Because Of Them We Can
https://www.becauseofthemwecan.com/
By BOTWC Staff
Cato, who graduated from Stony Brook University and Harvard Business School’s Executive track, has worked in the NBA league office for the past ten years. Her most recent role was Associate Vice President of Business Operations for NBA League Operations, where she was a vital member of the executive team who focused on strategic basketball planning to advance the game.
These included but were not limited to: developing coaches and officials, the launch of the African Basketball League, advocating for women and people of color in basketball operations, and actively working with NBA teams on overall operational and engagement. Her prior experience was focused on professional talent development in the consulting, investment banking and nonprofit industries. Now as the newly named Assistant General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Phoenix Suns, Cato has made history as the first Black woman to hold the Assistant General Manager title for an NBA team.
“We’re excited to welcome Morgan to the Valley and to the Suns organization,” General Manager James Jones said in a statement. “With the league office Morgan played a pivotal role on countless initiatives to grow the game and strategically develop for it to be played at its best. The addition of her background and knowledge will allow us to elevate our basketball operations in several areas.”
Cato will work closely with Jones and Head Coach Monty Williams in her historic new role, guiding the strategy and business processes for basketball growth and performance teams with a focus on coach development, player engagement and front office operations.
Although the Phoenix Suns did not make it to play in the NBA Finals, the team played a great season with their 64-18 record and were three games clear of their former franchise best.
Congratulations, Morgan on making history and becoming one of the league’s highest-ranking women in a front office!
Photo Courtesy of Morgan Cato/LinkedIn
