The Ohio Machine announced today that team President & General Manager John Algie will step down from his position effective October 3, 2014. Machine Vice President & Head Coach Bear Davis will assume the responsibility for lacrosse operations. Current Director of Corporate Partnerships Gregg Klein will assume responsibilities for the Machine’s business operations.
“It’s been an absolute privilege for me to be a part of the founding of the Ohio Machine,” Algie said. “I’m grateful to all of our wonderful fans, partners and supporters for believing in this team and helping us to grow from just an idea to an exciting playoff team in only three seasons. We have such an amazing group of players, coaches and front office staff in place which makes this the right time for me to transition out while they work to take the team to the next level. The future is bright for the Ohio Machine and Ohio lacrosse and I’m proud to say I’ve played a role in that.”
Algie joined the Machine in April 2011 as the team’s first employee after Major League Lacrosse announced the expansion club in January 2011. In his three and a half years at the helm of the team, Algie guided the Machine to success on and off the field. Off the field, Algie secured partnerships with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Skyline Chili, Donatos Pizza and many more.
On the field, Algie built the Machine roster through the collegiate and supplemental drafts and through key player acquisitions via trades and waiver additions. In 2014, the Machine led MLL in offense and made the MLL Playoffs for the first time in club history. Under Algie, Machine players have made 12 All-Star game appearances, won three Offensive Player of the Week awards, four Defensive Player of the Week awards and four Rookie of the Week awards. Two Machine players were also named to the All-MLL team, Kyle Hartzell in 2012 and Peter Baum in 2014.
Prior to joining the Machine, Algie worked as an attorney for the international law firm of Jones Day. No stranger to Major League Lacrosse, Algie spent three seasons as the MLL’s Director of League Operations where his responsibilities included implementation and enforcement of the league’s on-field and player personnel rules, college and pro player scouting, and game operations management. He was also one of the primary catalysts for MLL’s change from a 45-second to the 60-second shot clock that has been in effect since the 2005 season and also served two terms as the Chair of the MLL’s Rules Committee. Overall, Algie has held a full-time, managerial position in MLL for eight of the league’s 14 seasons.
Algie is a Trustee for the Delaware County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, where he serves as President, the Recording Secretary for the Ohio Chapter of U.S. Lacrosse, and a member of the Pitt Business Alumni Association Board. Algie will rejoin Jones Day following his time with the Machine.
