NFL Panthers COO TINA BECKER has "blazed an unlikely career path" -- from team cheerleader nearly 20 years ago to now running the franchise -- but has "kept a low profile in Charlotte’s executive circles," according to Anna Douglas of the CHARLOTTE OBSERVER. Becker has "worked closely" with JERRY RICHARDSON and "ran the owner’s office for three years." Hornets investor and NASCAR team co-Owner FELIX SABATES, who is mulling a bid with investors to buy the Panthers, said that he "hadn’t heard Becker’s name" until Richardson in December named her COO. Other execs with close ties to the Panthers also said that they have had "no working experience with Becker." She was named the team’s Entertainment Dir in '12 and tasked with "overseeing fan engagement" and special features at Bank of America Stadium. Then, Becker in '14 was promoted to Exec Dir of the owner’s office. The Panthers media guide released in the preseason noted Becker collaborates with Richardson in "executing the organization’s business and administrative priorities." It is "unclear the specific role she has played in the Panthers’ business operations." Most mentions of her work with the Panthers are on the "entertainment or operations side of the game" (CHARLOTTE OBSERVER, 1/14).
