The first Saturday of every month, Packers President and CEO Ed Policy will write about a topic of interest to Packers fans and the organization and then answer fan questions. Fans are encouraged to email Ed with their name and hometown at: PolicysPerspective@packers.com.
Welcome back to your regularly scheduled Policy's Perspective. With this week kicking off with our annual meeting of shareholders, training camp starting on Wednesday, and our 25th Family Night next Friday, it is busy as ever around Lambeau Field and football season is here. It is humbling to think that I just eclipsed the year mark in my role as chairman of the board, president, and CEO. I am excited for this season to get into full gear.
To the thousands of shareholders who withstood the ominous weather on Monday, I hope you all enjoyed what I believe to be the coolest and most unique business meeting in all of sports. I always knew something was different about the Packers and Lambeau Field as I grew up around the game. But to be honest, my first annual meeting is when it really sunk in, when I saw people in the parking lot at 7 or 8 in the morning, tailgating, drinking beer, eating brats, and playing cornhole, in preparation for a business meeting. The immense pride in ownership was clear to me and I realized two things: This place is unique and I am going to fit in just fine. I am grateful to all the shareholders who took time to come and join us on Monday.
People ask this time of year what I think about the team or who is looking good at practice. And candidly, just a few practices in, without pads, it's impossible to say. But what I do enjoy watching is Coach Matt take the 90 men that walked into this building and develop them into the best team they can possibly be. These young men have an opportunity to make their mark and live out their dreams. Watching that process is a very gratifying part of the job.
I also love watching these young men take Lambeau Field as a team in front of a full crowd at Family Night. The energy you all bring is such an incredible experience for the team as some of them experience Lambeau for the first time in their careers. Then shortly after that we'll be into the preseason, heading to Pittsburgh and Denver before wrapping up the preseason here at home against the Cardinals. Training camp and the preseason are going to go fast. Before we know it, the Fighting Irish and Badgers will be kicking off the college football season here at Lambeau, so let's get to your questions…
Question from Willy
Hi. We looked into taking our grandkids to Family Night. It starts at 7 p.m., which is a bit late for young kids. Is there a similar early event that would be appropriate for younger kids? I looked at the practices and bicycle tradition. That would be difficult for younger kids as well. Thanks for any suggestions.
Hi Willy, thanks for your question. I completely understand, and when I first started with the Packers and our boys were toddlers, Family Night was tough for us, too. Fortunately, Family Night has expanded to be a day-long affair with Family Fest running in Titletown from 3-7 p.m. before Family Night practice starts in Lambeau. I also think one of our 13 open training camp practices is a great opportunity for kids of all ages. If the kids get antsy watching practice, Titletown Park and Hy-Vee Plaza are just a short walk away. I will say, once the kids get older, the fireworks and laser light show at Family Night are easily the biggest fan favorites, so in a few years I hope you can let them stay up a little past bedtime and take in the fireworks. I hope to at least see you around Titletown next Friday!
Davy from Watertown, WI
Can you tell us a bit about the Packers' board of directors? I believe the executive committee runs the day to day of the organization, but how much is the full board involved, and in what ways? Thanks!
Fitting question, Davy, as we just had our annual meeting of shareholders this week, which is objectively the coolest business meeting in the world. Who doesn't love some corporate governance, so here we go... The Packers' bylaws permit up to 45 members on our board of directors. When our new board members were elected earlier this week, we reached the maximum allowable number of 45. Those members are then assigned to committees on various topics (e.g. investment, community relations, Foundation). Within their respective scopes, these committees are kept up to speed on all the work our staff is doing through regular meetings; they advise the staff and serve as ambassadors for our organization around the state. There are also six board members who are asked to serve on the executive committee, along with the president. We meet as an executive committee once a month. The NFL requires each club to have one individual who can make all decisions on behalf of a club without board approval or a shareholder vote. Our bylaws also mandate that the president, CEO and chairman of the board be able to make any unilateral league decision on behalf of the organization. So you can in essence act as one of the 32 owners in league business.
