Hall names new President

Stephen Perry, who most recently served as the Administrator of the U.S. General Services Administration in Washington, D.C., has been named President and Executive Director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame; it was announced today by the Hall’s Board of Trustees. 

Perry, who holds a Master’s degree from Stanford University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Akron, will begin his duties as the Hall of Fame’s top executive later this month.

“We are thrilled to have an executive with Steve’s proven leadership capabilities join our organization,” said John Muhlbach, Chairman of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.  “We are very pleased with the growth the Hall has experienced over the years under previous leadership, and we know Steve will help us take the Hall to a whole new level.”
 
National Football League Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, who is also a member of the Hall’s Board of Trustees, said, “I have known Steve since the 90’s when we served together on the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees.  He brings a passionate dedication to football and a focused leadership style to his new role in Canton.  We in the League look forward to working closely with Steve and his Hall of Fame staff in the years ahead.”

Perry brings extensive leadership experience in government, at both the federal and state level, as well as corporate experience with The Timken Company where he rose to be Senior Vice President.  In addition to his government position with the GSA from 2001 to 2005, Perry served in the cabinet of then-Governor of Ohio George Voinovich as his Director, Department of Administration Services from 1991 to 1993. 

A native of Canton, Ohio, Perry has been active for many years in diverse civic and professional associations.  He served as a member of the Ohio Board of Regents (1993-2002), the Pro Football Hall of Fame Board of Trustees (1993-2001), the Canton Urban League Board of Trustees (1968-1983), Timken Mercy Medical Center Board of Trustees (1984-1991), Walsh University Advisory Board (1987-1991), and as the General Chairman of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce Pro Football Hall of Fame Festival (1999), as well as numerous other community-oriented organizations.

“I’m thrilled to be here, and to have the opportunity to help build on the great accomplishments of the Hall of Fame,” Perry stated.  “Our goal is to continue to be the premiere site for knowledge and celebration of the sport of pro football, and the honoring spot for the outstanding people who have contributed so much to the game.”