Speaker Series: Nov. 4, 2010: U.S. Consul Kevin Johnson, Maple Leaf Sports VP-COO Tom Anselmi

January 26, 2015

We have two exciting speakers on Nov. 4, 2010.

Kevin Johnson has represented the United States as Consul General in Toronto, Canada since August of 2009. Joining the Foreign Service in 1983, Mr. Johnson served in 8 Embassies in Europe and Latin America as well as in Washington before coming to Canada. Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, an accomplished sports and business leader.

Mr. Johnson served as Deputy Chief of Mission (DCM) in Oslo, Norway from 2006 to 2009, and as DCM in Asuncion, Paraguay from 2003 to 2006. He is a 2003 distinguished graduate of the National War College in Washington D.C. Previously, he served as Counselor of Embassy for Political Affairs in San Salvador from 1999-2002, and Senior Watch Officer in the Department of State’s Operations Center 1998-1999. Mr. Johnson was an American Political Science Association Congressional Fellow, working in the office of Senator Richard Lugar from 1997-98. He also served as a political officer in Helsinki 1994-1997 and in San Salvador 1990-1993 where he covered the end of the Salvadoran civil war and successful peace process. He served earlier in administrative positions in Bonn, Germany and Buenos Aires, Argentina and as a Vice Consul in Bogotá, Colombia. Mr. Johnson holds a Masters in National Security Strategy from the National War College and a Masters in International Affairs from Columbia University. He completed his undergraduate degree in International Studies at American University in Washington, also serving as an intern in the State Department’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs.

Tom Anselmi, Executive Vice-President & Chief Operating Officer, Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.

For Tom Anselmi, winning in sports is everything.  But winning means a lot of things.  It means caring about our fans and exciting them with a competitive team they can be proud of, and by providing great value and hospitality.  It means terrific leadership and inspiring our people to be the best sports and entertainment professionals in the business so they can deliver our fans the experience they deserve. It means being passionate about sports and dedicated to our teams so our players can always be at their best.  And lastly, it means being leaders in the community by unleashing the power of our brands to make our community a better place to live. Tom Anselmi is an accomplished sports and entertainment business leader and has been with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment since 1996.  He is part of the senior leadership team that has grown MLSE into a global leader in the industry.  He was appointed Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer in March 2004, responsible for business operations for the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS) and the Toronto Marlies (AHL).  His key responsibilities include Marketing, Ticket Sales & Service, Corporate Partnerships, Broadcast and New Media, Publishing, Communications, Community Relations and Human Resources as well as team operations for Toronto FC. Tom originally joined Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment as Vice President, Project Director responsible for the overall development of the Air Canada Centre, the critically acclaimed home of the Leafs and Raptors.  His responsibilities included management of the design and construction program, as well as the entertainment programs for the Opening Ceremonies for Air Canada Centre and the Closing Ceremonies of historic Maple Leaf Gardens.  Tom was promoted to Senior Vice President, Business and Chief Marketing Officer in July 1999. Prior to joining the Leafs organization, he was Vice President, General Manager of Arena Operations for Orca Bay Sports and Entertainment in Vancouver.  Tom spent a number of years at Toronto’s SkyDome during the development of the facility and during its initial operating phase, and has consulted on a variety of other sports and entertainment projects internationally.  Prior to SkyDome, Tom had been involved in various other major capital projects across North America. Born in Toronto, Tom received an Engineering Degree from the University of Saskatchewan after receiving a Degree from Ryerson Polytechnical University.  Tom is a registered Professional Engineer, and a member of the Board of Governors of Major League Soccer, and various other business and trade organizations.  Tom is also a recognized community leader and is actively involved with the Team Up Foundation, is Vice Chair of Get Active Toronto, and is on the Board of KidSport Canada.

Date: Thursday, Nov. 4, 2010 Time: 7:00 p.m. Sharp Location: Majestic Boardroom, OMNI Television, 545 Lake Shore Blvd. W (Bathurst & Lake Shore)