with the Hounds since we opened our offices five years ago, and I'm committed to making a Hounds game the best dollar-for-dollar sports event to attend in all of Charlotte," said Leaphart. "Our success as an organization is based first and foremost on fan and sponsor support, and we need to turn up the burner in those areas."
General Manager duties will now be divided between Mike Cerino and Kristy Boyles, both of whom have been with the team since its inception. Cerino, the current Head Coach of the Hounds, is stepping away from full-time coaching responsibilities to focus on player personnel and roster development. "I look forward to my new role and continuing my relationship with the Charlotte Hounds players and coaches," said Cerino. "Our goal is to continue to build a roster that returns the Hounds to a playoff-level team. This move will be beneficial for the entire Hounds organization."
The search for a new head coach will begin immediately.
Boyles, who currently runs the Hounds' community engagement initiatives, will support Cerino in his player personnel role while assuming the day-to-day operations of the team.
"This is a major step forward for the team, as well as Kristy, Wade and Mike," said McPhilliamy. "Kristy and Mike are both individuals with high lacrosse IQs who can help us achieve on-field success, while having Wade focused solely on driving fan engagement can propel our business forward."
More exciting improvements and changes will be announced by the Hounds in the coming weeks.
The 2016 Hounds season opens at home on Saturday, April 23 against the Boston Cannons. Faceoff is scheduled for 7:30pm at American Legion Memorial Stadium. The team is currently accepting ticket deposits for 2016 while revamping the fan experience. Full details, along with pricing and seating maps, will be released in the next few weeks. For more information please visit charlottehounds.com/tickets or call 704-206-1515.
Major League Lacrosse Stories from December 2, 2015
- Hounds Realign Staff with Key Strategic Initiatives - Charlotte Hounds
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