Chiefs Babb: Chiefs President Denny Thum resigns suddenly - Page 2

**Tribal Warfare** · 09-15-2010, 12:27 AM

Chiefs President Denny Thum resigns suddenly
By KENT BABB
The Kansas City Star

A day after the Chiefs organization’s most successful day in years, the team announced that its president was stepping down.

Denny Thum began his long career with the Chiefs in 1974, and it ended Tuesday evening, when the team issued a vague statement that stated neither the reason for Thum’s departure nor an explanation for the move’s unusual timing. Only that he was leaving the organization — immediately.

Kansas City defeated San Diego on national television Monday night, capping a night of celebration as the Chiefs officially opened a revamped Arrowhead Stadium, gleaming with $375 million in renovations. Monday night was marketed as a turning point for the Chiefs, and Thum was seen in the stadium’s new press box showing off the view and its amenities to visitors.

Thum oversaw much of the stadium renovations and other large-scale projects, including bringing the team’s training camp to the campus of Missouri Western in St. Joseph after two decades in River Falls, Wis.

“He was the go-to guy,” said Dave Williams, the athletic director at Missouri Western. “He was the ultimate gentleman, and by the same token, he was a very tough negotiator.”

The team’s release stated that chairman Clark Hunt would become CEO and that there were no immediate plans to fill the president position. But the release indicated that, when the job is filled, it’s likely to be from within the organization.

Chief operating officer Mark Donovan, hired last year, has been handling many of the team’s day-to-day business-side operations.

“Denny has been an integral part of the Chiefs family and this community for nearly four decades, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment to our organization,” Hunt said in the release.

Thum’s job changed often during his 36 years with the Chiefs, and it changed further in May 2009, when he was promoted as longtime president Carl Peterson’s successor. Thum, whose first positions with the Chiefs were in their accounting department, was the team’s principal contract negotiator in recent years. But upon his promotion, Thum relinquished negotiating duties; general manager Scott Pioli now handles most player contracts.

Thum started with the Chiefs as a staff accountant, working his way up and becoming the assistant general manager when Peterson arrived in 1989. Thum also spent time as an executive vice president and COO.

He started with an organization that was five years removed from a Super Bowl, and Thum’s time spanned decades that were either depressing, hopeful or occasionally both. He told The Star in a 2008 interview that there wasn’t much optimism during the 1970s and early to mid-1980s, when the Chiefs reached the playoffs twice in two decades. He said that although Kansas City struggled recently — before Monday night’s 21-14 win, the Chiefs had won a combined 10 games in their previous three seasons — he knew that there was reason to believe better days were ahead.

“There’s a light at the end of the tunnel compared to before,” he said then, “when it didn’t look like anything was going to change the face of our organization.”

Thum said in Tuesday’s team-issued release that he appreciated his years with the organization.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the best franchise in the NFL,” he said. “I appreciate every opportunity the Hunt family has afforded me and my family, and I wish the Kansas City Chiefs all the success they deserve in the future.”

Williams, the A.D. at Missouri Western, said he spoke two or three times per week with Thum as the Chiefs and the university finished details this summer of a sprawling indoor practice facility and two new practice fields.

Thum also visited St. Joseph for weekly meetings, Williams said, to gauge the project’s progress before camp began in late July.

Williams said he had no idea why Thum stepped down or why it came at such a peculiar time. He said that, as often as they talked, Thum never mentioned plans to leave the Chiefs.

Instead, Williams said, they discussed business. Williams said that was Thum’s way.

“This project was a win-win for everybody involved,” Williams said. “The Chiefs got a great camp and satisfied their goal of bringing camp back to their fans. Missouri Western got great facilities. The state of Missouri and the town of St. Joe had a huge economic impact.

“If that was Denny’s final hurrah, he should be very proud.”

**HemiEd** · 09-15-2010, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ct

Maybe it's a simple as he committed to seeing the TC move and Arrowhead renovations through, and once done, so also he was done.

That is my guess. It sounds like he is a true professional business man, that saw no benefit to letting his personal plans, overshadow or dampen the festivities of the stadium, Monday night game, etc.

A lot can be learned from a man like that.

Mr. Laz · 09-15-2010, 12:37 PM

Thum's assistant no longer with the Chiefs, either

A day after the mysterious and immediate departure of Chiefs president and longtime organization employee Denny Thum, the team also has parted ways with Thum's assistant, Nadine Steffen.

Asked to connect a call to Steffen, a receptionist at the team's office complex and practice facility said this morning that Steffen was "no longer with the organization."
Steffen is still listed on the team's Web site as the executive assistant to the president. Thum's name has been removed.

The Chiefs wouldn't comment Wednesday afternoon on Steffen's departure.

