DIRECTORS
"The New York Jets Directors, a group of progressive individuals who provided the impetus for the club's transition from a troubled American Football League entry to one of the NFL's most colorful and successful franchises, are once again spearheading the Jets' renewed push for the top.
The Directors most recently coordinated, along with general manager Al Ward, a three-month search for a new coach which ended on February 10, 1976 when Lou Holtz was named the club's sixth head coach. In 1975 the Board, under the direction of President Phil Iselin, chose Ward as the team's new general manager.
That series of moves is very reminiscent of the Board's activities in 1963, when Weeb Ewbank was named the first Jet coach. The move paid off in a World Championship and two division titles six years later.
The growth, development and success of the franchise has thrust the club into a new era of accomplishments and goals. The dramatic steps in hiring a general manager and a head coach were preceded by the construction and subsequent occupancy of a million-dollar training center at Hempstead, Long Island in September of 1974. The facility gives the team and coaches a full-time place to practice and prepare for games, alleviating the stadium complications brought on by the conglomeration of New York professional franchises.
In 1976, the Directors continued to innovate by bringing preseason football to New York City for the first time in Jets history- and at a new location, refurbished Yankee Stadium. The three home playing dates caused even more of a stir when the Board and Mr. Iselin took a bold step by not requiring the games be included as part of the season ticket package. The decision was made to benefit Jet ticket holders and also to encourage the development of new fans.
Three members of the Jets original Board of Directors have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise 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 been active ever since.
The Board is immensely proud of the Jets' ties with New York City. The club maintains its main offices in Manhattan and works daily to stake its claim as New York's only professional team.
Philip H. Iselin, President, holds a unique position in the world of sports. He occupies the top position in two major sports concerns. In addition to his role as President of the Jets, he is also President and Chairman of the Board at Monmouth Park Jockey Club. Both enterprises are viewed as one of the finest in its field, a tribute to the leadership and forethought of Iselin.
In the winter of 1974, he was inducted into the Jockey Club. Iselin 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 also an honored member of the Jockey Club. Mr. Martin is 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 is now a member of the Board of Directors.
Leon Hess, Vice-President and Treasurer, is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Amerada Hess Corporation. He is a respected member 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 Jets President. She is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. Mrs. Dillon has become one of the most respected and knowledgeable woman executives in sports and serves as the first woman on the Board of Directors of the Pop Warner Football Association.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."
-1976 New York Jets Media Guide
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