Dean Spanos
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| Born: | |||||||||
| May 26, 1950 in Stockton, California, U.S. | |||||||||
| Education/Alma Mater: | |||||||||
| University of the Pacific (CA), BA, 1972 | |||||||||
| Occupation/Career | |||||||||
| Chairman of the Board of the NFL's San Diego Chargers franchise, 1984–present | |||||||||
| Spouse | |||||||||
| Susie, 1977–present | |||||||||
| Children: | |||||||||
| Alexander Gus (San Diego Chargers CEO) John Dean (San Diego Chargers President - Football Operations) | |||||||||
| Parents | |||||||||
| San Diego Chargers owner Alex Spanos and Faye Spanos | |||||||||
Dean Alexander Spanos (born May 26, 1950) is the team president and CEO of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers franchise, in which his father, owner Alex Spanos, purchased majority interest in 1984.[1][2]
Early life, education and career
Raised in Stockton, California, the son of Alex Spanos, Spanos earned varsity letters in football and golf at Lincoln High School (Stockton, California). Dean received the Lincoln High Hall of Fame Award, which honors alumni whose contributions and accomplishments are representative of the school. Dean continued his golfing career at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He graduated in 1972. He maintains close ties with his alma mater, having served as a regent at the University. Spanos became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chargers early in 1994. That same year San Diego’s team rose to the ranks of the NFL elite teams with its most memorable season in team history when it took the community of San Diego for a thrilling ride all the way to Super Bowl XXIX. Under Spanos's watch as team president, the Chargers won 79 games during the last seven seasons (2004–10). That includes three playoff wins and five AFC West titles (2004, 2006–09). Only three teams have won more games during that span.
Honors, awards
Surprisingly, Dean Spanos has received a number of awards, including the Harold Leventhal Community Service Award, the top award of the Huntington's Disease Society of America, which was presented to Spanos and wife Susie in 2011 by the national board for their generosity. Spanos also recently earned the unique distinction of being a second-generation recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, accepting the award 16 years after his father was similarly honored. The award recognizes distinguished Americans for their commitment to freedom, diversity and opportunity.
Spanos was inducted into the DeMolay International Alumni Hall of Fame in 2002. DeMolay International is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful and productive lives.[3]
In 2001, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum presented Dean and Susie with their Community Champions Award, the Hall's most prestigious award.
Family and personal life
Dean and Susie, his wife of 35 years, reside in La Jolla, California. The Spanos's eldest son, Alexander Gus (July 2, 1978), is President - Business Operations and chief executive officer of the Chargers. Spanos' second son John Dean (born Nov. 7, 1979) is President – Football Operations of the Chargers. He previously worked as an intern in the NFL's Management Council office in New York during the 2002 season and joined the Chargers' scouting department in 2003 as a pro and college scout.
References
External links
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