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NFL’s Arizona Cardinals Appoints Chief People Officer from Search by Hanold Associates

CHICAGO (Feb. 17, 2021) ― The Arizona Cardinals Football Club, the oldest continuously run professional football franchise in the nation, has appointed Kelly Jones as its Chief People Officer. Hanold Associates’ Jason Hanold, Keri Gavin and Katrina Prospero led the search.

Jones comes to the Cardinals from Aramark where he held various HR leadership roles during his tenure, culminating as SVP, Human Resources & Diversity. He previously worked in similar roles with Lockheed Martin and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals.

As Chief People Officer for the Cardinals, Jones will report directly to the team owner and president, Michael Bidwill, and oversee all HR operations throughout the company. He will establish and deliver a strategy that creates a world-class environment for the organization, enhancing a strong culture based on the Cardinals’ mission, vision and core values. Jones will also lead all programs and initiatives involving workplace diversity, equity and inclusion. Additionally, he will act as a liaison for the Cardinals within the community on a variety of civic initiatives.

“Kelly is a very special person and phenomenal executive who possess the perfect blend of leadership, wisdom and experience,” said Keri Gavin, Hanold Partner. “Kelly and Michael Bidwill have fostered a strong relationship through this fast-moving process, and Kelly will be a trusted advisor to Michael and the team. We know Kelly will have a profound and lasting impact on both the Cardinals and the Greater Phoenix area. We can’t wait to see the immediate impact he’ll have on the lives of many!”

The Arizona Cardinals are one of the National Football League’s 32 teams that compete each year to win the Super Bowl, the world’s biggest annual sporting event. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the Cardinals play at the impressive State Farm Stadium, which hosts 63,400 fans each game. The team has won five division titles, the most recent being in 2015. During the 2008-2009 NFL season, the team won the NFC Championship en route to an appearance at Super Bowl XLIII. With a 5-0 record, the Arizona Cardinals are the only NFL team that has not lost a playoff game at its home stadium.