Eagan, Minn. (August 1, 2018) – The Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday announced the promotion of five front-office staff members to executive positions and multiple other promotions throughout the organization.
Project Executive Don Becker has been promoted to Executive Vice President of Real Estate Development and Strategic Projects.
Assistant General Manager George Paton has been promoted to Vice President of Player Personnel/Assistant General Manager.
Director of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer Eric Sugarman has been promoted to Vice President of Sports Medicine/Head Athletic Trainer.
Executive Director of Public Relations Bob Hagan has been promoted to Vice President of Football and Media Communications.
Executive Director of Communications Jeff Anderson has been promoted to Vice President of Strategic and Corporate Communications.
Don Becker played key roles during the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium and Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center.
"Don is a strong leader and a dedicated, tireless worker, who has a proven track record of success," Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren said. "He played lead roles on two of the most significant business accomplishments in Vikings history during the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium and TCO Performance Center, and continues to operate as a trusted advisor on all business initiatives."
George Paton is entering his 12th season with the Vikings and his 21st in the NFL. Paton's primary focus is to coordinate scouting and personnel functions within the Vikings College and Pro Scouting departments. He oversees year-round personnel transactions and assists in salary cap-planning.
"With the responsibilities that come with my job, it is great to have a guy like George at my side who can run the personnel department, on both the pro side and college side, and on top of it, he's a great evaluator," Vikings General Manager Rick Spielman said. "He comes up with great ideas and has contributed to a lot of the things that we've been able to accomplish as a team. I'm very fortunate to have a guy like George for as long as we've been together."
Eric Sugarman is entering his 13th season with the Vikings and 22nd in the NFL. He oversees all of the team's sports medicine functions, including proactive treatment and rehabilitation programs. Sugarman and his staff were named the NFL's Athletic Training Staff of the Year for 2017.
"With the success Eric and his team have had, he's the best in the business I've ever been around, not only from his knowledge in his specific area, but also how he gets players back on the field when they do have significant injuries," Spielman said. "From Chad Greenway to Adrian Peterson to seeing Dalvin Cook running around now. His results speak for themselves."
Bob Hagan is entering his 28th season with the Vikings. He has been a member of the Vikings Public Relations department since joining the department as an intern in 1991. Hagan has managed the football public relations department since becoming Director of Public Relations before the 1998 season.
"The Vikings appreciate Bob's long-term commitment to the organization and his leadership of our football communications department," Vikings Chief Operating Officer Kevin Warren said. "Bob has built and maintained relationships with an increasing number of media outlets, including League broadcast partners. He is incredibly respected within the organization, the media, other NFL clubs and the League office."
Jeff Anderson is entering his 16th season with the Vikings after beginning his career in Minnesota as a public relations intern in 2003. Anderson has played a leadership role in the growth of the Vikings strategic and corporate communications efforts.
"In addition to providing significant advice on football communications, Jeff has played a valuable role in the Vikings corporate and strategic communications," Warren said. "Jeff's execution of communications planning during the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium and Twin Cities Orthopedics Performance Center was outstanding. He has a unique ability of being able to provide strategic counsel on very complicated matters."
The Vikings Public Relations Department was presented the 2018 Rozelle Award from the Pro Football Writers of America in June. The award, which is named in honor of former NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle, annually recognizes the public relations staff that "constantly strives for excellence in its dealings and relationships with the media."
Additional Promotions
The Vikings also announced that the following staff members have been promoted to the respective positions:
Theresa Baugus – MVC Coach and Manager
Luke Burson – Manager of Football Information Systems
John Dvorak – Senior Account Executive
Michael Huiras - Senior Producer, Live Programming
Taylar Sievert – Senior Graphic Designer
Nick Maurer – Director, Corporate Partnerships
Stuart Morrow – Senior Account Executive
Sam Newton - Football Communications Manager
Craig Peters – Senior Editor
Kendall Peters –Manager, Sales and Engagement Analytics
Zach Royse – Social Media Strategist
Genette Sekse – Manager, Engagement and Sales Analytics
Jordan Struck – Studio Operations Manager
Nate Vaughn – Senior Producer, Original Content
Long-time Vikings pro scout Jeff Robinson has transitioned to his new role as Youth Football Development Manager.
