The Washington Commanders have embarked on a significant new chapter, unveiling Mark Clouse as their new team president. Clouse, who will assume his duties in late January, brings a wealth of leadership experience and a diverse professional background, which the franchise hopes will propel them into an era of growth and development, both on and off the field. His appointment follows the departure of Jason Wright, who led the Commanders from 2020 until stepping down over the summer of 2023.
A Tested Leader with Military Roots
Mark Clouse has a distinguished history that begins at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, where he not only pursued rigorous academic and leadership training but also played collegiate basketball. After his graduation, Clouse served an extensive six-and-a-half-year stint as a helicopter pilot in the United States Army, attaining the rank of captain. This blend of academic, athletic, and military experience has helped shape a leadership style that emphasizes discipline, strategic thinking, and team cohesion.
Transitioning to civilian life, Clouse embarked on a 15-year career with Kraft Foods, where he excelled in various management roles, eventually rising to become President of North America at Mondelēz in 2012. His ascent continued as he took on the role of chief commercial officer at Mondelēz. In 2019, he became the president and CEO of the Campbell's Company, a position that further honed his executive skills and strategic insight.
A Vision for the Future
As the newly appointed president of the Washington Commanders, Clouse is poised to leverage his extensive executive experience in steering the franchise towards new goals. His collaboration will include working closely with ownership and key personnel, including Adam Peters and Dan Quinn, to not only improve on-field performance but also enhance the team's impact in the community.
In expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Clouse stated, "I am incredibly grateful to Josh Harris and the Washington Commanders ownership group for the opportunity to lead this iconic franchise into a new chapter of growth." His commitment to excelling in this position reflects his dedication to the team's passionate fanbase. "The Commanders' passionate fanbase, which has stood by this team for decades, deserves nothing less than our unwavering commitment to excellence," Clouse added.
Commitment to Community and Culture
Owner Josh Harris shared his thoughts on Clouse's appointment, underscoring the alignment in their vision for the franchise. "Mark shares our commitment to using the power of the Commanders franchise to bring people together," said Harris, indicating a common goal of uniting fans and fostering community spirit.
The Washington Commanders are aiming to enter a new phase, one that not only focuses on reclaiming competitive ground in the league but also galvanizes their standing as a unifying force for their fans. Under Clouse's leadership, the franchise is expected to explore fresh approaches and innovative strategies to meet these objectives.
As Clouse prepares to step into his new role, the Commanders and their community are hopeful that his experienced guidance will harness the passions of the franchise's storied past and pave the way for a dynamic future.