The team issued a release Tuesday evening that stated Thum was stepping down immediately after 36 years with the organization. Chairman Clark Hunt will assume CEO duties, and Hunt said in the statement that he didn't expect to hire a president immediately but that Thum's replacement was likely to come from within the organization.

Chief operating officer Mark Donovan, who's been with the team since May 2009, handles many of the day-to-day business-side duties.

The timing of Thum's departure was unusual, coming less than 24 hours after the Chiefs defeated San Diego on national television. The team officially opened the newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night, too, and it was seen as the biggest night for the Chiefs organization in years.

Thum had overseen the stadium renovation project and also was a key figure in bringing the team's training camp to St. Joseph, after nearly two decades in River Falls, Wis. Thum began his career with the Chiefs in 1974, starting as a staff accountant, eventually working his way up to assistant general manager and executive vice president. He also had been the team's principal contract negotiator under former team president Carl Peterson.

Thum was seen as one of the last remaining links from Peterson's 20-year tenure as president, CEO and general manager. Most of Peterson's top allies have parted ways with the Chiefs in the past 18 months.

Thum, whose influence within the organization had been reduced after Peterson left the team in 2008, was seen in the press box Monday night, showing visitors around and chatting with them before kickoff.

Submitted by Kent Babb on September 15, 2010 - 12:08pm.

http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/1437

Fumblerooski · 09-15-2010, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

Thum's assistant no longer with the Chiefs

Doesn't seem health related anymore.... Unless he had a Viagra overdose....

Hootie · 09-15-2010, 01:35 PM

what kind of world is this today when powerful men can't sleep with their assistants?!

**dirk digler** · 09-15-2010, 01:39 PM

Sounds dick related to me

Fumblerooski · 09-15-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Meat Dragon

what kind of world is this today when powerful men can't sleep with their assistants?!

A sad one sir... A sad one indeed...

DJ's left nut · 09-15-2010, 02:10 PM

It sounds like he's just moving to a new gig to me.

I think he felt his job with KC was done and the opening night festivities were the cap to an excellent career.

He was probably extended a new opportunity (perhaps even had it in his pocket for awhile) and decided to take it. If you've been around that long, you're probably going to want to bring your secretary with you.

And if you're moving to Miami, I doubt she'd think twice about coming.

I suppose it could be sinister, but I've never heard a foul word said about Denny Thum. If I were putting money down, I think I'd plop it on him getting a new gig with the Dolphins.

Best of luck to him - even when the organization was rotting from its core, Thum was a standout gentleman through it all.

DMAC · 09-15-2010, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dirk digler

Sounds dick related to me

ATTA BOY DENNY!!!

09-15-2010, 12:27 AM
Tribal Warfare Man of Culture Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Far Beyond Comprehension Casino cash: $-2937187	Babb: Chiefs President Denny Thum resigns suddenly Chiefs President Denny Thum resigns suddenly By KENT BABB The Kansas City Star A day after the Chiefs organization’s most successful day in years, the team announced that its president was stepping down. Denny Thum began his long career with the Chiefs in 1974, and it ended Tuesday evening, when the team issued a vague statement that stated neither the reason for Thum’s departure nor an explanation for the move’s unusual timing. Only that he was leaving the organization — immediately. Kansas City defeated San Diego on national television Monday night, capping a night of celebration as the Chiefs officially opened a revamped Arrowhead Stadium, gleaming with $375 million in renovations. Monday night was marketed as a turning point for the Chiefs, and Thum was seen in the stadium’s new press box showing off the view and its amenities to visitors. Thum oversaw much of the stadium renovations and other large-scale projects, including bringing the team’s training camp to the campus of Missouri Western in St. Joseph after two decades in River Falls, Wis. “He was the go-to guy,” said Dave Williams, the athletic director at Missouri Western. “He was the ultimate gentleman, and by the same token, he was a very tough negotiator.” The team’s release stated that chairman Clark Hunt would become CEO and that there were no immediate plans to fill the president position. But the release indicated that, when the job is filled, it’s likely to be from within the organization. Chief operating officer Mark Donovan, hired last year, has been handling many of the team’s day-to-day business-side operations. “Denny has been an integral part of the Chiefs family and this community for nearly four decades, and we thank him for his dedication and commitment to our organization,” Hunt said in the release. Thum’s job changed often during his 36 years with the Chiefs, and it changed further in May 2009, when he was promoted as longtime president Carl Peterson’s successor. Thum, whose first positions with the Chiefs were in their accounting department, was the team’s principal contract negotiator in recent years. But upon his promotion, Thum relinquished negotiating duties; general manager Scott Pioli now handles most player contracts. Thum started with the Chiefs as a staff accountant, working his way up and becoming the assistant general manager when Peterson arrived in 1989. Thum also spent time as an executive vice president and COO. He started with an organization that was five years removed from a Super Bowl, and Thum’s time spanned decades that were either depressing, hopeful or occasionally both. He told The Star in a 2008 interview that there wasn’t much optimism during the 1970s and early to mid-1980s, when the Chiefs reached the playoffs twice in two decades. He said that although Kansas City struggled recently — before Monday night’s 21-14 win, the Chiefs had won a combined 10 games in their previous three seasons — he knew that there was reason to believe better days were ahead. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel compared to before,” he said then, “when it didn’t look like anything was going to change the face of our organization.” Thum said in Tuesday’s team-issued release that he appreciated his years with the organization. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time working for the best franchise in the NFL,” he said. “I appreciate every opportunity the Hunt family has afforded me and my family, and I wish the Kansas City Chiefs all the success they deserve in the future.” Williams, the A.D. at Missouri Western, said he spoke two or three times per week with Thum as the Chiefs and the university finished details this summer of a sprawling indoor practice facility and two new practice fields. Thum also visited St. Joseph for weekly meetings, Williams said, to gauge the project’s progress before camp began in late July. Williams said he had no idea why Thum stepped down or why it came at such a peculiar time. He said that, as often as they talked, Thum never mentioned plans to leave the Chiefs. Instead, Williams said, they discussed business. Williams said that was Thum’s way. “This project was a win-win for everybody involved,” Williams said. “The Chiefs got a great camp and satisfied their goal of bringing camp back to their fans. Missouri Western got great facilities. The state of Missouri and the town of St. Joe had a huge economic impact. “If that was Denny’s final hurrah, he should be very proud.”
Posts: 43,447

