The Chicago Bears on Thursday hired Meka White Morris to be their new executive vice president of revenue and chief business officer.
Morris joins the Bears from the Minnesota Twins, with whom she also was an executive vice president and chief business officer.
Morris’ arrival continues a revamping of the Bears executive staff under President and CEO Kevin Warren, whose one-year anniversary with the team is in April. The Bears announced this week that they promoted longtime chief financial officer Karen Murphy to EVP of stadium development and chief operating officer. Corey Ruff was promoted to senior vice president of strategy and analytics and chief of staff.
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The Bears on Friday announced the addition of Tanya Dreesen to be their senior vice president of strategy and global affairs and chief of staff.
Morris’ duties in overseeing the Bears’ business operations will include managing corporate partnerships, optimizing revenue streams, leading strategic planning initiatives to further grow the Bears financial health, driving innovation and implementing best practices across units, the Bears said in a statement.
“Meka is a passionate, transformative leader who will have a massive and positive impact upon the Chicago Bears,” Warren said in a statement. “Meka has developed an industry reputation of building strong relationships in an organic manner, leading teams to success built upon integrity, creating an environment of accountability, and driving revenue in a creative and transparent manner. Meka is hardworking, curious, innovative, bright, and we are thrilled to welcome her to the Chicago Bears.”
A Boston native, Morris began her career as a ticket sales account executive for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2004. Before the Twins, she worked for the Oakland Raiders, Charlotte Bobcats (now Hornets), Learfield, Legends Hospitality, Live Nation Entertainment, ISM Connect and Tappit.
The Bears hired Ruff in 2016 to help build their business analytics department. He previously worked for the NBA’s team marketing and business operations department.
“Corey is a rare talent who has a phenomenal work ethic,” Warren said in a statement. “This expanded role reflects the tremendous contributions he has made to our organization and the trust I have in Corey that he will continue to impact our franchise in a unique and exceptional manner. His data-driven insights and strategic acumen have been instrumental in providing guidance as we continue to drive excellence, growth and success.”
Dreesen previously was the Minnesota Vikings vice president of partnership activation, events and special projects. She spent 15 years with the Vikings and before that was the vice president of marketing and major accounts for the Denver Post and Rocky Mountain News. She also worked for the Minneapolis Star Tribune, Toronto Sun and Toronto Star.
The Bears said in a statement that Dreesen’s experience in global affairs will aid the team as it tries to expand its international reach, including in the United Kingdom and Spain. Warren, who worked with Dreesen for more than a decade in Minnesota, also noted in a statement her experience on the Vikings’ U.S. Bank Stadium project.
“Tanya’s exceptional work ethic, wisdom and visionary leadership, combined with her deep
understanding of global affairs and strategic vision, will positively impact the Chicago Bears,” Warren said. “Tanya also brings a wealth of knowledge regarding implementing a practical and impactful strategic vision along with a powerful scorecard from a stadium development perspective.”