Chiefs Vice Chairman Jack Steadman to Retire

Jan 30, 2007, 10:00:00 AM

Jack Steadman announced today that he is retiring from his position as Vice Chairman of the Chiefs effective January 31st. Steadman, who has served in a senior capacity with the Chiefs since their founding in 1960, will also step down as chairman of Hunt Midwest Enterprises (HME) at that time.

”Next to my father Lamar, no single person has had a greater impact on the Chiefs organization than Jack Steadman,” Chiefs Chairman Clark K. Hunt said. “For nearly six decades, he has tirelessly supported our family serving as the driving force behind almost every major initiative undertaken in that time. From facilitating the Chiefs move to Kansas City to assisting in the construction of the Truman Sports Complex, and its upcoming renovation, Jack leaves an indelible mark on the Chiefs. We thank him for his outstanding contributions and wish both he and his wife Judy the best in retirement.”

Steadman – the franchise’s first general manager – also served as executive vice president, president, vice chairman and chairman in his 47 years with the Chiefs. He won four championships as general manager including the team’s Super Bowl IV title.

It was Steadman who conceived the dual-stadium idea at the Harry S Truman Sports Complex, which houses Arrowhead and Kauffman Stadiums. At the time of its construction, the complex was recognized as one of the most well-conceived sports facilities in the world.

Keeping with Lamar Hunt’s desire to invest in the Kansas City community, Steadman joined Hunt in the development of Worlds of Fun, a 165-acre family entertainment complex which opened in 1973. In 1982 with Steadman’s guidance, HME Entertainment, Inc. – the parent company of Worlds of Fun – added the 60-acre family water recreation park, Oceans of Fun to the complex.

In addition, Steadman helped found Hunt Midwest Enterprises, which owns and operates the world’s largest underground industrial park and is a residential and commercial real estate developer in Kansas City. HME also owns 50 percent of Hunt Martin Materials, a limestone rock mining company.

“To have the opportunity to work with and for the people of Kansas City in varying capacities over the last 47 years has truly been an honor and one I will always cherish,” Steadman said. “It was a pleasure to work with Lamar on the projects he loved so much, and I thank the entire Hunt family for their friendship and support through the years.”

As chairman of the NFL Employees Benefit Committee and a member of the NFL Investment Committee, Steadman worked to ensure that all employees of the NFL could share in the league’s success. He helped design the comprehensive benefit package NFL employees enjoy today.

In addition to his sports and business endeavors, Steadman worked closely with many civic and non-profit organizations. He is a past chairman, president and campaign chairman of the Heart of America United Way, served as president of the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Civic Council Board of Directors. He is also a past chairman and board member of the Private Industry Council and the Full Employment Council. For his outstanding contributions to the Kansas City business community, Steadman was honored by the Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City as the “Kansas Citian of the Year” in 1988.

Steadman currently serves as a director of the American Royal Association and the Starlight Theatre Association. Steadman is also an Advisory Trustee for Midwest Research Institute.

In 2005, the Chiefs honored Steadman for his many years of service by making him the only club executive other than Lamar Hunt to be enshrined in the Chiefs Hall of Fame. At his induction ceremony, it was Hunt who summarized his impact on the organization. “Jack’s contributions to the American Football League, Arrowhead Stadium and the Chiefs franchise have helped to positively define the sport in Mid-America,” Hunt said.