Joe Napoli, president and CEO of the Toledo Mud Hens baseball club, Toledo Walleye hockey club and Hensville, has been appointed to The University of Toledo Board of Trustees.
A leader in the Toledo community, Napoli was named by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in February to complete a term ending July 1, 2028. He is completing the remaining years of a term that was previously held by Richard “Dick” Walinski and G. Brent Bishop.
Napoli
Napoli’s more than 30-year career in sports began with the Canton Indians and Toledo Mud Hens before he spent several years working for the Chicago Bulls and Detroit Tigers. Under his leadership, the Hens and Walleye continue to rank amongst the Top 10 most popular teams in minor and major league sports according to Nielsen Research.
“President Holloway and his team have set forth ambitious objectives for The University of Toledo, focusing on providing an exceptional student experience, advancing research that promotes enterprise development, and enhancing health and medical care through impactful research,” Napoli said. “I am honored to help achieve his vision for the University community.”
Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Napoli has been instrumental in the development of Toledo since the 1998 opening of Fifth Third Field. That development has included the Huntington Center, Hensville and the Metroparks, contributing more than $1 billion in investment in downtown.
Napoli was recognized with the Business Pacemaker Award in 2013 from the UToledo College of Business and Innovation, recognizing his successful career, community involvement and outstanding leadership. He also served on the Presidential Profile Committee during the search for UToledo’s 19th President, James Holloway.
Napoli is a board member of the Toledo Museum of Art, ConnecToledo, Major/Minor League Baseball Governance and the ECHL.
