October 7, 2008

Bobcats Sports & Entertainment (BSE) President and Chief Operating Officer Fred Whitfield announced today that Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel Jared Bartie and Senior Vice President of Community Relations LaRita Barber have left the organization for executive positions at World Wrestling Entertainment and Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont, respectively.

"Jared and LaRita both have tremendous opportunities with world-class organizations, and we wish them nothing but success in their new endeavors," said Whitfield. "They each played important roles during their tenure with the Bobcats, and their contributions and professionalism will be greatly missed."

Bartie, a former vice president of Team Marketing & Business Operations at the NBA league office, was starting his second season with BSE. A member of the franchise’s senior executive team since his arrival, Bartie served as BSE’s general counsel and managed the company’s finance, human resources and arena operations. He returns to World Wrestling Entertainment as Executive Vice President and General Counsel, having served there earlier in his career.

"I want to thank Bobcats Sports & Entertainment for the opportunity to work here, and I’m confident that the organization is doing everything it can to provide Charlotte with a winning team this coming season," said Bartie.

Barber started with the Bobcats in 2003 and was responsible for the team’s charity and community outreach efforts including programs focused on literacy and education, health and wellness, and fitness and recreation. She was also president of the Bobcats Youth Foundation and executive director of the Charlotte Jumper Classic, helping to grow that event into a world-class equestrian show featuring the largest purse on the domestic Grand Prix circuit. Barber has accepted a senior position with Goodwill here in Charlotte, where she previously served on the board of directors.