John McDonough (sports executive)

John McDonough is a sports executive who is perhaps best known for his two decades with the Chicago Cubs. In 2007, he left the presidency of the Cubs to become president of the Chicago Blackhawks. He specializes in the area of marketing.

Early life

McDonough is a lifelong Chicago area resident, graduating from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois before matriculating to St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. McDonough now sits on the Board of Directors of Notre Dame High School.

Professional Career

Chicago Sting

McDonough's first work as a sports executive was with the Chicago Sting, Chicago's franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He served as General Sales Manager, and later as Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Chicago Cubs

McDonough spent 24 years with the Cubs (1983-2007). Among the innovations he is credited with are the annual "Cubs Convention" which gives fans a chance to meet and interact with coaches, players, and licensed vendors. He also is credited with creating the role of "guest conductor", where celebrities, local heroes, and local high school sports champions are given the chance to lead the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh inning stretch at Cubs home games. The promotion started in the wake of the death of broadcaster Harry Caray in 1998, and continues as a popular tradition today.

Chicago Blackhawks

In 2007, McDonough left the Cubs and became president of the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago's National Hockey League franchise. In the space of one year, McDonough started the first Blackhawks fan convention (similar to the one he started with the Cubs). After years of not having Blackhawks games broadcast on local television, McDonough approved a deal that would televise all Blackhawk games for the first time in the team's history. He further approved a deal to put games on WGN radio. He has also joined the NHL Club Business Advisory Board.

Other work

* Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation International: Advisory Board of Directors (Illinois Chapter)
* Northwestern University: Master of Arts in Sports Administration Faculty Advisory Board

Awards

* Major League Baseball Marketing Excellence Award
* Chicago Baseball Veteran's Committee Man of the Year
* Promo Magazine: America's Top Ten Marketing Executives
* St. Mary's University Alumni Appreciation Award
* Notre Dame High School Hall of Fame
* Public Relations Society of America (Chicago Chapter): Executive of the Year

External Links

* [http://blackhawks.nhl.com/team/mcdonoughbio.htm John McDonough biography at Blackhawks website]