Cheri Hanson wrote a press release for the Bucks on Monday, something she did quite often during her eight seasons as the team's public relations director.

This time, though, was different. This time, Hanson's announcement was that she is leaving the team to become vice president of communications for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Dan Smyczek, who has been with the club since 1997, will succeed Hanson and start his new responsibilities on June 14. Smyczek, who grew up in Milwaukee, graduated from Marquette University High School and the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. Prior to joining the Bucks, he spent four years on Sen. Herb Kohl's staff in Washington, D.C. Kohl is the Bucks owner.

Both Hanson and Smyczek are highly-respected in local media circles and with writers and broadcasters around the league. Although the team's performance on the court has been sub-par in recent seasons, the public relations operation has been top-notch.