Former radio host Eddie White joins Indiana Pacers front office

A familiar face, or rather voice, has joined the Indiana Pacers this month as director of corporate communications.

Radio talk show host Eddie White took his new post Dec. 20, and promises to ratchet up corporate outreach for the blue and gold. He will report directly to Pacers Vice President of Corporate and Public Relations Greg Schenkel.

From 2008-2009, White co-hosted an afternoon drive-time talk show on WFNI-AM 1070, with Indianapolis Star sports columnist Bob Kravitz. That duo was later replaced by John Gliva, known by his on-air handle, JMV.

After he was pulled from his regular show, White stayed on part time with the local Emmis Communications Corp.’s sports-talk radio station, and while Emmis Market Manager Charlie Morgan said he expects White to continue part time, White said his No. 1 priority is the Pacers.

“I don’t think I’ll do the radio anytime soon,” White said. “My focus is with the Pacers. I’m amped up about this, and there’s a lot of work to be done.”

White

Though White may be best known for the nearly three years he’s been on the air, he has a longer history working behind the scenes on behalf of teams and sports properties.

During the early part of his career, White worked for one of the best-known collegiate sports marketers, University of Notre Dame Sports Information Director Roger Valdiserri.

White also worked as director of public relations and marketing for the Miami Dolphins before embarking in 1989 on a 20-year career with Logo 7, which morphed several times before being acquired by Reebok. At Reebok, White was the liaison between the company and all 32 of its National Football League team clients.

White said he will work closely with the Pacers’ corporate partners, but also has plans to work with Pacers marketer Conrad Brunner on improving the team’s website.

White has some history with the Pacers and basketball. His wife’s parents have been season-ticket holders since 1967. White’s grandfather was a longtime basketball coach, working with the likes of former University of Iowa and USC coach George Raveling and Bob Knight mentor Clair Bee.

“This is a dream job for me,” White said. “Working for a team I love in a sport I love. My feet haven’t touched the ground in a week.”