GENEVA, Ill. -- The Kane County Cougars organization has named Curtis Haug as the third general manager in franchise history. Haug will assume the GM role effective today and lead the front office staff as the planning process for the 2012 season is underway.

The 2011 season was Haug's 18th year with the organization and his 13th season as assistant general manager. As a member of the Cougars' upper management staff, Haug has helped lead the club to 18 straight seasons with at least 400,000 fans attending. Haug directs all corporate sponsorships and has solidified and grown relationships with local businesses, large and small.

"Curtis has continuously demonstrated leadership qualities throughout his tenure with the Cougars, and is a communications-oriented individual through his relationships with fans, clients and staff," Cougars managing partner, Mike Woleben, said.

Prior to joining the Cougars in 1993, Haug spent three seasons with the Charleston Wheelers in South Carolina. Haug played collegiate baseball at Florida Southern College for three years prior to graduating from North Central College in Naperville. Haug attended Naperville Central High School.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity, and thankful to the great staff that I have been a part of since beginning with the Cougars in 1993," Haug said. "As a staff, we look forward to continuing our philosophy of delivering affordable family-friendly entertainment to Chicagoland."

Haug, his wife Shannon, and daughters Kiley and Kendall, reside in Yorkville.