For more information, contact:
The St. Louis Sports Commission
314-345-5120
mschreiber@stlsports.org

ANHEUSER-BUSCH PRESIDENT DAVID PEACOCK NAMED NEW CHAIR
OF THE ST. LOUIS SPORTS COMMISSION

ORGANIZATION ADDS 12 NEW DIRECTORS TO ITS VOLUNTEER BOARD

            ST. LOUIS – Dec. 21, 2011 – David A. Peacock, president of Anheuser-Busch, is the new chair of the St. Louis Sports Commission.  The Sports Commission’s board of directors elected Peacock to a two-year term effective Jan. 1, 2012.  He will lead the volunteer board of the privately-funded nonprofit organization, whose mission is to make St. Louis a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports.

“I’m honored to chair the Sports Commission and follow in the footsteps of those who have held the position and done so much to help the organization and the region,” Peacock said.  “We’ve seen time and time again how much of an impact sports has on our community, and I’m very proud to be connected to an entity that works so hard to generate economic development and contribute to the quality of life here in St. Louis.  I look forward to helping the Sports Commission continue to attract great events to our community and make the ones we have successful – as well as expanding the organization’s sportsmanship efforts that have such exciting promise and potential.” 

A native of St. Louis, Peacock joined Anheuser-Busch in 1992.  In addition to the Sports Commission, he is affiliated with numerous civic and charitable causes in the region, including the United Way of Greater St. Louis, Saint Louis University, the St. Louis Regional Chamber & Growth Association, the
St. Louis Chapter of the American Red Cross, and St. Patrick Center.

“Dave’s presence on our board and his willingness to serve as chair means so much to the Sports Commission,” said Sports Commission President Frank Viverito.  “We’re grateful for the interest and passion Dave has shown for what we do, and so appreciative for the immense support we have received from Anheuser-Busch over the years.  We remain in great hands and are tremendously excited about the opportunities Dave’s term will bring.”

In addition to Peacock’s appointment, the Sports Commission’s board approved the nominations of the following new directors to three-year terms: Lynn Beall (KSDK-TV president / general manager); Ryan Davis (Bryan Cave LLP partner – Sports, Sponsorship & Event Venue Group); June McAllister Fowler (BJC HealthCare vice president – corporate & public communications); Mark Mantovani (Ansira president / CEO); Rick Meyer (Bellerive Country Club); Karlos Ramirez (Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan St. Louis executive director); Jason Ramthun (Midland States Bank vice president); Jason Riney (Renaissance Financial Corporation financial adviser); Pat Shannon-VanMatre (Mike Shannon’s Steaks and Seafood owner); John Sheehan (CBS Radio senior vice president / market manager); Steve Swan (Pepsi regional sales director); and Jay Williamson (PGA Tour / Huntleigh McGehee).

The Sports Commission’s board also confirmed the appointment of current director Bill Seabaugh, Bryan Cave partner, as the organization’s new secretary.

Peacock succeeds Edward Jones Partner Bob Ciapciak, who served as the Sports Commission’s chair since 2010.  Ciapciak will remain on the organization’s board and executive committee. 

“Bob’s generosity and the support we have received from Edward Jones have been remarkable,” said Viverito.  “In challenging economic and competitive times, Bob provided a steady hand to chart a course to calmer seas.  In his two years as chair, he took tremendous care of the organization and has positioned the Sports Commission well for the years ahead.”

Peacock becomes the Sports Commission’s 11th chair since its inception in 1989.  Previous chairs were: Tee Baur, Harry Morley, Nick Penniman, Joe Farrell, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Walter Lamkin, Doug Albrecht, Scott Schnuck, Shaun Hayes, and Ciapciak.

The Sports Commission focuses on attracting, creating and managing major sporting events for the
St. Louis region – and contributing to its quality of life.  Upcoming Sports Commission events include the USA Cross Country Championships on Feb. 11 in Forest Park; the NCAA Wrestling Championships March 15-17 at Scottrade Center; the NCAA Men’s Basketball Midwest Regional March 23 & 25 at the Edward Jones Dome; the USA Gymnastics Visa Championships June 7-10 at Chaifetz Arena; and the annual National Sportsmanship Awards on Nov. 17 (venue TBA).  The Sports Commission also is working with Bellerive Country Club to support the 2013 Senior PGA Championship and 2018 PGA Championship.  Additionally, the organization’s charitable Sports Foundation / Sportsmanship Initiative hosts its annual St. Louis Youth Sports Summit on Jan. 14 at Maryville University.

To see a list of the organization’s entire board of directors, visit www.stlsports.org/gameplan/board.php.

The St. Louis Sports Commission is the privately funded nonprofit
organization that benefits St. Louis through sports.

Its mission is to make the St. Louis region a better place to live, visit, work and play through sports.

- www.stlsports.org -