Stephen Bird is the president of the Nashville Predators. He has been in the profession for over two decades and has been given the role of president within the National Hockey League. He is a successful individual with a net worth of $18 million. Stephen Bird’s main goal as president is to get Nashville Predators on the map in North America and focus on player development by allowing them to play at their best in lower levels of professional hockey. In his position, he oversees everything from game day operations down to player contracts and payroll.
- Education
Bird joined the school at Ridley College, a private school in Canada. He was a boarding student and played hockey all four years. He started the school in 1987 and finished in 1991, graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration. He graduated college with a total of four distinctions. In 1991, Bird graduated from Ridley College and joined the Nashville Predators as an intern in their hockey department. He was part of a team that won the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup in 1996 and 1997, leading the newest team in professional sports to a national title. He then became Director of Player Personnel and was responsible for scouting the top American players, which eventually led to his promotion to assistant general manager in 1998.
- Social Involvement
He has helped many charities and continues in his current role as president. He helps with several organizations and foundations, including working alongside local organizations or programs that contribute to youth hockey’s growth, including the Nashville Predators Foundation, which former owner Craig Leipold founded. Bird is also involved with Hockey Fights Cancer for the National Hockey League, where he has been seen at fundraisers and events. He was also a part of the Markin MacPhail Centre for young cancer patients and their families who need help during treatments.
His success has led to some recognitions, including being named one of the top 50 most powerful people in sports by “The Sporting News” in December 2007 and being named one of the 100 Most Influential Minorities in Business by “DiversityInc Magazine” starting in 2007 through 2009. He has shown himself to be a true leader, and with his influence on the Nashville Predators, they are sure to have a successful year. Read more on Financial Times