Susan Marenoff Resigns

Modena Man · Apr 30, 2003

It appears the New York Power have issued a press release stating that Susan Marenoff resigned as General Manager today.

FearM9 · Apr 30, 2003

NEW YORK (April 30, 2003) - The New York Power of the Women's United Soccer Association announced today the resignation of General Manager Susan Marenoff. A nationwide search for Marenoff's replacement will begin immediately.

WUSA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Crow, whose responsibilities include overseeing all team operations, will assume the lead in handling the organization's efforts until a replacement is found. Crow spent two years as the San Diego Spirit's general manager before joining the league office in August 2002

Marenoff, who joined the Power on November 14, 2000, managed the business affairs of the club, including local marketing and promotions, local and regional broadcast contract negotiations, front office staffing, business development and team management. In addition, she was responsible for overseeing sponsor and ticket sales, public and community relations and human resources.

"Because of my strong desire to see the New York Power and the WUSA succeed, and acknowledging the sacrifices already made by the players, I feel my resignation will offer the team an opportunity for a fresh perspective and to continue on so that it may achieve its ultimate goals," Marenoff said. "As always, I wish the team and the league great success for the future. For the immediate future, I will be taking some time for myself and will then concentrate on my next career move." "Susan has put her heart and soul into the New York Power and the WUSA since its inception, and we cannot thank her enough for all of her hard work and passion toward the team, the league and the growth of professional sports for women," said WUSA President and CEO Lynn Morgan. "Her drive, dedication and expertise will be missed."

Prior to her position with the Power, Marenoff's background in sports management included experience with the WTA Tour, the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup and Madison Square Garden.

New York is back in action on Saturday, May 3 when the Power travels to Philadelphia to take on the Charge at 4:00 pm ET in a nationally televised match on PAX TV.
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BigPowerFan · Apr 30, 2003

Let the new era begin!!!! Go Power!!!!!

PoetSong · Apr 30, 2003

"Because of my strong desire to see the New York Power and the WUSA succeed, and acknowledging the sacrifices already made by the players, I feel my resignation will offer the team an opportunity for a fresh perspective and to continue on so that it may achieve its ultimate goals," Marenoff said.
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Clearly this is code, but what is the truth behind it? I'm not expecting any true inside info. posted here, but perhaps some links towards it.

What subplots support this; to what does she refer, but does not state to the public?

magiclamp · Apr 30, 2003

Any of you guys that were volunteers wanna fess up to what she was really like? Now that she's gone, I would think it's "safe", if in fact it's negative. I saw her at games and post game parties, but never spoke to her. I found her a bit intimidating myself.

Anyone??

da_cfo · Apr 30, 2003

Originally posted by PoetSong
Clearly this is code, but what is the truth behind it? I'm not expecting any true inside info. posted here, but perhaps some links towards it.

What subplots support this; to what does she refer, but does not state to the public?
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This one looks and quacks like a cost-cutting move by WUSA. Time Warner put both WUSA franchises up for sale last November. Whacking the GM of a lame-duck franchise will save a few bucks.

If I were an employee of one of the 3 WUSA franchises currently up for sale (Philly is the other one and has been for sale for almost 2 years), I would update my resume pronto...

UP90 · May 1, 2003

From the looks of things, I doubt that any nickel-and-dime "cost cutting" is going to float the WUSA anymore. But this is no loss, she should've been fired halfway through last season anyway (when they axed Farmer).

FearM9 · May 1, 2003

From today's Newsday:

http://www.newsday.com/sports/soccer/ny-power013262448may01,0,2292567.story?coll=ny-soccer-headlines

Insiders from the Women's United Soccer Association confirmed that pressure from league management brought about the move, which "will offer the team an opportunity for a fresh perspective," Marenoff said in a statement.
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SunnyJah · May 1, 2003

hey! i need a job....

::insert resume and coverletter here::

!

LMoroney · May 1, 2003

Originally posted by PoetSong
Clearly this is code, but what is the truth behind it? I'm not expecting any true inside info. posted here, but perhaps some links towards it.

What subplots support this; to what does she refer, but does not state to the public?
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Possible Subplot: Rumors are swirling that the TW teams have been disposed of by AOL/TW are are now league owned and operated (similar to the way some MLS teams were a couple of years back). I have no confirmation of this, and am tracking it down, but am inclined to believe it.
:L

LMoroney · May 1, 2003

Originally posted by magiclamp
Any of you guys that were volunteers wanna fess up to what she was really like? Now that she's gone, I would think it's "safe", if in fact it's negative. I saw her at games and post game parties, but never spoke to her. I found her a bit intimidating myself.

