Posted By Lynn Worthy, Sun Staff

Don't cue up the music for Hail to the Chief. There's only one "Chief" as far as the Boston Celtics go, but RIch Gotham will be the President.

The Celtics announced today that Gotham has been promoted from Chief Operating Officer (COO) to team President. In his new role, Gotham will be responsible for all aspects of the Celtics business operations, reporting to CEO and Managing Partner Wyc Grousbeck. In addition, he will continue to work closely with Celtics Basketball Operations and the NBA on strategic initiatives and team-related matters.

Previous Boston Celtics Presidents include Arnold “Red” Auerbach and Rick Pitino.

“Under Rich’s guidance, the Boston Celtics organization has achieved great success in growing our business,” Grousbeck said in a press release. “This promotion recognizes Rich’s leadership in organizing and driving our business efforts and his commitment to excellence in all of the Celtics’ off-court charitable and community activities. I am very pleased that Rich will continue to lead the organization into the future.”

Gotham, a resident of Medfield, Mass., and Providence College alum, joined the Celtics as the Executive Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Corporate Development in April 2003 and was promoted to Chief Operating Officer in June of 2006.

Prior to working for the Celtics, he had a successful career in the online media and internet technology industries. He spent five years holding senior management positions with the global internet media company Lycos Inc, most recently as Vice President of Sales and Corporate Development. Prior to that, he was Vice President of Channel Sales and Market Development with FTP Software Inc.

Scal's surgery a success
The Boston Celtics announced today that forward Brian Scalabrine underwent successful right hand surgery this morning at New England Baptist Hospital. The surgery was performed by Dr. Hervey Kimball and was assisted by Celtics Team Physician, Dr. Brian McKeon.

Scalabrine appeared in 54 games this season for the Celtics, starting a career high 17. The sixth-year man averaged 4.0 points and 1.9 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game this season.

Gomes garners an honor
The Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation announced today that Celtics forward Ryan Gomes is the recipient of the First Annual Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star Award. Gomes will be presented the award at a pregame ceremony prior to tonight's Celtics game.

The Shamrock Foundation Community All-Star Award will be given annually at the end of each season to the player that best displays Celtic Pride through their work in the community.