Philadelphia, PA (Sports Network) - The Philadelphia Eagles have promoted Don
Smolenski to president after Joe Banner decided to step aside.
Banner had handled the Eagles' day-to-day operations since joining the
franchise in 1995 and was named the team president in 2001. He will take on a
role as strategic advisor to owner Jeffrey Lurie while pursuing other options
in sports.
"There is no better executive in sports than Joe Banner," said Lurie in a
statement Thursday. "We are making this announcement today because he is
looking for a greater challenge, and in Don Smolenski I have a highly
regarded, very worthy successor as president of this team."
Smolenski has been with the Eagles since 1998, first as chief financial
officer, and in 2010 was named the club's chief operating officer.
"Joe has been a great friend, teacher and mentor," said Smolenski. "His
support and confidence have been instrumental to my growth and development in
the organization. As the Eagles new president, I'm excited to build on the
work we've done together over the years. I'm honored to accept the leadership
of more than 200 terrific Eagles employees, who share our passion for building
the strongest organization we can for Eagles fans in Philadelphia and around
the country."
Before joining the Eagles, Smolenski served as chief financial officer for the
International Hockey League.
The Sports Network