B.C. Lions sign GM Wally Buono and CEO Dennis Skulsky to extensions

VANCOUVER – The B.C. Lions are extending the contracts of two key front office members.

Vice-president of football operations and general manager Wally Buono and chief executive officer Dennis Skulsky both signed contract extensions, keeping them with the Lions through the end of the 2016 season.

“The foundation of any successful organization comes from its ability to preserve continuity among its leadership,” Lions owner David Braley said in a statement Monday. “The efforts of Dennis and Wally have not only created a winning culture, they have also enabled our organization to expand its role in the community. Under their leadership, the BC Lions brand is stronger and I’m pleased to have them leading the way in years to come.”

Buono, now in his 11th season with the Lions, has led B.C. to 10 straight playoff appearances, seven CFL West finals, three trips to the Grey Cup and two championship titles.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to work with coach Mike Benevides to build teams we can be proud of and our fans can be excited about supporting,” said Buono. “David and Dennis have been tremendously supportive and I am very excited to continue doing what I love to do each day.”

Skulsky became the Lions’ 29th president in 2010. In the past three seasons, he’s overseen the teams return to a refurbished BC Place as well as staging the very successful 2011 Grey Cup, when the Lions won their sixth Grey Cup.