Gregory J. Slavonic, a senior media executive and retired Navy Rear Admiral, has been named Executive Director of the Jim Thorpe Association. Effective April 2, Slavonic will assume management of the association’s awards and scholarship programs, Thorpe awards and Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame banquets, charity golf events, youth programs and other operations activities.
Lynne Draper, Executive Director of the association since its beginning in 1986, will continue as president and CEO, retaining administrative duties, but concentrating his efforts on completion of the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum. “The Thorpe Association is nationally recognized and impacts many thousands of lives annually with its awards, scholarships and youth programs. But it has only scratched the surface of its potential, and Greg Slavonic is a highly-qualified individual who I am convinced will take this organization to greater and higher levels,” Draper said in announcing the appointment. “We anticipate a two or three year transition period during which Greg will assume full management responsibilities and my role will be reduced to a little consulting and writing.”
Slavonic has over 30 years of experience, both military and civilian, in all phases of media. This includes U.S. and international public relations with emphasis in strategic communications, media relations, public diplomacy, development of special projects, leadership and personnel management/administration. He retired from the United States Navy after serving in Iraq as Multinational Force Director of Public Affairs, responsible for all strategic communications strategies to support U.S. and coalition forces.
His civilian occupation from 1992 until taking over Jim Thorpe operations was with KFOR-TV in Oklahoma City as an account executive responsible for 10% of the station’s total annual gross revenue. Previous employment included general manager of the Oklahoma Gazette, advertising director for the Journal Record, account executive for The Daily and Sunday Oklahoman, and journalism adjunct professor, University of Central Oklahoma.
Governor Brad Henry appointed him chairman of the War on Terror Memorial Design Committee in 2005, and he currently is co-chair of the USS Oklahoma Memorial at Pearl Harbor. He was a general partner of the Oklahoma City Cavalry Professional Basketball Team from 1990-1998, and has served on the Jim Thorpe Association Board of Directors since 2004.
The Jim Thorpe Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity that encourages excellence in sports, academics, health and fitness, and builds pride and positive lifestyles in the spirit of Native American legend Jim Thorpe. The Jim Thorpe Award, presented annually to the nation’s best college defensive back, is the centerpiece of the association’s many projects. The organization’s Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame & Jim Thorpe Museum will preserve Oklahoma’s rich sports heritage and provide an inspirational and educational venue for the state’s youth.