Here’s your daily update on the staff of the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League): congrats to Chris Allen, the team’s new president/chief operating office.
Allen, who is entering his fourth season with the Smokies, will continue to oversee each department of the organization, while being involved in all ballpark improvements and business development. Doug Kirchhofer relinquishes the president title but will continue in the role of CEO and senior member of the club’s management team.
“Chris Allen has done an outstanding job leading the growth and improvement of our organization,” Kirchhofer said. “Assuming the title of president is not only well deserved, but it is consistent with Chris’s responsibilities and a reflection of confidence by the Smokies’ ownership.”
Allen joined the Southern League member as the team’s vice president and chief operating officer in 2013. His arrival coincided with the acquisition of the Smokies by prominent Knoxville businessman Randy Boyd and his wife Jenny Boyd. The Boyds have made a strong commitment to improving both the ballpark facilities and the fan experience. Ballpark renovation and additions, staff development and revenue growth are all priorities successfully managed by Allen in his role as chief operating officer. During his tenure, the Smokies have seen improvements in all areas of the organizations including record revenue growth.
The Cubs’ Double-A affiliate has seen $2 million in stadium improvement projects completed since 2013. The club was named the 2014 Don Mincher Organization of the Year by the Southern League and selected 2015 Attraction of the Year by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association. The Smokies have a head start on the 2016 season, as the ballpark is currently undergoing further improvements to the group outing areas, most notably expansion of the popular “Calhoun’s at the Yard” picnic pavilion beyond the left-field fence.