1977 New York Jets Board of Directors Profiles

"'It all starts at the top.'
That's a common phrase when talking about the success of any professional operation, and it particularly holds true with the steps taken since last season to bring about the resurgence of the New York Jets.
In three bold moves, the Jets' Board of Directors has demonstrated its leadership and guidance in trying to return the team to competitiveness: 1. Walt Michaels was appointed head coach. 2.Jim Kensil was named President. 3. The team and its fans have been guaranteed four early season home games for the remainder of the Jets' six-year lease with the city at Shea Stadium, beginning in 1978.
Directors Leon Hess, Townsend B. Martin and Mrs. Helen Dillon showed their desire to return the club to the forefront of the National Football League when they selected Michaels, the longtime Jets assistant coach and the architect of the Jets' Super Bowl defense, to be their leader on the field.
In a similar move, the Jets also chose Kensil, NFL Commissioner Pete Rozelle's right-hand man, as President and Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Kensil will have the full responsibility of administering the overall operation of the club.
In between naming Michaels and Kensil, the directors fought long and hard to secure early home dates. For the past decade, the Jets had been 'orphans' of the NFL, never being allowed to play preseason or regular season games before its fans before 'the so-called baseball season.'
Hess and Martin have been totally involved in the development of the club since acquiring the franchise in 1963. Mrs. Dillon, daughter of the late club President Donald C. Lillis, assumed the post of Vice-President and Secretary in 1968 upon the death of her father and has been active ever since.
Leon Hess, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive for Corporate Affairs, 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.
Townsend B. Martin, Vice-President and Treasurer, is an internationally known owner and breeder of thoroughbred horses and also an honored member of the Jockey Club. He 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.
Mrs. Helen Dillon, Vice-President, is a vivacious and enthusiastic fan who is in regular attendance at every Jet game and function. She 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. Mrs. Dillon was honored this past winter by that organization for her contributions to football.
She resides Greenwich, Connecticut with her husband, Dr. Thomas F. Dillon."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide