Dan Chapman Accepts Position as Associate Athletic Director with the University of the Pacific
Thunder will begin a search for replacement immediately
The Stockton Thunder, a two time recipient of the ECHL “Award of Excellence,” has announced that President Dan Chapman will be leaving the organization at the end of this month and has accepted the position of Associate Athletic Director at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, Calif.
Chapman was the first employee hired by the team in January of 2005, which was previously owned by Michael Reinsdorf until April of 2010 when the Thunder was acquired by current owner Brad Rowbotham.
“Dan has spent most of his life dealing with the challenges, demands and pace of professional sports, I can understand why it is time for something different,” said Rowbotham. "Although Dan will no longer be working day to day with the Thunder he will always be part of this team.”
During Chapman's eight and a half years in his position, the Thunder led the ECHL in attendance for four consecutive seasons and has finished in the top five in attendance each year since its inception. This past season, including the Kelly Cup Playoffs, the Thunder drew over 250,000 fans which was capped off by the team's first appearance in the Kelly Cup Finals.
"From a professional standpoint these past eight years have been the most gratifying experience in my life and I can't thank Brad Rowbotham and Michael Reinsdorf enough for giving me this opportunity," Chapman said. "Thunder hockey has truly captivated our region like no other sports team I have seen in my almost 25 years in professional sports here in Stockton. I also want to thank all of our great fans, our committed staff and the coaches and players that have been so dedicated to the organization."
The Thunder has reached the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons and captured the Western Conference championship for the first time in team history this year. Chapman was also the recipient of the ECHL's Executive of the Year Award at the conclusion of the 2010-11 season.
"Bill Davidson, our CFO and owner of National Sports Services, was the very first person retained by Michael Reinsdorf when the Thunder started,” Rowbotham said. “He will continue to oversee all aspects of the organization as he has done since its inception and will be instrumental in securing a new president for the Thunder.”
Prior to joining the Thunder, Chapman served as the President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Club in Stockton. He began his career in professional sports in 1986 with the Stockton Ports Baseball Club where he would spend the next 14 seasons, the final ten as the team's General Manager from 1990-99. During his time with the Ports the team captured the California League championship in 1986, 1990 and 1992.
"Two years from now when the Thunder celebrates our 10th anniversary here in Stockton I hope Dan will join me at center ice to thank everyone for being part of this organization," said Rowbotham.
The Thunder will embark on its ninth season of hockey in the ECHL this October and will begin a search for Chapman's replacement immediately.