WNBA Names Tom Garrity COO of Houston Comets
September 5, 2008 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Houston Comets News Release
HOUSTON, September 5, 2008 - The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that Tom Garrity has been named Chief Operating Officer of the league's Houston Comets franchise, effective September 3. In this role, Garrity will be responsible for overseeing the club's day-to-day business operations and will report to the WNBA league office, which is operating the club while new ownership is sought.
"Tom's extensive knowledge of the Houston market, his proven track record and deep appreciation for the team's ties to the community will be a significant factor in reestablishing the Comets rich traditions," said WNBA President Donna Orender. "
Garrity formed Quan Sports Marketing earlier this month after a highly successful stint with Minnesota Sports and Entertainment where he most recently served as Vice President of Corporate Sales and Service for the National Hockey League's Minnesota Wild and also as President of both the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League and Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League. In the latter role, Garrity earned the NLL's executive of the year honors in 2008.
A native of Prairie du Chien, Wisc., who first joined the Aeros' operation in July, 2003, engineered a turnaround that saw the club increase its attendance in each of five consecutive seasons. In that span, the Aeros surged to rank among the top five in attendance in the AHL behind Garrity's unique and creative marketing campaigns. He had similar success with the Swarm, spearheading a double-digit percentage growth in attendance in 2006-07. Prior to joining MSE, Garrity spent four seasons with the AHL's Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, including two as president, during which time the club set franchise records for sponsorships, season tickets and group sales. Garrity's 15-year career in professional sports also includes stints with the NHL's Minnesota North Stars and Dallas Stars, the National Basketball Association's Minnesota Timberwolves, Major League Soccer's San Jose Clash and at the collegiate level with the University of Minnesota.
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