Executive Vice President Steeg leaves Chargers

Source: Chargers.com

San Diego Chargers Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer Jim Steeg announced today he is leaving the organization effective March 31 to pursue “further challenges.”

“I have decided that there are further challenges that I would like the opportunity to pursue during my professional career,” Steeg said. “Given my goals and aspirations, I did not think it was fair to Dean (Spanos) and the organization to begin the process of pursuing other career options while in my current position.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my five-plus seasons with the Chargers and am very proud of the accomplishments of the organization during this time. I will always be appreciative of Dean and the Spanos family for the opportunity I was given in 2004 and will continue to be available to help in any way I can.”

During Steeg’s tenure with the team, season-seat sales increased from 35,000 to 56,000 and the Chargers sold out 48 straight regular-season and postseason games. He played a key role in relocating the team’s training camp to Chargers Park, creating new radio and television partnerships, and the expansion of the team’s sponsorship and stadium revenues. His experience also was vital to the team’s American Bowl trip to London in 2008 as well as the organization’s successful 50th Anniversary promotion in ’09, including the selection of the 50 Greatest Chargers. Also in 2007, the Chargers were named the NFL’s most fan-friendly franchise for stadium parking and ambiance by FansVoice.com.

“I’m disappointed to see him go,” said Chargers President Dean Spanos. “Jim provided solid leadership and many bright, new ideas for our front office. I’m extremely grateful for his dedication and loyalty to the Chargers and our family.”

Spanos said that Steeg’s duties would be divided among the team’s front office leadership with the goal of “continuing the fine work that Jim did to improve the fan experience at our games.”

Prior to joining the Chargers, Steeg spent 26 years in charge of special events for the National Football League. He grew the Super Bowl from a championship football game to a week-long extravaganza featuring signature events, including The NFL Experience. He was the driving force behind Super Bowl charitable events that raised more than $50 million for host communities and impacted thousands of children. Steeg also launched and championed the Super Bowl Minority and Women-Owned Emerging Business Program in the early 1990s, mandating that whenever possible, the league and its various vendors and corporate clients work with local minority and women-owned businesses.

Beyond his Super Bowl duties, Steeg organized the NFL Draft, American Bowl Games in Berlin and Barcelona, and NFL television events. He also planned and executed the closing of Times Square and the Mall in Washington D.C., for NFL Kickoff Celebrations in 2002 and ’03. He chaired the NFL’s league-wide 75th Anniversary celebration in 1994 and Pro Football’s Greatest Reunion in 2000. He also initiated the return of Throwback Uniforms in 1994 and was among the inaugural class inducted into the Special Events Hall of Fame in 2002.