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Mike Priest to Retire As Blue Jackets President; John H. McConnell II to Assume Duties

John H. McConnell II will assume presidential duties for the Blue Jackets and JMAC after Mike Priest retires Sept. 30.

1st Ohio Battery

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 10:30 PM

Key Things to Know

Mike Priest will retire as Columbus Blue Jackets president on September 30.
Priest has served as the franchise's president and alternate governor since 2007.
John H. McConnell II will assume presidential duties for the immediate future.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Mike Priest will retire as president and alternate governor of the Columbus Blue Jackets on September 30, the team announced Wednesday. Priest has served in the presidential role since 2007 and has been affiliated with the franchise and JMAC, Inc. for three decades. John H. McConnell II, chairman of JMAC, Inc., will assume presidential duties for both organizations for the immediate future.

While Priest primarily managed business operations, he recently helped lead the search that hired Don Waddell as president of hockey operations and general manager in 2024. The Blue Jackets have not specified how long McConnell II will retain these duties or detailed plans for a permanent replacement.

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Mike Priest to Retire As Blue Jackets President; John H. McConnell II to Assume Duties

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