Mark Washo has stepped down as full-time president and general manager of the Washington Freedom to become managing partner of Playbook Management International, a sports and entertainment agency.
Washo will continue day-to-day general manager responsibilities as the Freedom transitions. Washington is also undergoing a transition at the ownership level. A new ownership group was found in order to keep the Freedom in WPS, but it is yet to be revealed to the public.
Washo, who joined the Freedom in March 2009, issued the following statement Tuesday:
“It is with a heavy heart that I am stepping down as full time President and GM of the Washington Freedom. I would like to thank John and Maureen Hendricks for providing me with an exciting two years as President of the Washington Freedom. I would also like to thank Freedom fans, sponsors, staff and players for their ongoing passion and commitment supporting Women’s Professional Soccer. While I will be stepping down from full time responsibilities at an exciting time for WPS, I am committed to remaining as much a resource for Freedom as they want or need in my new capacity with PMI. I will also always be an advocate and supporter of Women’s Professional Soccer.”
Playbook Management International was founded by Michael Hitchcock, former FC Dallas and Pizza Hut Park general manager. Hitchcock and Washo worked together in sales at D.C. United in the late 1990’s.
“I am excited to join Playbook Management International,” Washo said. “Michael and I have shared the same business vision, philosophy and passion since we were first introduced as colleagues at DC United during the early days of Major League Soccer. PMI has seen impressive growth in a short period of time, and we both see tremendous opportunities in the sports and entertainment marketplace.”
PMI has aligned several NASL teams as clients (http://www.playbookmanagement.com/ – scroll to bottom).