Anyone??
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IMHO What she was really like was a typical corporate manager. She was the 'company person' which might not always be the best thing as far as a semi-autonomous company-owned entity such as a sports Franchise would need. I always thought she was pleasant, polite and professional. My daughter even called her 'Auntie Susan'.

My personal opinion was that the organization has been too corporate in nature. Maybe the next GM will be given lease (and budget) to shed this image, and get the team more in touch with the community.

Laurence

da_cfo · May 1, 2003

Originally posted by LMoroney
Possible Subplot: Rumors are swirling that the TW teams have been disposed of by AOL/TW are are now league owned and operated (similar to the way some MLS teams were a couple of years back). I have no confirmation of this, and am tracking it down, but am inclined to believe it.
:L
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Ditto for Comcast and the Charge.

3 WUSA teams now for sale.

PoetSong · May 1, 2003

Interesting.

I wonder if any posters (here) are Insiders, but refuse to claim so- as the protocol would not likely be advantageous for revealing one's true identity.

Any knowledge anyone?

PS Thanks to all who have respectfully replied, ancedocted my previous possible subplot post. They've all been handled with dignity and respect- appreciated

LMoroney · May 2, 2003

I am a former Insider, having been the original webmaster for both AOL / TW teams, and having been ousted when the first round of budget cuts came, and CNNSi were assigned the websites, later cut themselves in favor of Teamtalk, later sold to RMG3.

I was there before the league started up [September 2000], and started working with SM and JR in November 2000.

:L

FearM9 · May 3, 2003

From CyberSoccerNews:

Power win one, and then lose another
GM forced out?
by Laurence and Rebecca Moroney

FearM9 · May 3, 2003

From the Women's Soccer Insider newsletter:

4. CHANGE ON LONG ISLAND: Also out is New York general manager Susan
Marenoff, who was dismissed because the Power's attendance numbers
aren't improving.

The WUSA termed Marenoff's firing a "resignation," but Chief
Operating Officer Kevin Crow made it clear that the league was not
pleased with New York's performance.

"She knew what our expectations were," Crow said. "There's been a lot
of pressure on that franchise for a period of time to turn things
around."

The Power, which limped to a 3-17-1 record last season, was last in
attendance with a 5,575 average. In 2001, it had the third-worst
average, 5,742, with three sub-4,000 crowds. New York drew only 5,025
for its April 19 opener against San Diego at Mitchel Athletic
Complex in Uniondale, N.Y.

The WUSA wants the Power to be a flagship franchise -- as all leagues
in all sports desire from their New York clubs. The team did well
with sponsorships, but there has been little else to be happy about.

"Ticket sales were well underperforming to date," Crow said. "We need
to find a solution to that. I brought [Boston Breakers GM] Joe
Cummings to come in and consult with me on specifically the ticket
sales and the grassroots program and initiatives, see what we can do
to improve upon them."

The Breakers under Cummings have been a model franchise in this
regard, averaging more than 8,000 fans in each of the first two
seasons despite missing the playoffs.

Crow, who was San Diego's general manager (and interim coach) before
accepting the COO post in Atlanta, will run the Power's day-to-day
operations with Cummings' help until a replacement for Marenoff is
found. There is no timetable to make a hire, Crow said, and he has
told club staff to expect him to be around until the end of the
season.

Marenoff's situation was different from that of ousted Carolina GM
Jerome Ramsey, whose club -- like the Power -- is operated by Time
Warner Cable. Marenoff, an employee of the WUSA, was dismissed by the
league. Ramsey was a Time Warner employee; Courage and WUSA officials
pleaded unsuccessfully for some time with Time Warner brass to dump
Ramsey, who finally was reassigned in December.
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PoetSong · May 3, 2003

Yeah, I suppose bringing in the WUSA Executive of the Year in 2002 isn't a bad move

Truly though.. the Breakers do amazing work... on the areas noted by Crow..and others not.

If nothing else, Boston is keeping the BU crew/students happy by NOT playing at Nickerson tonight.. during finals. Go Joe! Way to be a neighbor!