1975 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles

DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors have earned the reputation as an aggressive group which will not settle for anything less than the best for its team. The Board has 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 the Directors have found themselves in an exciting period of activity as the team has forged ahead into a new era of accomplishments. In a period of two years, the Directors have overseen the hiring of a new general manager, a new head coach and the building of a training center for the team.
Most recently, the Board, under the direction of President Philip H. Iselin, chose Al Ward as the club's general manager to replace retired Weeb Ewbank.
'In our search for a general manager, Al Ward presented the background and experience that we were looking for,' remarked Iselin on behalf of the Board.
Another dramatic step by the organization took place in September 1974 when the Jets took occupancy of a new training center in Hempstead, Long Island. The million-dollar facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the complications of sharing Shea Stadium with the Mets, Yankees and Giants.
Innovation is also something Iselin and his associates belive in. On February 1, 1973 the Board hired Charley Winner to be the successor to Weeb Ewbank as head coach of the Jets, but instead of waiting, they brought Winner into the organization as an assistant coach that very year so that he could have a period of learning before assuming the leadership duties.
'I feel that by bringing Charley to our staff now,' Iselin remarked at the time, 'he will gain a full year of learning in our organization.'
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 Dillon, 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.
Philip H. Iselin, President, is a unique man in the world of sports since he occupies the top position in two major sporting concerns. In addition to his role as President of the New York Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board of the Monmouth Park Jockey Club, one of the nation's finest thoroughbred racing facilities. It is to Iselin's credit as a chief executive that both of his sporting connections are known to all as among the finest in their fields.
As evidence of his work in racing, last winter Iselin was inducted into the Jockey Club. He lives in Oceanport, New Jersey and in 1969 was awarded 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 Dillon, Vice-President and Secretary, is the daughter of Donald C. Lillis, the late President of the Jets. 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 husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon, and her family in Greenwich, Connecticut."

-The New York Jets Official 1975 Yearbook