CHARLOTTE -- The Carolina Panthers announced Monday that Tina Becker has been named the organization's Chief Operating Officer with "full control of the day-to-day management."
This makes Becker one of the highest-ranking female executives for any NFL team.
The move comes after the recent surfacing of misconduct in the workplace allegations by Panthers founder and owner, Jerry Richardson. Since that news broke, the 81-year-old Richardson has said that he will put the franchise up for sale.
In a statement released by the Panthers, Becker said: "These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization. Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl. My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days.”
"Tina is the right person to lead this organization. I know she is committed to the Panthers, to the city of Charlotte and to ensuring this organization is run in a professional and progressive manner," said Hugh McColl, former Chairman and CEO of Bank of America, in the same statement.
Becker has served in a variety of roles during her career with the Panthers, including directing the organization's business and administrative priorities, as well as dealing with league affairs.
Team president Danny Morrison had resigned earlier in the year, and there was no COO before, or after, his resignation.