Question from John
Dear Mr. Policy, my name is John Stolz. I live in Bend, Ore., and have been cheering for the GB Packers since about 1963. At that time I remember sitting on my father's lap, him telling me stories about Vince Lombardi while we watched games. A Packer for life.
However, the point of my email is to recognize past presidents of the Green Bay Packers. In 2008, I visited Lambeau for the first time with my son, to watch Brett Favre's last game, NFC Championship against the Giants. On my return to Oregon, while on a layover in Chicago, I met Russ Bogda, an attorney from Los Angeles. We connected and while talking about the Packers he shared he had five season tickets. He also offered to sell me those tickets for one home game annually if I wanted. Starting in 2009, I have been able to attend one game every year, with the exception of Covid. So every year I come to Lambeau and bring 2-3 people who have never been to Lambeau. Slowly I am converting people to the Packers.
Here is the point of my email. Russ's father, Russell W. Bogda, was a prominent businessman in Green Bay. He also was president of the Packers from 1953-57 and research says he was instrumental in securing funding for the new City Stadium, later to be renamed Lambeau Field. This past weekend while at Lambeau I was trying to find a plaque or something showing past presidents of the Packers, hoping to see Russell Bogda. Apparently there isn't anything like that.
I would propose, and love to see, the past presidents recognized in some fashion, a plaque or sign. Further, in a small way to honor Russ Bogda Jr. my friend, I would be happy to help contribute or pay for a plaque. While Russ Bogda Jr. passed away a few years ago, his son/daughter, the grandkids of president Bogda, have continued to show their generosity by sharing their tickets with me. Through the generosity of the Bogda family, I have continued to enjoy Lambeau.
I hope you will consider recognizing all of the men and women who have served as president of the Green Bay Packers with a permanent display at Lambeau Field. Their leadership has been essential to preserving the unique history and success of this franchise. In memory of my friend Russ Bogda Jr., and in appreciation of the generosity his family has shown me over the years, I would be honored to contribute toward the cost of such a project.
Please consider my proposal to help with purchasing a plaque to honor past presidents of the Green Bay Packers as well as yourself. You all are appreciated so much. Thank you. God bless.
John, thanks for the question. That's very thoughtful of you, and I'm glad to hear Russ plays an instrumental role in helping you get tickets to Lambeau each year. Our rich history and tradition are part of what makes the Packers as unique and beloved as we are. Past presidents like Russ played a key role in that history as we moved from City Stadium to Green Bay City Stadium, which later became Lambeau Field. When recently renovating our administrative building, we thought it appropriate to honor our history by making our largest and most prominent boardroom the Presidents Boardroom, where all of our past presidents are recognized on this plaque:
So have no fear, Russ is recognized along with all the presidents of our past who have played an instrumental role in helping the most historic franchise in the NFL survive and thrive. Additionally, in case you missed it, we will be unveiling past president, CEO, and chairman of the board Bob Harlan's name on the facade of Lambeau Field this fall. This is just another example of how we honor the heritage and work of the leaders before us.
Jesse from Colorado Springs, CO
Hello Mr. Policy, what does a normal day to day look for you? In the office and on days off? Do you ever walk by the locker rooms, athletic training office, equipment room, just to look around? My dream is to one day work for the Packers as an athletic trainer, and I know I would be walking around every once in a while to just see everything. Thanks!
Hi Jesse, thanks for your question. Each day in my role is unique and different; it's part of what makes the job so fun. While most days are consumed with any number of football, board of directors, league, or business meetings, when the occasional free moment arrives, I enjoy walking through any number of our state-of-the-art new facilities, be it our administration offices, the new locker room, the newly renovated equipment and training rooms, or honestly just the concourse of Lambeau Field. Nearly every inch of our football and administrative buildings has been renovated in the last three years, and it's amazing to see. It's never lost on me how fortunate I am to get to show up to work every day at easily the most iconic and historic stadium in sports. But the facilities are just part of it. Whether I'm attending practice across the street, or walking through our office space, the opportunity to see my numerous colleagues working hard each day to help the Packers achieve our ultimate goal is inspiring. They wake up every day knowing that if they do their job well, they put the team in a position to do its job well. And when the team does well, we all win.
