Courtesy CFL.ca:

The Calgary Stampeders announced on Wednesday the next step in their long-planned restructuring process by naming Scott Ackles the team president. Ackles spent one year as senior vice president of club operations and becomes the 31st president in club history.

Managing partner Ted Hellard hired Ackles in March of 2007 with the intention of handing over the presidency prior to the 2008 CFL season. By retaining his role as managing partner, Hellard will continue to facilitate and oversee all facets of the organization.

“Scott will take on a number of roles and responsibilities associated with communication and decision making in our business model at the highest management levels,” said Hellard. “He will become the public face of our organization on the business side, as John Hufnagel is on the football side.

“We are looking forward to watching Scott as he brings forward many strategic plans for growth in the organization’s business and community offerings.”

“This is one of the reasons I was brought here,” said Ackles. “And I’m very excited about the new challenges and responsibilities associated with this role.”

Stan Schwartz will assume the position of executive vice president of club operations. Schwartz is in his 20th year with the club and most recently had been the executive vice president/consultant to the executive committee.

“We are very fortunate that Stan Schwartz —- the heart and soul of the Stampeders organization —- has agreed to engage our club as the executive VP of club operations,” said Hellard. “Stan’s tremendous ability to run operations on a day-to-day basis will allow Scott to move forward into the newly formed president’s role.”

The club also announced the addition of Michael Petrie as director of community and media relations. Petrie spent the past eight years as a sportswriter with the Calgary Herald.

“Mike understands the media’s needs and has tremendous passion and knowledge of the CFL that will allow our club to have a much stronger working relationship with our media partners,” said Hellard. “Mike and our management will work together to develop a series of innovative plans which find themselves reaching out to our community and our loyal fan base to provide new ways for our players, alumni and club to engage with our fans.”

Last week, John Hufnagel signed a long-term contract as head coach and general manager. These moves are part of the Stampeders’ organizational restructuring plan for the 2008 CFL season and beyond.