Gerry Helper joined the Predators in October, 1997, and was named senior vice president and special assistant to the president in August of 2009. In his new role, he serves as a liaison with the Chamber of Commerce, Sports Authority, Sports Council, Metro and State Governments and the new Convention Center. Helper, who also serves as president of the Predators Foundation, is responsible for external organizational and franchise communication issues and the development of strategic communications for the Sommet Center. Helper, who was a member of USA Hockey's marketing council from 1994-99 has been selected as part of the communications team for the 2010 United States Olympic Hockey Team.

In his prior role, Helper oversaw the club's media and public relations efforts, publications, the team's web site, amateur hockey efforts and community relations initiatives. He also served a number of years on the NHL's Communications Advisory Board and was the organization's point person with the NHL for the 2003 NHL Entry Draft in Nashville, which drew more than 13,000 people to the Sommet Center. 

In his first stint with an expansion franchise, Helper spent nearly seven years (1991-97) with the Tampa Bay Lightning as the team's vice president of communications.  He assisted with the development of Tampa Bay's successful 1999 NHL All-Star Weekend bid.  He also spent time as the NHL's director of information (1987-89) and director of public relations (1989-91) after beginning his sports career with the NHL's Buffalo Sabres (1979-86).  

Helper is on the board of directors for the YMCA and the Nashville Sports Council.  He is a 1979 graduate of St. Bonaventure University with a BA in mass communications and a 2000 graduate of Leadership Music.

Helper resides in Franklin, Tenn., with his wife, Kim, and daughters, Renee and Abigail.