Randy Cleves

A 33-year veteran of public relations in professional hockey, Randy Cleves was promoted to vice president of communications for the Griffins in July 2023 and is entering his 26th season with the two-time Calder Cup champions. 

In his role, Cleves directs all aspects of public, media and community relations for the Griffins. He founded the Griffins’ award-winning “Put A Lid On It!” bike helmet program for kids in 2004, has served as co-chair for the team’s annual Great Skate Winterfest fundraiser since 2008, and oversees a variety of reading programs and initiatives through West Michigan libraries and schools. The native of Crestview Hills, Kentucky, also serves on the board of directors for the Griffins Youth Foundation and the advisory council for the West Michigan Sports Commission.

Cleves has helped stage numerous high-profile events during his time in Grand Rapids, including the 2017 and 2013 AHL Calder Cup Finals, the 2004 AHL All-Star Classic, four Red Wings Red & White Games (2011, 2003, 2002 and 2000), two NHL preseason games (2001, 1999), ArenaBowl XV (2001), and the 2000 IHL Turner Cup Finals. He also played a key role in the planning of the Griffins’ first-ever outdoor game in December 2013 at Comerica Park in Detroit.

A summa cum laude graduate of the University of Dayton in 1992 with a degree in sport management, Cleves and his department have been recognized with the AHL’s 2023 and 2013 Western Conference Community Service Awards, the league’s 2007 Ken McKenzie Award as the outstanding executive in PR and marketing, and the IHL’s 2001 Eastern Conference and 1998 Western Conference Public Relations Staff of the Year honors.

He and his wife, Colleen, reside in Grand Rapids with their son, Regan, a senior at Central Michigan University.