PENGUINS EXECUTIVES

Last Updated on Monday, 07 September 2009 15:55 Written by Penguins Manager Thursday, 27 August 2009 15:10

JEFF BARRETT - Chief Executive Officer

Jeff has more than 20 years of experience in the areas of team and facility management, and has been overseeing the operation of the WBS Penguins since the team’s inception in May of 1998, first serving as president of the American Hockey League franchise before being promoted to his current position of CEO in March of 2004.

Under his leadership, Jeff has built the WBS Penguins from the ground up, and into one of the model franchises in the AHL. The team has finished in the top five in league attendance in nine of its first 10 seasons, and has one of the largest season ticket bases in minor pro hockey. For his efforts, Jeff was named the 2003 recipient of the James C. Hendy Award, given annually to the league’s Executive of the Year.

Prior to moving to Wilkes-Barre , Jeff served as vice-president of ticket sales for the Pittsburgh Penguins (1996-98); oversaw operations at the team’s practice facility, the ICEOPLEX at Southpointe, as vice-president and general manager (1995-96); and served as general manager of the Pittsburgh Stingers of the Continental Indoor Soccer League and the Pittsburgh Phantoms of Roller Hockey International.

Before joining the Penguins organization, Jeff worked for Olympia Arena Corporation, serving as director of operations for Tiger Stadium, then home to the Detroit Tigers of Major League Baseball. He began his sports managerial career as assistant director and event coordinator at the Glens Falls Civic Center in upstate New York , working closely with the arena’s main tenant, the AHL’s Adirondack Red Wings.

Jeff received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Providence College in 1984, an a Master’s Degree in sports management from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst in 1987.

RICH HIXON - President

Rich has been a member of the WBS Penguins staff since its inaugural 1999-2000 campaign, and has served as the team’s president for the past five seasons. In this capacity he directs all day-to-day operations of the team, including ticketing, marketing, advertising, sales and communications initiatives. He also serves as the team’s alternate governor, is a member of the AHL’s marketing and sales committee, and served as chairman of the All-Star Game Selection Committee in 2007.

Before assuming his current position in 2004, Rich served as the team’s vice president and chief operating officer, where he was involved with all promotional and marketing plans for the team, and oversaw all revenue-generating aspects of the club. For his efforts he was named the 2000 co-recipient of the AHL’s Ken McKenzie Award, which is given to the individuals who accomplish the most during the season in promoting his team.

Rich began his sports management career with the Pittsburgh Penguins organization, where he held a number of positions over a six-year period. He started with the club in 1994 as director of ticket sales with the Pittsburgh Stingers (Continental Indoor Soccer League) and the Pittsburgh Phantoms (Roller Hockey International), before being promoted to director of premium seating for the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was later named director of corporate

Rich graduated from Slippery Rock University in May 1993 with a degree in sports management.

GREG PETORAK - Chief Financial Officer

Greg has been with the WBS Penguins since the inaugural 1999 season, joining the team as controller before being promoted to his current position of vice president and chief financial officer in 2004. In his current capacity, Greg overseas all financial aspects of the team’s multi-million dollar budget.

Prior to joining the Penguins, Greg served as assistant controller of Motorworld Auto Group of Wilkes-Barre , the largest supplier of new and used automobiles inNortheastern Pennsylvania.

Greg graduated from Wilkes University with a degree in business administration.