Catskill native named COO of Albany Empire

ALBANY — The Albany Empire announced Thursday that former Vice President of Business Operations, George Manias, has been named Chief Operating Officer of the Albany Empire.

Since the team’s inception in the fall of 2017, the Catskill native has overseen day-to-day business operations of the Empire. The move was imminent as Empire President, John Adams, has taken on an active role with the League office as the President of the Arena Football League.

In his new role, Manias will continue to oversee the day-to-day business operations and will now also oversee football operations along with all aspects of running the Albany Empire organization. Manias will also take a larger role with the Empire’s parent company, Trifecta Sports & Entertainment, who also own the Philadelphia Soul.

“Less than a year ago when I accepted the position to come home to the Capital Region and launch this team, I knew great things where on the horizon. The staff and team we put together last season was just the start of ‘Building this Empire.’ I couldn’t be prouder of the accomplishments in our inaugural season, but now, my new role gives me the ability to fully lead this franchise and continue the rise of the Empire. We have unfinished business as we enter the 2019 season and are solidifying ourselves to be a part of this community for a long time to come,” Manias said.

Under Manias’ leadership, Albany was able to put together and execute a plan to launch an Arena Football franchise in just six months prior to the 2018 season. During his tenure, he and Adams assembled a football staff that led the league in wins and earned the top seed in the AFL playoffs in the team’s inaugural season.

The team dominated all season long, leading the league with 12 players named to either First or Second Team All-Arena. The Empire racked up the regular season awards as the organization boasted the league’s: MVP, Offensive and Defensive Players of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Wide Receiver of the Year, Offensive and Defensive Linemen of the Year, Athletic Trainer of the Year and Equipment Manager of the Year.

“George was in large measure responsible for a very successful launch of the Albany Empire,” said Dan Nolan, local Albany Empire owner. “His commitment to the team and to the Capital Region, combined with his energy and experience, make him the perfect choice to be our COO.”

Off the field, Manias was responsible for hiring, training and developing a front office staff in quick fashion.

The staff claimed the league’s best average attendance, the league’s best gameday fan experience and an organization that remains influential and active within the Capital Region community. For players, staff, partners, fans, and the region, Manias was an integral part in making Albany’s return to the AFL such a great success and one of the premier organization’s in the league.

As the League looks to expand, Albany has set the bar for the level of success an expansion team can accomplish.