South Bend Lions announce appointment of Chief Happiness Officer

CHO Matt Bellina and Shay Davis from Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s office.

New USL League Two expansion club reveal the first member of their Front Office team

South Bend, IN (Dec 11 2019) — South Bend Lions Football Club have today announced their first appointment to their Front Office team, naming popular local community champion Matt Bellina as the club’s Chief Happiness Officer.

Bellina, raised in South Bend, will combine his new duties with that of Academy Director at Department of Defense Starbase Indiana, where he has led on STEM education for all students of fifth grade age for the past two years.

The Ball State University alumni brings his experience of working with the HealthWorks! Kids’ Museum, City of South Bend and Purdue University, as well as coaching SBCSC LaSalle Academy boys for the last four years, to the new USL League Two expansion team.

Owner Ritchie Jeune explained: “Matt is a hugely affable figure and very well respected member of the community. He played an influential part in our decision to come to South Bend and we’re delighted to have him on board in a role that is made for him. His brief is very simple – make people smile.

“While we won’t hold Matt accountable for anything that happens on the field in that regard, his energy and enthusiasm are second to none and he will have a big impact in driving what happens away from it. If we’re going to deliver on ensuring people have fun, we need inspirational and passionate ambassadors like Matt leading the way.”

Matt Bellina said: “I am pleased to share my passion and personality with our entire Northern Indiana community including our current and future Lions supporters. It is exciting to speak of South Bend in the same sentence as USL, top athletes, Path2Pro and increased community engagement for our local youth.

“I am thankful to Ritchie Jeune and Chris Rivett for seeing and believing in the soccer ‘Roar’ of South Bend. Go Lions!”