Tod Leiweke appointed as newest member of WWU Board of Trustees

Gov. Chris Gregoire has appointed Tod Leiweke, CEO of Vulcan Sports and Entertainment – Paul Allen’s management organization for the Seattle Seahawks, Portland Trailblazers and Seattle Sounders FC – to Western Washington University’s Board of Trustees.

"We welcome Tod Leiweke to Western’s Board of Trustees. Tod is recognized as one of the top professional sports executives in the country," said WWU President Bruce Shepard. "As CEO of one of the NFL’s premier franchises, an extremely well-respected NBA organization and one of the country’s top professional soccer franchises, Tod will bring substantial expertise as an accomplished business leader to Western."

Leiweke's term began May 12 and ends Sept. 30, 2015.

"I am honored to serve on the Board of Trustees," Leiweke said. "The university is a rising star and I look forward to working with President Shepard and the other trustees to support the excellence and reputation of one of the finest universities on the West Coast."

Leiweke's time in Seattle has led to great success on the athletic field. Under his leadership in 2005, the Seahawks advanced to its first Super Bowl and were voted the NFL's "fan friendliest" team. The following year, the team sold out of season tickets for the first time since the early 1990s. Leiweke was also instrumental in bringing the Seattle Sounders FC to Qwest Field.

Off the field, Leiweke helped form the "Spirit of 12" partnership, which benefits several non-profit organizations. Leiweke has also served on the boards of the Washington CEO Roundtable and the Space Needle. In addition, Leiweke helped launch the annual Boeing Classic golf tournament, which has raised nearly $3 million for local charities.

Leiweke is originally from St. Louis. He lives on Mercer Island with his wife, Tara, and their two children.