Early life McDonough is a lifelong Chicago area resident, graduating from Notre Dame High School in Niles, Illinois before matriculating to St. Mary's University in Winona, Minnesota. McDonough and his wife Karen are parents of three children: Colleen), Ryan and Michael. [edit] Professional career [edit] Chicago Sting McDonough's first work as a sports executive was with the Chicago Sting, Chicago's franchise in the North American Soccer League (NASL). He served as General Sales Manager, and later as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. [edit] Chicago Cubs McDonough spent 24 years with the Cubs (1983–2007). Among the innovations he is credited with is the annual "Cubs Convention" which gives fans a chance to meet and interact with coaches, players, and licensed vendors. Debuting in 1985, this was the first event of its kind in sports. He also is credited with creating the role of "guest conductor", where celebrities, local heroes, and local high school sports champions are given the chance to lead the singing of "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" during the seventh-inning stretch at Cubs home games. The promotion started in the wake of the death of broadcaster Harry Caray in 1998, and continues as a tradition today. [edit] Chicago Blackhawks In 2007, McDonough left the Cubs and became president of the Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago's National Hockey League franchise. In the space of one year, McDonough started the first Blackhawks fan convention (similar to the one he started with the Cubs). The Blackawks are the first NHL team to have an offseason fan convention. After years of not having home Blackhawks games broadcast on local television, McDonough approved a deal that would televise all Blackhawk games for the first time in the team's history. He further approved a deal to put games on WGN radio. He has also joined the NHL Club Business Advisory Board. Fan and ticket sales have increased exponentially since McDonough's arrival, and the team, for the first time in years, are selling out games on a consistent and nightly basis.