Sheila Ford Hamp
Sheila Firestone Ford Hamp (born 1951)[1] is the principal owner and chairperson of the Detroit Lions and had been the vice chairperson since 2014.[2] She succeeded her mother Martha Firestone Ford on June 23 2020.[3] She graduated from Yale University in 1973 where she played varsity tennis.[4] Hamp has an MA in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University.[1] Hamp serves on the NFL’s Super Bowl and Major Events Committee.[5]
Sheila Ford Hamp | |
|---|---|
| Born | Sheila Firestone Ford 1951/1952 (age 68–69) Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Yale University (BA) Boston University (MA) |
| Occupation |
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| Spouse(s) | Steve Hamp |
| Parent(s) |
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Early life and education
Sheila Ford was born to parents William Clay Ford Sr. and Martha Firestone Ford in 1951. She earned a bachelor's degree from Yale in 1973, where she was among the first class that included women. She received a master's degree in teaching and early childhood education from Boston University.[4]
Tennis
Ford competed in tennis while at Yale and won a Michigan state championship in high school.[4]
Detroit Lions management role
Ford Hamp has been involved in the management of the Detroit Lions since 2014 when her mother took over the team.[6] In 2015, Ford Hamp was involved in the decision to fire Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew.[4] In 2019, she was involved in the retention of general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia.[7] In 2020, Ford Hamp took over from her mother as principal owner.[6]
Personal life
Ford Hamp is married to Steve Hamp and lives with her husband and three children in Ann Arbor.[4]
References
- Andrew Kahn (2020-06-23). "Sheila Ford Hamp: 5 things to know about the new Detroit Lions owner". mlive. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- "Martha Firestone Ford to step down as principal owner of Detroit Lions". www.detroitlions.com. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- "Lions owner Ford steps down, daughter takes over". ESPN.com. 2020-06-23. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- Evan Petzold (June 23, 2020). "Who is Sheila Ford Hamp? Meet the Detroit Lions' new owner, tennis champion and Yale grad". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- Chengelis, Angelique S. "Meet Sheila Ford Hamp, sports fan, former junior tennis standout, owner of Detroit Lions". Detroit News. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- Dave Birkett (June 23, 2020). "Sheila Ford Hamp replaces mother, Martha Firestone Ford, as Lions owner, chairman". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2020-06-23.
- Dave Birkett (December 18, 2019). "Lions gamble keeping Quinn & Patricia, but Sheila Ford Hamp is reason to believe it may work". Detroit Free Press. Retrieved 2020-06-23.