SALT LAKE CITY - Bringing 13 years of sports marketing experience with him, Steve Pastorino was introduced today as the General Manager of Salt Lake's MLS expansion team that will take the field in April 2005. Pastorino outlined a vision for the team as a community-oriented organization that assumes a leadership role on- and off-the-field in the Utah soccer and business community.
"I am incredibly pleased to have Steve join our organization," David Checketts, chairman and owner of the new Salt Lake City Major League Soccer team said. "He brings invaluable experience and knowledge with him on building a successful MLS franchise."
Pastorino most recently worked as assistant general manager of the Chicago Fire where he oversaw the team's marketing strategy, including sponsorships, advertising and broadcasting. He also worked extensively in the Chicago-area's civic, corporate and corporate arenas to build support of the Fire's new stadium development in Bridgeview, IL.
Pastorino, who was named the MLS Marketing Executive of the Year in 1998 and 2001, has increased the Fire's presence on the airwaves, including radio broadcasts in three languages and 100+ telecasts on Fox Sports Net and Telemundo. Under his guidance, Fire advertising campaigns have been recognized with EFFIE and TELLY awards.
"I want to thank David Checketts and Dean Howes for their faith in me," Pastorino said. "Together we are going to build a world-class organization."
Pastorino's first order of business was to announce the hiring of Chris Keeney as Senior Director of Sales. Keeney joins the Salt Lake team from D.C. United where he had been Director of Sales since 2001.
Prior to his appointment as the Director of Sales, Keeney served as a senior manager of Corporate/Community Programs for four and a half years. During his time with D.C. United, he was awarded Major League Soccer's Commissioner's New Business Leadership award in 2000 and 2001 and was named the Commissioner's Sales Person of the Year in 2000. Keeney also played a major part in the sales team that received the MLS Sales Team of the Year in 1999 and 2000.
Keeney earned a MBA from George Mason University and earned his undergraduate degree from Florida State University. Keeney will reside in Herriman with his wife Berta and daughters Alex, 6, and Andi, 3.
