Thread: George McCaskey takes over as Bears chairman

and george reit's again for those that can't accept it, the mccaskey mostly ceremonial now and just do the biding of board and phillips:

“I don’t see any dramatic changes,” George said. “My role will really be as a sounding board, an advisor if Ted wants me in that role; as a representative of the family, of ownership and the board; and to create as positive of an environment as possible.

George McCaskey becomes Bears' chairman of board


LAKE FOREST, Ill. – While Halas Hall remains shuttered to players due to the NFL lockout, a significant event transpired on the second floor of the training facility Thursday morning.

At a meeting of the Bears’ board of directors, George McCaskey officially took over from his older brother Michael as the team’s chairman of the board. The transition has been taking place since the move was announced at a press conference on April 21, 2010.
“It’s humbling and exciting,” said George McCaskey, the eighth oldest of Ed and Virginia McCaskey’s 11 children. “All that my brothers and sisters are asking of me is everything that I’ve got, and I’m sure Bears fans expect nothing less than everything that I’ve got, and that’s what I intend to give.”

George has headed the ticket office since 1991. In his new role as chairman of the board, his primary responsibility will be to represent the Bears in league matters. Team president and CEO Ted Phillips will continue to run the day-to-day operations of the club.

“I don’t see any dramatic changes,” George said. “My role will really be as a sounding board, an advisor if Ted wants me in that role; as a representative of the family, of ownership and the board; and to create as positive of an environment as possible. The way I see it my job is to work with and in support of the president and CEO in creating a climate that’s conducive to sustained success.”
George has been attending league meetings for the past year to prepare for his new position.

“Mike’s been very good about showing me the ropes,” he said. “I have met with a few NFL owners. I’ve got more meetings scheduled. They’ve been very helpful, very accommodating.

“I’m hoping to meet with some Chicago sports team owners. I’ve already spoken to Mr. Ricketts [of the Cubs] and would love to line up something with Mr. Wirtz [of the Blackhawks] and Mr. Reinsdorf [of the Bulls and White Sox].”

Jerry Jones of the Dallas Cowboys was the first NFL owner that George McCaskey met with.

“He was very gracious, very accommodating,” George said. “He’s a fascinating guy. I really enjoyed visiting with him, getting to know him. We sat in a suite at Cowboys Stadium and looked out over the field. We then went downstairs and bumped into a tour group. As soon as they saw who he was, they were going crazy. They were taking pictures and he was chatting them up.”

Michael McCaskey, meanwhile, steps down after serving as chairman of the board since 1999. At 67, he wants to travel more with his wife and pursue a passion he has for photography. His photos are on display at his personal web site, www.michaelmccaskey.com.
“I’m excited about opening the next chapter in my life,” Michael said. “Looking at the Bears, I think we’re in real good hands with my brother George as chairman and Ted as the CEO. So I leave feeling very good about what the future may bring.”

Michael served as team president from 1983-99 before becoming chairman of the board. Asked about his most memorable moment with the club, the oldest of Ed and Virginia McCaskey’s children did not hesitate.

“Winning the Super Bowl [in 1985],” Michael said. “That’s what the Bears are all about and that’s why we have so many terrific people in Halas Hall with that as their passion. When you do win, it’s just the greatest thing in the world

Originally Posted by soulman

Mikey says he want to sail and take photographs. Somebody should let him know that the coast off Somalia offers some wonderful opportunities for both, LOL.

ROFL... or mybe a few holes in the boat before heading off to the ocean works for me also.. where's the "perfect storm" when we need it?

Originally Posted by ChicagoBears

Hopefully the Bears will see the same result as when Dollar Bills son took over the organization after Bill passed away.....

Yes and No- will take the Championship, but NOT the blackhawks inept front office and awful cap management, that resulted in the team having to be broken up right after winning the championship- and losing many key pieces, from big buff to versteeg to neimi to burish and ladd- that lead to barely making the playoff's this year and a first round elimination this year. Fortunately, the bears with Cliff Stein in the front office do not have to worry about that... Just need to take that next step after the NFC champiosnhip game of 2010

Originally Posted by soulman

Don't expect much change CB. It's only a figurehead position these days. Ever since Mom took away Mikey's keys to the exec bathroom Ted Phillips and JA have pretty much been running the show. The McCaskey clan is only the show dogs the working class dogs are Phillips, JA, and Cliff Stein.

George's old man Ed was COB and Halas once called him the dumbest SOB he'd ever met. He probably got good and drunk that day Ginny married him.

And do not forget ed was also a degenerate Gambler, who would go to the ponies daily and couldn't care less about the Bears..

Originally Posted by Dagan81

But I like ponies.

Alot of the bears in the 1980's liked ed Also- he used to place their bet's for them at the track- he would go through the lockeroom after practice and talk the horses and collect their bet's for the day.. whch i'm not sure you want an 'owner" doing.. : )