THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, June 25, 1996 TAG: 9606250365
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C1 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY HARRY MINIUM, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: NORFOLK LENGTH: 62 lines
The Hampton Roads Admirals completed a reorganization of their front-office staff Monday by naming Brian Kelley business manager and promoting assistant coach Al MacIsaac to general manager.
Kelley will oversee the business operations of the Admirals and the Hampton Roads Mariners soccer team. MacIsaac will oversee hockey operations for the Admirals and continue as assistant coach.
Kelly, a certified public accountant with the firm of Frederick B. Hill, was office manager of the Norfolk Tides baseball team from February 1993 until January 1994. The 26-year-old Vermont native and Notre Dame graduate moved into his Scope office Monday.
``This is a big change,'' Kelley said. ``I'm very excited about it. It will be a challenge, but one I feel like I'm ready to take on.''
Mark Garcea and Page Johnson, who purchased the Admirals a month ago and also own the Mariners and a share of the Tides, met Kelley while he was with the Tides. Johnson also is a CPA who formerly worked for Frederick B. Hill.
Kelley helped Garcea and Johnson go over the Admirals' books in May while they were negotiating the purchase of the club from Blake Cullen.
``Brian brings a solid business perspective to both organizations,'' Johnson said. ``He will run the business side of the team for the Admirals. Basically, he will be filling Blake's role, overseeing the marketing and ticket operations.''
Shawn McDonald will continue as general manager and coach of the Mariners.
Garcea and Johnson, meanwhile, plan to play major roles with both teams.
``Basically, Brian will do for the Mariners what I've been doing for the Mariners,'' said Johnson, who has helped McDonald run the team. ``Mark and I will do what I refer to as oversight management with both teams. We'll work more in the public relations area.''
MacIsaac, who is coaching the Philadelphia Bulldogs of Roller Hockey International this summer, has been with the Admirals five years, two as a player and three as an assistant coach.
``Al is going to handle all of the hockey operations, dealing with the league, the players, the head coach, making travel arrangements, and will continue to be the assistant coach,'' Johnson said. ``But he'll now be responsible for the actual hockey operations.
``Al will be given a budget for his operations and be told to live by it. This will better enable us to manage the bottom line of the organization.''
Originally, Garcea and Johnson sought only a general manager. Former Admirals Dennis McEwen and Brendan Curley were among those they interviewed. But they switched strategy when MacIsaac asked for a promotion and more responsibilities.
MacIsaac said his role won't change very much.
``It's not really much of a change,'' he said. ``It just gives me recognition for the time I've put in.
``I'll have the same day-to-day format for the most part. I'll probably spend more time in the office.
``We've already started recruiting for next season. We're going to put a good club together.'' ILLUSTRATION: Business manager Brian Kelley, top, once worked for
Tides. General manager Al MacIsaac, above, will retain his cosching
duties. by CNB