Buffalo Bills: Bruce Popko and Erica Muhleman Promoted by PSE
By Ryan Brennan
Bruce Popko and Erica Muhleman recently received promotions by Pegula Sports & Entertainment, the holding company for the Buffalo Bills.
The Buffalo Bills‘ front office didn’t see as many changes as fans were hoping for, but there were a few moves made. Earlier we talked about what Derek Boyko will bring as VP of Communications, but with Bruce Popko and Erica Muhleman the Bills know what they’re getting.
Popko joined the Buffalo Bills in 2009 as the team’s senior VP of Business Development fter previously spending time with IMG (a sports marketing firm) and the Cleveland Browns. He made the transition to Pegula Sports &a Entertainment when the Pegula bought the Buffalo Bills.
Bruce Popko will now hold the position of Chief Opperating Officer where he will oversee the daily operations of all properties owned by PSE — Buffalo Bills, Buffalo Sabres, Buffalo Bandits, Rochester Americans and Black River Entertainment.
"“It’s humbling to receive an opportunity with this level of responsibility and I am honored to be entrusted by the Pegulas and Russ,” Popko said. “PSE has grown into an organization that oversees four sports franchises, operating in three venues, along with HarborCenter and a myriad of additional properties. With the help of PSE’s unparalleled resources, I am eager to begin management of this complex collection of entities and help maximize their operation.”"
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Muhleman also joined the Bills in 2009 before being named the VP of Corporate Partnerships in 2016. She has been promoted to Executive VP of Business Development — the same position previously held by Popko.
"“The rapid growth of our first class organization has created numerous opportunities for PSE and our partners to make a tremendous effect on the local community,” Muhleman said. “I greatly appreciate the confidence the organization has shown in me to further our impact as we continue to accelerate relationships with our partners across all PSE entities. It is an honor to join PSE’s executive leadership team and to help our organization continue its growth.”"
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Kim Pegula, who is CEO of Pegula Sports & Entertainment, had a lot to say about Erica Muhleman and Popko’s contributions:
"“Since launching PSE almost three years ago, our business operation has grown considerably,” Kim Pegula said. “Bruce and Erica have both been instrumental in the merging of many aspects of the Bills and Sabres business operations, along with HarborCenter and the many additional entities under our umbrella. We are going to rely on their experience to help identify future needs and orchestrate the expansion of our operation going forward.”"
As of right now, the executive team for PSE is as follows:
Kim Pegula – CEO
Russ Brandon – Managing Partner, President
Bruce Popko – Chief Operating Officer
Frank Cravotta – EVP of Creative Services
Chuck LaMattina – EVP of Finance
Mark Preisler – EVP of Media & Content
Brent Rossi – EVP of Marketing & Brand Strategy
Erics Muhleman – EVP of Business Development
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