Mike Savage Joins Annie Duke Poker League

Posted 3/8/11 : Executive tour director for WPT a notable catch
 
The Federated Sports and Gaming Poker League, founded by Annie Duke and Jeffrey Pollack recently  has announced a notable addition to its management team to help run day-to-day event and business operations.
 
Matt Savage who currently serves as executive tour director of the World Poker Tour and tournament director at the Commerce Casino, will add to his portfolio the additional role of tournament director for FS+G.
 
In this position, Savage will help design and manage all league tournaments, including structures, rules, and staff.  A founder of the Tournament Directors Association and the first member inducted into the Poker Room Manager’s Hall of Fame in 2003, Savage has helped evolve the way the poker is played and watched, appearing on Fox Sports Net, ESPN and the Travel Channel.  From 2002-2004, Savage served as Tournament Director of the World Series of Poker.
 
“Matt Savage is one of the most respected and experienced tournament directors in poker,” said Annie Duke, commissioner of the new poker league.  “He is going to be instrumental in creating a very special playing experience for our league members and will work closely with me and our colleagues at the Palms on all of our events.”
 
Katherine “Kat” Kowal has been named vice president of league operations and programming for FS+G and has more than 14 years of experience in sports, entertainment and television.  As an Emmy-award winning television executive, she was one of the first employees at the World Poker Tour and most recently served as vice president of the poker educational company, DeepStacks Live.  Kowal will collaborate with Duke and the Palms Casino Resort on event management, media production and business development for the new poker league.
 
Joanne Priam joins FS+G as director of player relations. Priam has more than 10 years experience in the poker industry and has developed strong relationships with many of the top professional poker players. Priam will help create a service-oriented experience for all league members.
 
“With Kat leading our event management and programming and Joanne focusing on world-class player relations, we are on track for a successful introduction and launch beginning this coming August,” said Duke.