Dean Alexander Spanos was born in Stockton, California, and attended the University of the Pacific in Stockton, graduating in 1972 with a degree in business administration. He maintains close ties with his alma mater, having served as a regent at the university.
Mr. Spanos became President of the Chargers early in 1994. That same year the Chargers rose to prominence in the NFL with its most memorable season in team history, taking San Diego for a thrilling ride all the way to Super Bowl XXIX. Mr. Spanos serves as chairman of the NFL’s Business Ventures Committee, which has oversight regarding various league commercial activities, including consumer products, sponsorship, events, marketing and new business initiatives. He also serves on the NFL’s International Committee, Legislative Committee and Management Council Executive Committee.
In addition to his oversight of all business and football operations for the Chargers, he and his brother, Michael, oversee all construction operations nationwide for the A.G. Spanos Companies.
Mr. Spanos was honored in 2006 when President George W. Bush appointed him as a Board of Trustees member of the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Also in 2006, he was the honored recipient of the Golden Achievement Award from the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Diego. In addition that year, Junior Achievement of San Diego honored him for his community leadership and specifically for his support of youth education initiatives by inducting him into its Hall of Fame.
The Warner Award was bestowed on him for his commitment to youth football and its Little Scholars education initiative in 2005. The San Diego Chapter of the National Football Foundation also presented Mr. Spanos with its highest honor, the Distinguished American Award. In 2004, the Police Historical Society presented him with their first Cota Award for community philanthropy and support of law enforcement. Mr. Spanos had the unique distinction of being a second-generation recipient of the renowned Ellis Island Medal of Honor in 2002, 16 years after his father was similarly honored. He was also inducted into the DeMolay International Alumni Hall of Fame in 2002. DeMolay International is an organization dedicated to preparing young men to lead successful and productive lives. In 2001, the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum presented Dean and Susie with its Community Champions Award, the Hall’s most distinguished award. The couple also received the Harold Leventhal Community Service Award in 2003, the top national award of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America.