Barber Promoted To Senior Vice President

Barber joined the organization in July 2003 as vice president of community relations and president of the Bobcats Charitable Foundation and was charged with connecting the Bobcats with the Charlotte community. In her tenure, she has initiated a series of successful programs such the Cool School preseason game exclusively for achieving middle school students that mixes educational elements with basketball, the Bobcats & Sting Youth Basketball Network which involves more than 20,000 kids, the Charlotte Rollin’ Bobcats wheelchair basketball program, the Season of Giving that provides brighter holidays for those less fortunate, Random Acts of Kindness Day and the Fit for Motion initiative, in coordination with Presbyterian Hospital.

“Since our organization’s inception, LaRita has worked hard at connecting the Bobcats with the Charlotte community. As a native Charlottean, LaRita has a great understanding of the community’s needs,” Bobcats Sports & Entertainment President Ed Tapscott said. “Through strong partnerships with groups such as the YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and Presbyterian Hospital, and a wide variety of positive programs that touch young lives, she allows our players and our entire organization to make a difference throughout the Charlotte region.”

Well-known in the Charlotte community for her civic work, Barber is a member of several boards in the Charlotte community, including the Central Piedmont Community College Foundation, Girl Scout Advisory Board, Junior League Advisory Board, Arts & Science Council and is involved with the United Way.

The East Mecklenburg High School graduate has also presided over the Charlotte Jumper Classic since its inception in 2004. An elite horse jumping competition that takes place every April, the Charlotte Jumper Classic benefits the Bobcats Charitable Foundation and doubled its attendance in 2006 in the first showing at Charlotte Bobcats Arena following a two-year run at Charlotte Coliseum. The event is one of the featured stops on the equestrian circuit and features riders from the United States Olympic Team and top international riders.

“LaRita has done a terrific job in introducing the Charlotte Jumper Classic to the region and connecting it to our foundation’s Charitable efforts,” Tapscott said. “She’s now in position to take it to the next level.”