Steve Miller steps down as PBA president and CEO

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SEATTLE - Steve Miller, the President and CEO for the Professional Bowlers Association (PBA), has announced that he will be leaving his position effective immediately. Fred Schreyer, current PBA Commissioner, will succeed Miller as President and CEO.

"This was a difficult decision, but after giving it much thought I decided I needed to move closer to family in the Chicago area and pursue other opportunities," said Miller. "I'll be staying immersed in the business as a member of the Board of Directors. The PBA will always be part of my system and I'll remain actively involved in its affairs."

Miller, 62, joined the PBA in 2000 after he retired from Nike as Director of Global Sports Marketing Relations earlier in the year. In his five years with the PBA, Miller oversaw a dramatic rise in sponsorship, which increased from two sponsors in 2000 to 17 for the 2004-05 PBA Tour season. In addition, average households and ratings for the PBA on ESPN during the 2004-05 season were the highest marks since 2000.

"Like I said in the beginning, I wanted five years to build the PBA business and we've done that. The PBA is in a great position both from financial and personnel standpoints and I'm confident that the business will continue to grow," added Miller. "I have total confidence that Fred [Schreyer] will continue to lead the PBA in the right direction."

Schreyer worked with the PBA in 2000 as its legal counsel before he took over as Commissioner in March 2003. He has over 25 years in the sports industry including Director of Sports Marketing at Nike from 1987-1992 and was the founder of Nike's Sports Management division in 1992.

"I'm going to miss Steve from both a personal and business standpoint. He's led the PBA to substantial growth each and every year and has instilled an optimistic, hard working attitude in the company," said Schreyer. "I'm confident that we have the right team in place to continue the work Steve started."