09-15-2010, 12:37 PM	#17
Mr. Laz Don't Tease Me Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: KS Casino cash: $11047037	Thum's assistant no longer with the Chiefs, either A day after the mysterious and immediate departure of Chiefs president and longtime organization employee Denny Thum, the team also has parted ways with Thum's assistant, Nadine Steffen. Asked to connect a call to Steffen, a receptionist at the team's office complex and practice facility said this morning that Steffen was "no longer with the organization." Steffen is still listed on the team's Web site as the executive assistant to the president. Thum's name has been removed. The Chiefs wouldn't comment Wednesday afternoon on Steffen's departure. The team issued a release Tuesday evening that stated Thum was stepping down immediately after 36 years with the organization. Chairman Clark Hunt will assume CEO duties, and Hunt said in the statement that he didn't expect to hire a president immediately but that Thum's replacement was likely to come from within the organization. Chief operating officer Mark Donovan, who's been with the team since May 2009, handles many of the day-to-day business-side duties. The timing of Thum's departure was unusual, coming less than 24 hours after the Chiefs defeated San Diego on national television. The team officially opened the newly renovated Arrowhead Stadium on Monday night, too, and it was seen as the biggest night for the Chiefs organization in years. Thum had overseen the stadium renovation project and also was a key figure in bringing the team's training camp to St. Joseph, after nearly two decades in River Falls, Wis. Thum began his career with the Chiefs in 1974, starting as a staff accountant, eventually working his way up to assistant general manager and executive vice president. He also had been the team's principal contract negotiator under former team president Carl Peterson. Thum was seen as one of the last remaining links from Peterson's 20-year tenure as president, CEO and general manager. Most of Peterson's top allies have parted ways with the Chiefs in the past 18 months. Thum, whose influence within the organization had been reduced after Peterson left the team in 2008, was seen in the press box Monday night, showing visitors around and chatting with them before kickoff. Submitted by Kent Babb on September 15, 2010 - 12:08pm. http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/1437 __________________
Posts: 95,626

09-15-2010, 01:35 PM	#19
Hootie Banned Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Dallas, Texas Casino cash: $10004900	what kind of world is this today when powerful men can't sleep with their assistants?!
Posts: 56,356

09-15-2010, 01:39 PM	#20
dirk digler Please squeeze Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Clinton, MO Casino cash: $174644	Sounds dick related to me
Posts: 67,113

09-15-2010, 02:10 PM	#22
DJ's left nut Sauntering Vaguely Downwards Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Columbia, Mo Casino cash: $-790901	It sounds like he's just moving to a new gig to me. I think he felt his job with KC was done and the opening night festivities were the cap to an excellent career. He was probably extended a new opportunity (perhaps even had it in his pocket for awhile) and decided to take it. If you've been around that long, you're probably going to want to bring your secretary with you. And if you're moving to Miami, I doubt she'd think twice about coming. I suppose it could be sinister, but I've never heard a foul word said about Denny Thum. If I were putting money down, I think I'd plop it on him getting a new gig with the Dolphins. Best of luck to him - even when the organization was rotting from its core, Thum was a standout gentleman through it all. __________________ "If there's a god, he's laughing at us.....and our football team..." "When you look at something through rose colored glasses, all the red flags just look like flags."
Posts: 66,813