Detroit Lions Owner and Chairman Martha Firestone Ford announced today, effective immediately, that Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew have been relieved of their duties. Mrs. Ford has appointed Vice President of Pro Personnel Sheldon White acting general manager to oversee the team’s football operations and Allison Maki interim Chief Operating Officer to oversee the team’s business operations.
White and Maki will report directly to Mrs. Ford.
The 2015 season marks White’s 19th season with the Lions and he was promoted to Vice President of Pro Personnel in 2009. As Vice President of Pro Personnel, White heads a team of personnel scouts that are responsible for evaluating all of the players in the National Football League, including the current Lions roster, and is also in charge of tryouts and visits for potential additional signings. He is involved in all player personnel matters and reports directly to trainers, the media department, equipment managers and finance department regarding personnel transactions. In addition to running all free agent meetings, White is an integral part of the annual draft process.
Originally drafted by the New York Giants in the third round (62nd overall) of the 1988 NFL Draft out of Miami (Ohio) University, White played three seasons in Detroit and was an integral part of the 1991 team that won the NFC Central title and advanced to the NFC Championship game.
As the Lions Senior Vice President, Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Maki oversaw the finance group, human resources and facility operations at the Lions Headquarters and Training Facility in Allen Park. She also assisted in the oversight and management of key business partners, while maintaining her role as an officer for Detroit Lions Charities.
In her previous role, Maki was one of only eight female chief financial officers in the NFL, joining Karen Murphy (Chicago), Kelly Flanagan (Jacksonville), Christine Procops (New York Giants), Jeanne M. Bonk (San Diego), Cipora Herman (San Francisco), Karen Beckman (Seattle) and Jenneen Kaufman (Tennessee).
STATEMENT BY DETROIT LIONS OWNER AND CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD MARTHA FIRESTONE FORD
“I’m glad to be here and able to give you a statement about leadership changes our Family has made today at the Lions.
“Earlier today, we informed Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew that they have been relieved of their responsibilities with the team. We thank them both for their many years of service to the team and to our Family.
We are very disappointed with the results of the season so far and believe a change in leadership was necessary.
“On an interim basis, Sheldon White will be the acting General Manager and will report directly to me. On the business side, Allison Maki will be the interim COO and also report directly to me.
“I have informed Coach Caldwell of our decisions. Also, no changes have been made to our coaching staff.
“As of today, we are beginning a national search for the best leadership to manage our team going forward. I want to assure our fans that we intend to identify and hire the very best leadership in order to produce a consistently-winning football team. Our fans deserve a winning football team and we will do everything possible to make it a reality.
“I also want to make it clear that we have no intention of giving up on this season. We expect our team to compete, improve and win. Thank you for your time today.”
