May 7, 2003
Sports team owner and investor Paul G. Allen announced today that the Portland Trail Blazers NBA franchise is looking for both a new General Manager and a new President.
Current Blazers President and General Manager Bob Whitsitt will step down from his position, effective June 30, to focus on his efforts as
President of the Seattle Seahawks NFL franchise, which Allen also owns.
The Blazers today launched a national search for both a new general manager and a new president, recruiting for both positions separately instead of a single, combined position.
“We mutually agreed this was the best thing for the team and the community,” said Paul G. Allen, owner of the Blazers. “During Bob’s tenure we made the playoffs every year and averaged 50 wins each season. As we move forward, we are looking for new leadership that will be based in Portland, which we believe is important to the community and will be key to improving our relationship with the fans. We hope our fans will show patience and support as we bring in a new GM and president, and evaluate our future plans for the team. We also expect the Blazers themselves to work hard and demonstrate their commitment to improving on and, just as importantly, off the court.”
"After 25 years in the NBA, I am very grateful for all the experiences I've had including the last nine years with the Blazers," said Bob Whitsitt.
Whitsitt continued, "I've always loved basketball and working with the league, and now I'm really looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that will come with devoting myself to the Seahawks full-time."
“With our search for a new president and a new general manager, who will both be based in Portland, we are seeking motivated, experienced and passionate executives who can take the Blazers to the next level, both in terms of team success and our relationship with the community,” said Bert Kolde, vice chairman of the Blazers. “Our focus is on running a thorough recruitment campaign that will identify the best leaders possible, and we are committed to excellence – understanding that to achieve it will take a thoughtful plan and the time to execute it.”
Whitsitt’s last day with the Blazers will be June 30, at which point it is hoped a new president and general manager will be in place. Led by Kolde, the search team will work closely with TeamWork Consulting of Cleveland, whose other clients have included the Houston Rockets, the NBA league office, Detroit Pistons, Philadelphia 76ers, New Orleans Hornets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Miami Heat and NASCAR, among others.
Click here to learn more about Bob Whitsitt's accomplishments while with the Blazers.
Click here to read Q&A with Paul Allen
Click here to read Q&A with Bob Whitsitt
