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Pelican’s GM To Step Down, Senior Managers Promoted
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MBBC General Manager Matt O’Brien is stepping down after four successful seasons with the club. |
Myrtle Beach Pelicans Vice President and General Manager Matt O’Brien will resign effective June 19th following completion of the team’s sale. The announcement was made on Friday, May 26, 2006, by Capitol Broadcasting Company.
Capitol is selling the renowned Carolina League franchise to a group led by Chuck Greenberg, Managing Partner and President of the Altoona Curve and State College Spikes, both in Pennsylvania. The transaction, which has been approved by Minor League Baseball and the Carolina League, should be finalized in the next ten days.
“We announced the sale five months ago and it was important to me, Capitol and Chuck to see that through to its conclusion,” said O’Brien.
“With that accomplished, I will turn the keys over to Chuck. I’m proud of our accomplishments, from marketing to the new mascot. The 2006 season is off to a strong start. I’m content to go out on high note.”
O’Brien plans to remain in Myrtle Beach as he evaluates career options. “I have developed a real affection for this community. I have some opportunities, but it’s not appropriate to discuss them at this point.”
O’Brien was named VP/GM in 2002 after a successful tenure with the Long Island Ducks in New York. He was honored by the Carolina League as its Executive of the Year in 2005.
“Matt’s a fixer, a builder, an entrepreneur,” said Capitol Vice President George Habel. “He rebuilt the Pelicans after 9-11 wreaked havoc on the Grand Strand’s tourist economy. I believe he’s ready for a new challenge.”
MBBC Director of Corporate Sales Neil Fortier will succeed O’Brien as GM. |
O’Brien’s successor will be Neil Fortier, Pelicans’ Director of Corporate Sales. He will become Acting General Manager effective June 19th for the remainder of the 2006 season. O’Brien recruited Fortier to the Pelicans staff in 2003 from the Rochester (NY) Brigade, an Arena Football League team.
“Matt is leaving us in good shape, said Fortier. “I’m looking forward to a smooth transition and I’m excited about the opportunity. We have loyal fans, great business partners and we receive wonderful support from the city.
Director of Facility and Field Operations Chris Ball will assist Fortier in the transition by assuming primary responsibilities for Baseball Operations. Ball has been with the Pelicans since 2003.
