Steve Becvar, left, with ALS Association at Petco Park ceremony.
Times they are a’changing for Steve Becvar. He’s going from executive director of the Greater San Diego Chapter of the ALS Association to its Board of Directors as he accepts a post as new vice president of sales for the equally new San Diego Gulls of the American Hockey League (AHL).
First things first, “The San Diego Gulls are thrilled to announce the hiring of Steve Becvar,” said Ari Segal, the club’s president of business operations. “Steve is a dynamic and engaging leader with tremendous experience building brands, franchises and athletic departments. That he would join us prior to our inaugural season is a credit to Steve’s entrepreneurialism and passion for sports.”
For the record, Becvar will lead the Gulls’ ticket sales and corporate partnership activity, and report to Segal.
“Throughout the hiring process, I experienced the first class nature of both the Ducks and Gulls organizations, and am enthusiastic about what the future holds,” Becvar said. “I am committed to bringing a community relations and non-profit perspective to my new role, and am eager to utilize my 29 years of experience in the sports industry to establish and build the San Diego Gulls/Anaheim Ducks brands in the San Diego market.
Becvar and the ALS Association
Most recently, Becvar served as the Executive Director for the ALS Association’s Greater San Diego Chapter, acting as one of 39 executive directors nationwide.
“Steve has enriched the Chapter tremendously during his tenure, including establishing several important ALS initiatives, forging valuable relationships, and laying the groundwork for new and exciting events for the coming years,” Dr. Eugene Brandon, Board Chair of the Greater San Diego Chapter said.
“Steve’s contributions as a Board member will be enhanced by the hands‐on experience he gained as Executive Director,” Brandon continued, “and I am confident he will continue to be extremely valuable to the Association and the Greater San Diego ALS community.”
In turn, Becvar thanked the ALS Association for its ongoing commitment to its mission
“I supported ALS prior to becoming the Executive Director of the ALS Association,” Becvar said, “and will continue to support ALS as a Board member and while working for the Gulls. This cause is dear to me. The Gulls organization is committed to community engagement and outreach initiatives, and the ALS Association will be included in these efforts.”
Past is prologue
Prior to joining the ALS Association, Becvar was associate athletic director at the University of San Diego from 2008 to 2014 and spent five years with San Diego State University from 2003 to 2008, acting in a number of different roles including executive associate athletic director and general manager. While at San Diego State University, Becvar also acted as executive associate athletic director, Interim athletic director and senior associate athletic director.
The Rockville, MD native played an integral role in launching the Memphis Maniax of the XFL, acting as the vice president of sales and marketing. Under Becvar’s direction, the Maniax ranked first in team-developed corporate sponsorship and hotel sponsorship in the XFL. After a season with the Maniax, Becvar joined the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association as the director of sponsorship and corporate sales, spearheading the club’s relocation from Vancouver to Memphis.
Prior to his time in Memphis, Becvar began his career in athletics as an assistant ticket manager at the US Air Force Academy before working his way up in the organization. In 15 years with the US Air Force Academy, Becvar spent time as the assistant director for marketing and development, director of promotions and marketing, assistant athletic director for development and the associate athletic director for development.
A graduate of Ohio University and two-sport athlete in baseball and basketball, Becvar has a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Management and a Masters in Sports Administration. Steve and his wife Jo have three children: Stephanie, 23, David, 20 and Terrence, 17.
