By Terry Lefton, Editor-At-Large
Jets Senior VP/Sales & Marketing LEE STACEY is leaving the team after 5 ½ years. Yesterday was his last day with the NFL team. “This has been a great job and I‘ve had a great staff to work with,” said Stacey. The Jets and Giants are building a $1.4B, 82,200-seat stadium, scheduled to open in 2010. For a sales and marketing pro to resign with a new stadium on the docket is unusual, but Stacey said he wants to do new things. “I want challenges beyond sales and marketing management, I want to expand my capabilities and build something new,” he said. An e-mail announcing his departure to Jets staffers noted that the team had a 500% increase in corporate revenue growth during Stacey’s tenure. As for the future? “I’m a free agent for now,” said Stacey. At the Jets, Senior VP/Public Affairs MATT HIGGINS becomes Senior VP/Business Operations and assumes Stacey’s sales responsibilities, now overseeing marketing, sales, broadcasting and PR. Jets Senior VP/Finance THAD SHEELY will take over sales and marketing for the Jets’ side of the Giants/Jets stadium venture.