Christa Stout, Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer, enters her 10th full season with the Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter in 2023-24 and first as CSIO. She is responsible for driving business and customer solutions through innovation, technology, and strategic partnerships. In this role, she oversees the organization’s Business Strategy & Analytics, IT, and Digital Innovation departments, as well as franchise partnerships, the Blazer5 Gaming NBA 2K team, and Rip City Remix G League affiliate.

Stout’s leadership led to the Trail Blazers being named one of the Top 25 Most Innovative Teams in the World by Sports Innovation Lab in 2022. In 2023, Stout guided the organization through the launch of their new G League affiliate, the Rip City Remix. Her previous roles at the Trail Blazers include four years leading digital marketing and customer insights, six years leading Social Responsibility and the Trail Blazers Foundation, and three years leading Diversity, Equity & Inclusion. Prior to joining the Trail Blazers in February of 2014, Stout oversaw the Portland Timbers Community Relations Department starting in 2011.

Stout worked in sport and international development in South Africa, Australia, Central and South America and Europe prior to moving back to her hometown, Portland, in 2011. Stout holds an MBA in International Business and a bachelor’s degree in sociology and psychology. She is a member of the NBA’s Team Innovation Advisory Council and in her free time enjoys adventures with her family.