Susan O’Malley, the first and only female president of an NBA franchise for the Washington Wizards, is leaving after 15 years.
Marketing is O’Malley’s specialty, and she did much to draw fans to Wizards games when numbers were dwindling with creative promotions and entertainment in a Redskins-dominated city.
“I thought if we did some creative things, whether it was a wedding at halftime, or shoot a basket to pay your taxes, we could get more fans to the game,” the 45 year old law graduate told The Associated Press. “I just tried to stand out.”
Abe Pollin, owner of the Wizards, speaks highly of his “right hand” girl who has helped to “guide the fortunes of our company. She has simply been fantastic in every way” he said.
“There are more women in the industry," O'Malley said. "It doesn't have to be in the NBA, but even in the NBA you see a lot more women in management positions.”
Her role comes to an end June 30 but she will continue as an advisor until after the 10th anniversary celebration of the Verizon Center in December.
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