California Commission Names Executive Officer

The California State Athletic Commission has a new Executive Officer and his name is George Dodd.

SACRAMENTO – The California State Athletic Commission (CSAC) has named George Dodd as its new Executive Officer.

 

Dodd, 40, most recently served as program manager for Washington state’s Department of Licensing’s Professional Athletics Division, where he has been regulating professional boxing and mixed martial arts.

 

He has been involved in combat sports for the last 31 years, as either a participant or an official.

 

“The Athletic Commission will continue to make great progress under the direction of its new executive officer, George Dodd,” said DCA Director Brian Stiger. “His background and his leadership skills will be of immense value to the Commission as boxing and mixed martial arts continue to grow in popularity and attendance in California.”

 

Dodd, a native of Washington state, began wrestling when he was nine years old. After high school, he joined the United States Navy, retiring in 2007 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer after 20 years of service. While in the military, George was involved in wrestling either as a participant or as an official for the sport. He has been a high school wrestling official for the past 17 years in Naples, Italy, San Diego, and in Washington state. He then began working for the state of Washington’s Department of Social and Health Services before moving to that state’s Department of Licensing.

 

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve at the Athletic Commission,” said newly-minted Executive Officer George Dodd. “I look forward to furthering the progress initiated by interim Executive Officer Dave Thornton and his staff.”

 

In his spare time, Dodd is very dedicated to promoting youth sports and is also an avid softball player. He and his family will reside in Sacramento.

Payout Perspective:

The CSAC has been in a state of disarray since its former Executive Officer Armando Garcia resigned in late 2008. His temporary replacement, Bill Douglas, then left shortly thereafter to pursue a lateral position in government; and, at about the same time, the CSAC let go its Chief Athletic Inspector Dean Lohuis.

It’s tough to assess Dodd’s capabilities without more information on his background, but regardless he’ll have his hands full. Payout friend Josh Gross has intimated that, of the four men considered, Dodd has the most regulatory experience (including knowledge of MMA).