The San Jose Earthquakes announced changes to their front-office leadership structure on Thursday.
Club president Dave Kaval has expanded his role and will also take over as president of the Oakland Athletics, who share ownership with the Quakes. He will continue to serve as President of the Earthquakes and spearhead the team’s general manager search. Additionally, the Quakes promoted vice president of sales & strategy Jared Shawlee to chief operating officer to oversee day-to-day business operations.
“I am looking forward to taking on this new role with the Athletics and I am equally committed to continuing to build on what we are doing here at the Earthquakes,” said Kaval (pictured above) in a statement. “Jared has been a big part of our growth and success here in San Jose and he will thrive in this new, expanded role.”
Kaval will split his duties between the Earthquakes and A’s, while Shawlee, who enters his 10th season as a member of the Earthquakes organization next year, will assume an elevated role with the Quakes on the business side.
A San Jose native, Shawlee has overseen the Quakes growth from a season ticket base of 4,500 to 13,000 over the past five years. His efforts were instrumental in the Quakes securing both Sutter Health and Avaya as corporate partners, along with an impressive stable of other partners. He was recognized as the MLS Corporate Partnerships Executive of the Year in 2015.
“I am excited and ready for this new opportunity,” said Shawlee. “The Earthquakes organization has grown by leaps and bounds and I’m committed to ensuring Avaya Stadium continues to provide an exciting, inclusive atmosphere for all of our diverse, passionate fans. Dave has been a tremendous mentor to me and I look forward to working closely with him to provide further innovation and success for the organization.”
