Michael Vekich has been appointed as chair of the Minnesota Sports Facilities Authority, which oversees the running of the new U.S. Bank Stadium, home of NFL American football franchise the Minnesota Vikings
Vekich will replace interim chairwoman Kathleen Blatz and, according to the Minnesota Star-Tribune newspaper, his term will run until January 7, 2019.
Blatz took on the temporary position of chair in February following the resignations of Michele Kelm-Helgen, then-chair, and former executive director Ted Mondale.
The resignations followed a controversy surrounding the MSFA’s use of two luxury suites at the 66,000-seat U.S. Bank Stadium, which opened last year ahead of the 2016 NFL season.
A report had found that the MSFA was guilty of ethical violations when using the suites. The report found that the MSFA provided 158 luxury suite tickets to family and friends.
Following her resignation, Kelm-Helgen issued a statement explaining that, when questions were raised about the suites, the MSFA passed a new policy that no longer allows family and friends in the suites.
Vekich is the chief executive of CPA firm Vekich Chartered and will begin his new role following the July 21 MSFA board meeting.
The Star-Tribune’s report added that Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton, who has appointed Vekich, has also appointed Laura Bishop, an executive at consumer electronics corporation Best Buy, to the MSFA’s executive board until 2020.
Next year, U.S. Bank Stadium will host Super Bowl LII.
Image: Darb02
Share this