Rush Name Ryan Simmons Executive Vice President
July 21, 2011 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Chicago Rush News Release
CHICAGO (July 21, 2011) - The Chicago Rush today announced that Ryan Simmons has been promoted to Executive Vice President. In his new role, Simmons is responsible for managing the Rush business staff and marketing activities for the organization.
"We are very excited to promote Ryan to this new role," said Gene Nudo, Rush President and General Manager. "Ryan's dedication and attention to detail has helped us not only increase ticket sales but improve our organization. We look forward to Ryan helping us continue to build upon the history of this organization."
"I'm grateful and excited for the opportunity to lead our business staff with the organization that brought me in to the sports business," said Simmons. "The Rush has a tremendous history from both a football and sports business aspect. I'm thrilled at what the future holds for the Chicago Rush fans as we continue to build this thing."
Simmons first joined the Rush in 2007. His work there as an account executive contributed to the team's six sellouts and 99% season attendance capacity for the franchise which was awarded the AFL's Commissioner's Award in 2008 as the league's organization of the year.
After the league folded, Simmons continued his growth in the sports industry as a vice president for the af2's Quad City Steamwheelers and the IHL's Quad City Mallards. Under his direction in 2009, the Mallards hosted the largest attendance for a hockey game at the i wireless Center since 2003. The Mallards were awarded the IHL Member Club of the Year in 2010. Simmons re-joined the Rush last August as the vice president of ticketing. This season the Rush home opener drew its largest attendance for a game since 2008.
Prior to his professional career in sports with the Rush, Simmons worked as a broadcaster in the Quad City area. Simmons launched and served as station director of UTTV-Cable 9 out of East Moline. He also worked for the NBC affiliate KWQC-TV6 as a news photojournalist.
Simmons holds a Bachelor's of Communication from Western Illinois University.
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