David W Checketts

David W. Checketts founded SCP Worldwide (SCP) in September 2001 and currently serves as Chairman. In June 2006 the company acquired the St. Louis Blues of the National Hockey League, Scottrade Center and Kiel Opera House in June 2006 and purchased the Blues AHL affiliate the Peoria Rivermen in July 2008. In 2004, SCP acquired the twelfth Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise launching Real Salt Lake and in October 2008 opened, Rio Tinto Stadium - a 20,000 seat multi-purpose open air facility in Sandy, Utah. In addition, SCP owns Salt Lake City sports-talk radio station KALL700 Sports, has a controlling interest in Running Subway, an entertainment production company, and Tupelo-Honey a heralded media production company. The 53-year-old Mr. Checketts created his sports media company after a successful ten-year career at Madison Square Garden (MSG). As President and Chief Executive Officer for seven years, Mr. Checketts oversaw all operations of one of the most powerful sports and entertainment companies globally, including the "World's Most Famous Arena" and its three sports franchises, the New York Knickerbockers of the NBA, the New York Rangers of the NHL, and the New York Liberty of the WNBA - along with the award winning MSG Network and FOX Sports Network. In 1997, while at his post, Mr. Checketts took on the ambitious acquisition and comprehensive restoration of New York's historic Radio City Music Hall. Although MSG, under his leadership, was awarded with many accomplishments such as being named Arena of the Year for six straight years, the achievement he takes most pride in is the establishment of the MSG "Cheering for Children" foundation which created after school programs for thousands of New York City school children. Mr. Checketts began his career at Madison Square Garden as President of the New York Knicks in March 1991. In the four seasons he served as President, the team finished twice in first place, made it to the Eastern Conference Finals twice and captured the Eastern Conference Champion Title in 1994. In his role as Governor of the Knicks (NBA), Rangers (NHL) and Liberty (WNBA), Mr. Checketts was instrumental in all three leagues development and mission. For the NBA, he was part of both the Planning Committee and the Labor Relations Committee which including being a lead negotiator in the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in 1999. For the WNBA, he was one of the founding partners and served on the League's Operating Committee. Prior to joining the Knicks, Mr. Checketts spent one year as General Manager of NBA International, working with NBA Commissioner David Stern on building a presence for the league in broadcasting and licensing around the world. In 1983, Mr. Checketts was named President and General Manager of the Utah Jazz. At 28 years old, he became the youngest chief executive in the history of the NBA. Mr. Checketts did his undergraduate studies at the University of Utah and earned his MBA from Brigham Young University (BYU) in 1981, where he graduated with top honors. Upon completion of his studies, he joined the Boston based consulting firm, Bain & Company. Mr. Checketts serves on the Board of Directors of JetBlue Airways, International Management Group (IMG) and Republic Mortgage. He plays an active role with each company, serving as the Chairman, Compensation Committee for JetBlue. David Checketts has been a member of our Board of Directors since January 2000. Since 2001, Mr. Checketts has been an independent investor and Chairman of New York-based SCP Worldwide, an investment firm that focuses on sports, media and entertainment assets. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Checketts was President and Chief Executive Officer of Madison Square Garden Corporation. From March 1991 to September 1994, Mr. Checketts was the President of the New York Knicks professional basketball team. From September 1990 to March 1991, he was Vice President of Development for the National Basketball Association. From 1984 to 1990, Mr. Checketts was President of the Utah Jazz professional basketball team.