Jazz V.P. takes job in Los Angeles

With just two weeks remaining before their 2005-06 Media Day, the Utah Jazz are in the market for a new communications department head.

"It's a sad day for me," said Jazz president Dennis Haslam Tuesday after announcing that Caroline Shaw, the team's vice president of communications since 2004, will leave Oct. 6 to join KB Home in Los Angeles, a Fortune 500 company, as senior VP of corporate communications.

"They made an offer she couldn't refuse. She has very good credentials, and this advances her professional career," said Haslam, adding that in his opinion, Shaw's leadership helped "take our organization up a notch."

Though he was aware Shaw was talking with a prospective new employer, Haslam was just beginning to think about a replacement Tuesday night. "We will begin a search immediately," he said, adding he'd make use of the Jazz's Web site and "some kind of advertising" to fill the position.

"It was a difficult decision to make because of the incredible job I have here," Shaw said in a news release, "but KB Home offered me an opportunity for unparalleled professional and personal growth. My time at the Utah Jazz and the NBA paid a currency that will hold its value forever, but above all I will miss the personal confidences and friendships that I developed. "

As head of communications for all of Larry H. Miller Sports and Entertainment/Utah Jazz, Shaw managed such affairs for the Salt Lake Stingers, Delta Center, KJZZ-TV, Jordan Commons, Fanzz and LHM Advertising and served as president of Larry H. Miller Charities.

Before joining Miller, Shaw was chief communications officer for the Salt Lake Olympics Organizing Committee.

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