Bobby Parente, the New York Jets' senior vice president of programming and media production and a self-described 38-year "lifer" who came aboard when Joe Namath was still the franchise quarterback in the Seventies, is leaving the team full-time but is remaining in the Jets family by moving into a role as a consultant to the organization on a number of strategic initiatives.
"I've made many great friends throughout football and sports," Parente told newyorkjets.com this evening. "I look forward to helping the organization as a consultant going forward."
Neil Glat, who took over the president's reins in April, informed the organization of Parente's decision this afternoon.
"Bob's contributions have been extensive, and his impact has been tremendous," Glat said. "He will clearly be missed both professionally and personally. During his outstanding career, Bob has overseen or worked closely with almost every department and has been involved with most Jets' business matters. His legacy will be multi-fold, and will include his outstanding business judgment, subject matter expertise, wisdom, trusted counsel, leadership, and upbeat personality. He has shaped the careers of many Jets' and NFL executives, and he has been a great friend to many."
Parente, who served as interim executive vice president of the Jets after Matt Higgins left the club in January, has managed broadcasting, multimedia production, game operations and special events. Over the years he has worked closely with SNY and WCBS-TV Channel 2 on the Jets' Emmy Award-winning television shows and has been the executive producer responsible for the Jets' radio broadcasts on 1050 ESPN New York and previously simulcast on 77 WABC. He served as executive director of business operations from 1993-2001.
Parente has been a Jets season ticket holder since 1964, began working for the Green & White as a summer intern in 1984, and has been to every home game since the age of 9 except when he was attending college. He was a 1977 graduate of Villanova University with a degree in political science and also received his MBA from Pace University in Manhattan in 1983.
