[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 55 (Thursday, April 14, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E723-E724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MR. CHARLIE STILLITANO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BILL PASCRELL, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2011

  Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to call to your attention to 
the work of a man I am proud to represent in Congress and prouder still 
to call friend, Mr. Charlie Stillitano. Charlie has been named Man of 
the Year by the Milan Club and was recognized in a ceremony on 
Saturday, March 26, 2011.
  It is only fitting that he be honored in this, the permanent record 
of the greatest freely elected body on earth, for he has a long history 
of dedication and commitment to his community.
  Charlie Stillitano is a man who has led a most distinguished career 
in the world of professional sports. He is a great American who has 
found a way to put his passion for soccer and love for others into all 
that he does. Charlie began this journey at Princeton University where 
he was a four-year starter, three-time All-Ivy, All-American Captain of 
the Men's Varsity Soccer Team. He also received his Juris Doctorate 
Degree from Rutgers University.
  His unparalleled career took off in 1992, serving as the Venue 
Executive Director for the FIFA World Cup right here in the tri-state 
New York area.
  Following the 1994 FIFA World Cup Mr. Stillitano was named Vice 
President and General Manager of the NY/NJ MetroStars' Major League 
Soccer Team. Under Charlie, the MetroStars were able to secure the 
services of some of the world's top Managers including Carlos Alberto 
Parreira (former Brazilian National Team World Champion Coach), Carlos 
Queiroz (2-time World Youth Champion Coach with the Portuguese National 
Team) and Bora Mulitinovich (former U.S. National Team Coach); and 
international stars such as Roberto Donadoni (of Italy), Branco 
(Brazil), Anthony De Avila (Colombia), Lothar Matthaus (Germany), Shaun 
Bartlett (South Africa), Tony Meola (USA), Tab Ramos (USA) and Nicola 
Caricola (Italy).
  During this time, Mr. Stillitano created and established an 
international division which became responsible for implementing 
numerous successful football events such as the 1995 Parmalat Cup, 1996 
FIFA World All-Star Game, 1996 U.S. Cup, 1998 Colombia vs. Scotland and 
Jamaica vs. The Caribbean All-Stars Matches.
  Following five successful years as Vice President and General Manager 
with the MetroStars, Charlie continued his work with Metromedia Company 
as the Managing Director of the newly formed Metromedia Soccer 
Properties, LLC.
  Metromedia Soccer Properties was responsible for the development of 
Metromedia's

[[Page E724]]

international soccer business, including exploring the acquisition of 
soccer clubs, stadium development and the international match business.
  Charlie's influence in the soccer world cannot be overstated. Over 
the course of fifteen years, from 1993-2007, Charlie also served as an 
inaugural Board Member of the U.S. Soccer Foundation; as its Vice 
Chairman for 11 years and Chairman of the Grants Committee for 14 years 
until his retirement from the U.S. Soccer Foundation in 2007.
  Mr. Stillitano currently serves as an esteemed soccer agent at CAA 
Sports (a division of Creative Artists Agency), which represents more 
than 400 of the world's best athletes in team sports such as baseball, 
football, hockey and soccer, in addition to icons in individual sports, 
on-air broadcasters and numerous other sports personalities. Based out 
of CAA's New York office, Charlie represents many of the world's 
leading athletes and sports personalities, including Cristiano Ronaldo, 
Jose Mourinho, Deco, Chelsea FC-the English Premier Club and the 2009 
European Champions-FC Barcelona.
  The job of a United States Congressman involves much that is 
rewarding, yet nothing compares to recognizing the accomplishments of 
community leaders like Charlie Stillitano. I applaud the Milan Club for 
its initiative in naming Charlie the 2011 Man of the Year.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join our colleagues, the members of the 
Milan Club, Charlie's family and friends, all those who have been 
touched by Charlie and me in recognizing the outstanding and invaluable 
achievements of Charlie Stillitano.

                          ____________________