Muhammad Ali Center Head to Step Down

Fox Resigning Due to Family Issue – Ali Center to Conduct National Search for Replacement

LOUISVILLE, KY – Michael J. Fox, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Muhammad Ali Center, announced his intent to resign from the Center effective Jan. 5, 2008.  Fox, who has been with the Center since October 2000, is stepping down due to the declining health of his wife, Jean, who has been suffering from a chronic condition for several years.  Following his departure from the Center, Jean and Mike Fox will return to Phoenix, Arizona, to be closer to their family.

“This has been a difficult decision,” said Michael Fox.  “My tenure with the Muhammad Ali Center has been an incredible journey, and one that I’ll forever be proud of and appreciative for the opportunity.  We’ve made an amazing transformation in this community, not only structurally with the construction of the Muhammad Ali Center, but by teaching the guiding principles the Center is founded on -- those of Muhammad Ali.  I’ve been fortunate to have the privilege of working with a great and dedicated board of directors, staff, volunteers, Metro Louisville and state officials, and most importantly being guided by the vision and values of both Lonnie and Muhammad Ali.”

“While Mike has played a critical role in establishing the Ali Center as a global destination point, and a prominent part of the Louisville community, he has also become a close friend to both Muhammad and me,” said Lonnie Ali.  “We will always be grateful to Mike for his tireless work at the Center and for his ability to interpret Muhammad’s vision of what we and others wish this world could be.  Moving forward and building on the momentum that Mike has established is the best way we can express our gratitude for all of his incredibly significant contributions to the Muhammad Ali Center.”

The Center has begun an immediate search for a successor.  A search committee has been formed consisting of several board members, including Lonnie Ali.  It will be co-chaired by Marc Morial, President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Urban League, and Ina Brown Bond, Chairman Emeritus of the Muhammad Ali Center and a driving force behind its success.

“Mike Fox has done a superb job, and we thank him for his enormous dedication and results,” said Jonathan Blum, Chairman of the Board, Muhammad Ali Center.  “He and his team have created a world-class institution, and I’m pleased he is leaving us stronger than ever.  We will end this year with a balanced budget for the second straight year.  This is quite an accomplishment for any new organization, and it speaks both to the enormous popularity of the Center, and to the accomplishments of the Center’s Staff and extraordinary Board of Directors and the generosity of its many donors, both here and around the world.  I am grateful Mike has agreed to continue to stay involved with the Ali Center in some capacity going forward, and his departure is fully understandable given his personal circumstances.  We wish his family and him all the best as they relocate to their hometown in Phoenix.  We plan to capitalize on his passion, dedication and expertise as we take the Muhammad Ali Center to the next level of success.”

“Mike Fox has left an indelible impression on Louisville,” said Ina Brown Bond, Chairman Emeritus of the Muhammad Ali Center Board of Directors.  Not only has he contributed to downtown Louisville’s development, with the striking view of the Ali Center, but he has set the tone for generations to come in terms of how the Center will continue to translate Muhammad’s message of hope, understanding, and respect.  The Muhammad Ali Center will always be grateful to Mike for his leadership, wisdom, enthusiasm, and most of all, kindness as he joined with us to work toward creating a better world.”

During his 7-year tenure, Fox not only headed up the Center’s fundraising and administrative duties, but also led the Center from concept to completion and ultimately its grand opening in November 2005.  Fox also created program partnerships with the University of Louisville, the Jefferson County Public Schools, and other community and special interest groups from around the world.  Since 2000, the Center has raised $87 million for capital, endowment and operating expenses.  The Center currently has 27 full-time employees, 5 part-time staff, and 88 active and trained volunteers.

Fox joined the Ali Center as president and chief executive officer in October 2000.  Prior to joining the Center he was president and chief executive officer of the Museum of Northern Arizona and the H.S.

Colton Research Center in Flagstaff.  Since 1980 he has held various leadership positions at several museums and educational institutions primarily in the American Southwest, including the Behring/Hoffman Educational Institute at the University of California at Berkeley, and The Heard Museum of Native Cultures and Art.  Throughout his career Fox has fostered formal collaborations with school districts, public and private institutions and universities throughout the country.

Fox received his bachelor of science degree in communications and a master of art degree in management. He and his wife have three children and three grandchildren.