Carolina Panthers owner Jerry Richardson has just named Tina Becker as COO (Chief Operating Officer) and has given her full control of the organization.
“Becker is now officially one of the highest-ranking female executives of any team in the National Football League,” according to the press release.
“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said. “Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”
Becker originally started with the organization as a TopCat Cheerleader and was quickly promoted to the coach of the squad;
Tina Becker, seen in the middle of the top row (photo found on Panthers team website), started with the Panthers as a TopCat. Now she’s COO of the team. I can promise you, she’s an incredible leader. She is smart, knowledgeable and hard-working. pic.twitter.com/0q8LNuXog5
— Libby Weihsmann (@LibbyWeihsmann) December 18, 2017
After becoming the TopCats squad coach, she continued to work her way up the ranks in the Panthers organization with incredible professionalism and wisdom, serving in almost every area, including business operations, ticketing and sponsorship, stadium operations, entertainment and fan engagement.
Before transitioning to the owner’s office in 2014, Becker served as the team’s director of entertainment for 2 years.
“Tina is the right person to lead this organization. I know she is committed to the Panthers, to the city of Charlotte and to ensuring this organization is run in a professional and progressive manner,” according to former Bank of America CEO Hugh McColl.