Rush Hire Roger Wexelberg as New President/General Manager following Nudo's Resignation
Published on December 13, 2011 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO (December 13, 2011) - The Chicago Rush announced Tuesday that after 25 years of service in the Arena Football League, Gene Nudo has resigned from his current role as the team's President/General Manager to pursue new business opportunities. The team also announced the hiring of veteran sports executive Roger Wexelberg as the new President/General Manager.
Wexelberg has been involved with several minor league baseball organizations during the past 27 years. Most recently he headed the two-time Northern League Champion Gary SouthShore RailCats.
In 2001, as general manager he became the first employee of the team where he established and built the organization into one of the most respected and successful minor league baseball organizations in the country. During his nine years of involvement with the club as an owner, president or general manager he oversaw continued growth both on and off the field. Each year he was in charge, the team set total or average attendance records while winning two league championships in 2005 and 2007. For his work he was named the Northern League Executive of the Year in 2005 while the RailCats were named the Northern League Organization of the Year in 2006.
Wexelberg started his sports career in 1984 with a seven season stint with the Texas Rangers Triple A club in Oklahoma City. He started as an intern and worked his way up to assistant general manager before leaving to become the general manager of the Ft. Myers Miracle, the Minnesota Twins Class A team in the Florida State League. During his four seasons (1990-93) as the Miracle general manager he also oversaw the Twins Spring Training operations in 1992-93. He then severed as the Chicago Cubs Double A general manager in Orlando from 1994-1997. For the past year he has headed up business development for the Times Media Company located in Munster, Indiana which, among other products, publishes the leading newspaper in Northwest Indiana.
A Chicagoland native, Wexelberg grew up in south suburban Harvey and graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1983.
He is excited about the opportunity to lead the Rush and continue the great tradition of the franchise. "After spending many years running baseball teams I am looking forward to using my sports knowledge to create an awesome experience for the Rush fans while continuing to put a great product on the field," said Wexelberg. " The operation of a baseball franchise is very similar to what the Rush are about, which is creating a fun and winning environment at an affordable price. The Rush have been a model Arena Football League franchise for many years and I hope to continue and build on that tradition."
He will officially start with the Rush on Monday, December 19th.
Nudo has had an extensive career in the Arena Football League and has been an active contributor to the league since its inception 25 years ago. Previously, he served as the league's Vice President of Football Operations before working for the Arizona Rattlers and Dallas Vigilantes in multiple executive roles. He was inducted into the AFL Hall of Fame in 2011.
"It has been an exciting 25 years with the league," said Gene Nudo. "I know this team will continue to grow in success with each season. It has been an honor serving the fans of Chicago, but it is time for me to move on to new and exciting opportunities."
Nudo will continue to be active in the AFL as he was named to the league's "Silver Anniversary Committee," as a member of the committee he will work to honor and recognize the league's 25 year history.
"We are beyond grateful for all of the work that Gene has done for us," said Rush Head Coach Bob McMillen. "We wish him the best in all of his future endeavors."
Arena Football League Stories from December 13, 2011
- Castille & Pitcock Added to Strengthen Predators Defense - Orlando Predators
- Former Ivy Leaguer Sewall Added to Roster - Jacksonville Sharks
- Rush Hire Roger Wexelberg as New President/General Manager following Nudo's Resignation - Chicago Rush
- San Antonio Talons Launch Single Game Ticket Sales for Holidays - San Antonio Talons
- Orlando Predators Participate in Holiday Walk for Bleeding Disorders - Orlando Predators
- Sharks Reveal Championship Ring Design - Jacksonville Sharks
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