Buchko Bombers’ new boss

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This article was published 04/01/2012 (5082 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Garth Buchko calls it his dream job.

“This is the greatest opportunity an individual with my skill set could ever want,” the longtime local radio executive told a news conference Thursday morning, as he was introduced as the new president and chief executive officer of the Winnipeg Football Club.

“This is a tremendous brand and something we’re all proud of, but there’s a lot of work to be done.”

Buchko takes over as the club’s 39th president at a critical time in the history of the Blue Bombers, assuming the reins as the team prepares to move into a new stadium on the grounds of the University of Manitoba for the coming season.

Bill Watchorn, chairman of the Bombers board, said construction on the new stadium is proceeding on budget and on schedule and an exhaustive North America-wide search — which identified 75 candidates — pointed to Buchko as the ideal person to take over the club at this time.

“He’s a proven quantity. He’s got extensive senior management experience. He’s a customer-focused individual. He’s (with) a very highly successful, results-based organization currently. And he’s a great community guy,” Watchorn said after the news conference.

Buchko has been the general manager of ratings powerhouse CJOB, as well as Power 97 and Groove FM, for the past 16 years, and is also active in local charities, including being the founder and chair of Hunger for Hope for Winnipeg Harvest.