Hall of Fame President to retire

Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director, Stephen A. Perry has officially announced his plan to retire. Although Perry, 67, had earlier shared his retirement plans with the Hall of Fame’s senior management team and the Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and the members of the Hall of Fame who were in Canton during the recent Enshrinement Festival, he delayed his public announcement until now.

“I didn’t want my retirement to be a distraction during the 2013 Enshrinement Festival and Golden Anniversary Reunion of Hall of Fame members,” Perry offered. “While there is no perfect time to have a change in the President/Executive Director position, now, with the recent completion of our expansion and renovation programs and the securing of a long-term television contract with NFL Network, we are well-positioned for a smooth and orderly transition to continue our record of success.”

“It has been an honor to work with Steve over the past several years,” commented Goodell. “He is a true professional and a focused leader with a dedicated passion for football and the Hall of Fame. We thank him and congratulate him on a job well done.”

The Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees has established a search committee and according to its chairman Randy Hunt, “is actively engaged with the professional executive search firm, Korn/Ferry International, and other parties to accomplish the major task of identifying and recruiting the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s next President/Executive Director. In the meantime, the Board is delighted that Steve has agreed to continue in his present position until a new leader is named.”

“I am very proud to have been so closely associated with the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the legendary men who are enshrined here,” Perry stated. “I’m also very proud to have been associated with the members of the Hall of Fame Board, staff and volunteers as we worked in collaboration with the NFL, the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the people of this community to make the Pro Football Hall of Fame America’s premier sports Hall of Fame.”

During his 7-plus years at the helm, Perry spearheaded several facility improvements including the Hall of Fame’s recently completed $27 million “Future 50” expansion, renovation and modernization project, the largest and most comprehensive venture ever undertaken by the Hall of Fame. Additionally, he initiated and oversaw an aggressive national development campaign to fund the projects.

“Steve’s vision and leadership has been absolutely outstanding,” commented Chairman of the Board, Tom Schervish. “He has been the driving force for identifying long-term improvements needed in Pro Football Hall of Fame facilities and programs and raising the funds to accomplish them. Our Board, this community and the entire pro football world certainly appreciates what he has accomplished and contributed to the success of this important institution.”

Perry’s retirement plans include spending more time with his family, including his wife, Sondra, their five adult children and their eight grandchildren; and perhaps a little more golf. He will continue to be associated with the Hall of Fame as an emeritus member of the Board and will continue his community service activities including serving on the Boards of other local non-profit organizations.

Perry, who also served on the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Board of Trustees from 1992 to 2001, is the Hall of Fame’s fifth full-time President/Executive Director (2006 - 2013). He succeeded John Bankert (1996 - 2005), Pete Elliott (1979 - 1996), Dick Gallagher (1968 - 1976), and Dick McCann (1962 - 1967).