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Click Here to listen to the Packers' press conference introducing Mark Murphy as team President and CEO

Click Here to read the Packers' press release announcing Murphy's election

The Packers Board of Directors has unanimously voted to confirm Mark H. Murphy as the team's new President and Chief Exeutive Officer.  Packers Chairman of the Board Bob Harlan will continue to lead the organization through the 2007 season (including any playoff games), and Murphy will assume the title of President and CEO-elect on January 1st, 2008.

"[Murphy] has an excellent background and record of success n the business of athletics, and through his NFL playing career brings a great understanding of our game to his position," Harlan said in a statement.  "He'll be an outsanding leader for our franchise and a great addition to our community.  We're delighted to have Mark join us."

Murphy, 52, was an All-Pro safety with Washington Redskins from 1977 to 1984, during which time he earned an M.B.A. in finance from American University by attending night classes during seasons and full-time in the offseason. 

After he retired from the gridiron, Murphy served as assistant executive director of the NFL Players Association.  In 1988, he earned a law degree from Georgetown University and served as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice for four years.

Murphy left in 1992 to become Colgate University's athletic director, and has been Northwestern University's athletic director since 2003.

However, as he readily admitted in a press conference on Monday, he's not without his flaws.

"I hopped on the Bears bandwagon last year, went to both playoff games at Soldier Field," he said with a laugh. "But I want to assure you that I have seen the error of my ways."

Murphy's unfortunate rooting choices notwithstanding, his hiring has been praised throughout the league.

"Mark is an extremely talented administrator who will serve the Packers and the entire Green Bay community with distinction and class," said NFL commissioner Roger Gooddell.  "He brings an important blend of experiences to the job, so many of which touch on issues that we will be dealing with in the future."

"Based on eight seasons with the Redskins, Mark has a deep respect for the history of the league, its players and coaches.  He understands the impact of a franchise on its community and the importance of players and coaches meshing with their local fan bases.