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Tampa Sports Authority Director Resigns Under Fire

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By CHRISTIAN M. WADE | The Tampa Tribune

Published: March 16, 2009

Updated: 03/16/2009 05:53 pm

HENRY SAAVEDRA

TAMPA - Henry Saavedra has resigned as director of the Tampa Sports Authority.

Saavedra, 56, offered his resignation this afternoon during a meeting of the 11-member board of directors, which was expected to consider a proposal from Board Chair Vincent Marchetti to fire the longtime executive director.

Marchetti proposed terminating Saavedra's contract, arguing that he has over the past year failed to inform board members about a lawsuit, possible investment losses and other pressing issues facing the taxpayer-subsidized sports organization.

"I like Henry personally," Marchetti said. "I just don't think he's the right person for the job anymore."
The board voted 6 to 5 accept his resignation.

Under the terms of his resignation, Saavedra will get $171,871, which includes 26 weeks of severance pay and accrued vacation and sick time and deferred compensation. He has been with the authority for 24 years of service, 12 as director. He is paid $205,000 a year with benefits.

The TSA manages Raymond James Stadium and three city golf courses and the board is made up of appointees from the city and county and one appointed by the governor.
His resignation is effective April 1.

Saavedra's supporters, including several members of the board, said the move to oust him smacked of "backroom politics" by county appointees, including Hillsborough Commissioner Jim Norman, who want to exert more control over the sports authority.

"This is a blatant political power move," said Ed Erickson, who spoke in support of keeping Saavedra.
The board named Mickey Farrell, the TSA's current director of operations, as interim director.

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly identified the person who was named interim director.

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