[2] He replaced Kevin McClatchy who purchased the Pirates with a group of investors in 1996 and was the CEO for the next 12 seasons.

Prior to the start of the 2007 season Bob Nutting had taken over as principal owner of the Pirates but said he was comfortable with McClatchy as the CEO.

Midway through the season McClatchy announced his intention to resign and the Pirates began a search for a replacement.

On September 25, 2007 he announced that he had chosen Neal Huntington from the Cleveland Indians organization.

[3] Coonelly was a senior vice president in the Commissioner's Office, where he was in charge of various matters including arbitration hearings and draft bonuses.