RENTON, Wash. – Vulcan Sports & Entertainment (VSE) announced today that Chuck Arnold has been named President of the Seattle Seahawks. Chris McGowan will be promoted to VSE Chief Executive Officer. Arnold succeeds Peter McLoughlin as President. McLoughlin will be leaving the organization by mutual agreement.
Currently in his 25th season with the Seahawks, Arnold will manage all team business operations. He will also serve as President of First & Goal Inc., overseeing management of CenturyLink Field, CenturyLink Field Event Center, First & Goal Hospitality and WaMu Theater.
"I have tremendous appreciation for this franchise and city, and I can't wait to lead an organization that continues to make our community and the 12s proud," Arnold said. "I am honored to assume this responsibility and thankful to Paul Allen for the opportunity."
Born and raised in Tacoma, Wash., Arnold earned his degree in sports management from Washington State University. He began his professional career as an intern with the Seahawks, where he became a ticket sales account executive in 1994. He advanced several times within the organization before most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer (COO) since 2013. As COO, Arnold has been instrumental in improving the gameday experience for fans, including revitalizing Seahawks retail with the launch of the expanded Seahawks Pro Shop. In his duties as COO, Arnold also oversaw the team's marketing, game entertainment, community engagement, corporate partnerships, ticketing, suites, and stadium sales and operations.
"I am grateful to Peter for his contributions over the past eight seasons," said Paul Allen. "We have strengthened our organization and achieved success under his leadership. We wish Peter the best as he moves forward."
"Our time in Seattle has been an incredible experience for both me and my wife Kelly, including two consecutive trips to the Super Bowl. I'm proud of what the organization has accomplished both on and off the field over the last eight years," said McLoughlin. "I would like to thank Paul Allen, Pete Carroll, John Schneider, the Seahawks coaches and staff, our corporate partners, all the players and the 12s. Go Hawks!"
As CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment, McGowan will oversee business operations of all VSE sports franchises and facilities, which include the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trail Blazers, CenturyLink Field, WaMu Theater and Moda Center. He will retain his current responsibilities as President & CEO of the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter. McGowan came to Portland in 2012 from AEG Sports in Los Angeles, where he managed business operations for the L.A. Kings (NHL) and the L.A. Galaxy (MLS) as Chief Operating Officer.
"Chris and Chuck have produced excellent results for their organizations for many years, and I know VSE and the Seahawks are in good hands under their leadership," said Allen.
Arnold will report to McGowan as they lead the premier sports and entertainment platform in the Pacific Northwest.
"I'm excited to work with Chuck and the management team at the Seahawks," said McGowan. "With decades of experience within the organization, Chuck is exceptionally qualified to take on this role."
