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Who is new Eagles president Don Smolenski?

New Eagles president Don Smolenski was formerly the team's chief operating officer. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)
New Eagles president Don Smolenski was formerly the team's chief operating officer. (Yong Kim/Staff Photographer)Read more

The most unknown name among the restructured Eagles front office is the man who has been responsible for the team's bottom line for the last few years.

Don Smolenski was named president today, replacing Joe Banner, who moved into a new role as strategic advisor to owner Jeffrey Lurie.

Smolenski, a member of the Eagles' front office since 1998, has been the team's chief operating office and prior to that, served as senior vice president and chief financial officer. He was the Eagles' primary administrator in all non-football related matters such as financial operations, team travel, insurance, human resources and technology. He also has a large role in the Eagles' environmental efforts.

"Don is one of the unknown jewels in the NFL," said Banner, "and so deserving of this chance to help steer this great franchise going forward."

He also oversees all aspects of the facilities management teams at Lincoln Financial Field and the NovaCare Complex. That includes helping bring additional events beyond the Eagles to the stadium, such as concerts, soccer and college events. It was Smolenski's job last year to make contingency plans for training camp as the lockout endured and then get all the details in place for camp when the lockout ended.

"I'm honored to accept the leadership of more than 200 terrific Eagles employees, who share our passion for building the strongest organization we can for Eagles fans in Philadelphia and around the country," Smolenski said in a statement, announcing the move.

Before joining the Eagles, Smolenski served as chief financial officer for the International Hockey League, where he oversaw all league financial issues during a time when the league expanded from 12 to 19 teams. He also led the league's efforts to institute a salary cap.

Smolenski began his career as a public accountant with Arthur Andersen. He holds a bachelor's degree in biology from Amherst and a Master's degree in accounting from the University of Hartford.

"We are all happy to see Don ascend to his new role leading the Eagles organization," Lurie said. "Throughout his 14-year Eagles career, Don has been a model of hard work, good will, and sound judgment. I am confident that, with Don at the helm, the relationship between the Eagles, our fans and business partners is in very good hands."

An avid runner, the easy-going Smolenski is married and has two sons, Jake and Shane.