1974 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles

"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for their team. They have been the impetus for the remarkable transition of the troubled New York entry in the American Football League into one of the most colorful and successful franchises in pro football. Under their aegis, the club hired Weeb Ewbank as the first Jet coach and the move paid off with a World Championship in 1968 and two division titles (1968 & 1969).
Now a new era is upon the Directors and they have responded with their characteristic firm leadership. Under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, the Board acted to hire Charley Winner as the new head coach and made an innovative move in bringing him to the Jet scene a year in advance.
'I believe in an orderly transition,' remarked Iselin a year ago. 'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff, he will gain a full year lf learning in our organization.'
In another dramatic step, the Directors have embarked upon a project to build the Jets a training complex on Long Island where the club can have access to a first class facility to prepare for games. This center, scheduled for completion in time for the 1974 season, will give the Jets a real home since the facilities at Shea Stadium for practice and meetings are limited.
Three members of the Jets' original Board of Directors have been a guiding force in the development of the franchise since they acquired the team in 1963- President Philip Iselin; Chairman of the Board Townsend B. Martin; and Vice-President and Treasurer Leon Hess. Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, daughter of the late club President Donald Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 and has become one of the most respected women in professional sports.
The Board of Directors will settle for nothing but the best for their team. They look to the future with optimism and will continue to strive for perfection.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is the president of the Korell Company and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Jockey Club. The popular Iselin has an extensive background in racing and enjoys the unique distinction of heading two major sporting concerns.
Mr. Iselin lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was the recipient of an honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Monmouth College (NJ) for his contributions to the shore area.
Townsend B. Martin, Chairman of the Board, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred race horses and a member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is also engaged in the investment banking business with Bessemer Securities in New York City. An original backer of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club in 1946, he now serves on its Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, the American Broadcasting Corporation and the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.
Mrs. Helen L. Springborn, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of the late President of the Jets, Donald C. Lillis. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic football fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She has become one of the most respected woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides with her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."

-The New York Jets Official 1974 Yearbook