Dean Spanos

Dean Alexander Spanos (born May 26, 1950, in Stockton, California) is the team president and CEO of the National Football League's San Diego Chargers franchise, in which his father, owner Alex Spanos, purchased majority interest in 1984.

Early life, education and career
Raised in Stockton, California, Spanos earned varsity letters in football and golf at Lincoln High School (CA) in Stockton. Dean received the Lincoln High Hall of Fame Award, which honors alumni whose contributions and accomplishments are representative of the school. He was recognized for his achievements in the areas of business and athletics. Dean continued his golfing career at the University of the Pacific in Stockton, California. He graduated in 1972 with a degree in business administration. He maintains close ties with his alma mater, having served as a regent at the University. Spanos became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chargers early in 1994. That same year San Diego’s team rose to the ranks the of NFL elite teams with its most memorable season in team history when it took the community of San Diego for a thrilling ride all the way to Super Bowl XXIX. Under Spanos's watch as team president, the Chargers won 79 games during the last seven seasons (2004-10). That includes three playoff wins and five AFC West titles (2004, 2006-09). Only three teams have won more games during that span.

Spanos became President and Chief Executive Officer of the Chargers early in 1994. That same year San Diego’s team rose to prominence in the NFL with its most memorable season in team history when it took the community of San Diego for a thrilling ride all the way to Super Bowl XXIX.

Honors, awards
Among the many honors Spanos has received include the Harold Leventhal Community Service Award, the top award of the Huntington's Disease Society of America, which was presented to Spanos and wife Susie in 2011 by the national board for their generosity. Spanos also recently earned the unique distinction of being a second-generation recipient of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor, accepting the award 16 years after his father was similarly honored. The award recognizes distinguished Americans for their commitment to freedom, diversity and opportunity.

Spanos was inducted into the DeMolay International Alumni Hall of Fame in 2002. DeMolay International is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful and productive lives.

In 2001, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum presented Dean and Susie with their Community Champions Award, the Hall's most prestigious award.

Family and personal life
Dean and Susie, his wife of 35 years, reside in La Jolla, California. Susie received one of San Diego's most prestigious awards in 2001 when she was honored as a "Woman of Dedication" by the Salvation Army. She also has been named the Woman of the Year by the San Diego Leukemia Society for her philanthropic work in the community. Susie is active in and on the board of many charitable organizations in San Diego, including the Campanile Foundation at San Diego State University; the San Diego Women's Foundation, and is an advisory member of Las Patronas. She has been a driving force in supporting the San Diego Blood Bank and its umbilical cord blood program, helping the Chargers' annual blood drive become one of the most successful in the nation.

The Spanos's eldest son, Alexander Gus (July 2, 1978), is a graduate of the business school at the University of Southern California. A.G. is the Chargers' director of marketing programs & business development. Prior to joining the Chargers fulltime, he worked in the NFL Europe's office in London and at the NFL office in New York. As a freshman, he attended Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, where he was a member of the football team. In high school he received six varsity letters as a two-sport athlete (basketball and football) at La Jolla Country Day School.

Second son John Dean (born Nov. 7, 1979), graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in business in 2002. He worked as an intern in the NFL's Management Council office in New York during the 2002 season and joined the Chargers' scouting department in 2003 as a pro and college scout. He is in his seventh year with the Chargers' organization, mostly in the department, and he also spent two years working at the league office in New York.