Rays Stadium Czar Michael Kalt Leaving

Just in from the Rays - the team's stadium expert, VP Michael Kalt, is leaving the team after 8 years. Here is the press release from the team:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—Tampa Bay Rays Senior Vice President of Development and Business Affairs Michael Kalt will depart the team to lead a New York-based private investment office established by several Rays general partners, the team announced today.

“It’s a very difficult decision to leave an organization as special as the Rays,” said Kalt.  “I’m extremely proud to have been a part of our dramatic turnaround and very excited for the opportunities ahead.”

Since joining the Rays in March 2006, Kalt has led a wide range of business initiatives including the creation of the Rays Card, an industry-leading digital ticketing and stored value platform, the design and construction of the Rays spring training home in Charlotte County and the recent renovations of Tropicana Field.  Kalt has also served as the point person on the Rays’ efforts to build a new ballpark in Tampa Bay.

“Michael’s contributions and leadership during the past eight years have been invaluable to the growth of the Rays organization,” said Rays principal owner Stu Sternberg. “He has influenced and bettered nearly every aspect of our business. His presence and guidance will be sorely missed.”

Kalt came to the Rays after three years in the Bloomberg administration as a senior advisor to the New York City deputy mayor for economic development.  He was previously a management consultant at McKinsey and Company.