Acklin, 46, is heading into his fifth season with the team, and first in his newly appointed role. As President of Business Operations, he will report to Fenway Sports Group and manage the day-to-day operations of the business, including strategic planning, corporate partnerships, marketing and community outreach. Acklin will also continue to spearhead the development of the Lower Hill District and former Civic Arena site.
Brian Burke will continue in his role as President of Hockey Operations reporting directly to Fenway Sports Group.
Acklin has spent the past two seasons as the team's Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel, and originally joined the organization in 2018 as Senior Vice President and General Counsel, providing strategic advice to the senior executive team and serving as point person on the redevelopment efforts on the former Civic Arena site.
"I am deeply humbled and honored that our Fenway ownership group is putting their trust in me, and I will forever be indebted to David Morehouse for hiring me and teaching me how to best lead this organization," said Acklin. "I love the Penguins, our loyal fans, and our great City of Pittsburgh, and will work hard every day to continue to bring this city the type of championship-caliber hockey team it deserves."
Prior to his time in the Penguins organization, Acklin served as the Chief Legal Officer for Peoples Natural Gas Company in 2018. Before that, he was Chief of Staff and Chief Development Officer for Pittsburgh Mayor William Peduto, as well as the chairman of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh from 2013-17.
Acklin is a native of South Oakland and a graduate of Central Catholic High School. He earned a degree in government from Harvard University and a law degree from Georgetown University. He previously worked for law firms in Boston and Pittsburgh, primarily focused on private equity and mergers and acquisitions.
After leading his hockey team at Central Catholic, he now helps coach teams for his two sons (George and Teddy) and daughter (Caroline), all three ice hockey players. Acklin resides in Pittsburgh with his wife, Katie, and family.
