Team Member Spotlight

Jordan Ramirez

Elizabeth Ramsey, our Director of Basketball Operations and Intelligence, is in her first season in Sactown. She spent the previous 11 years working with the NCAA – most recently as the Associate Director of Enforcement and Basketball Development.

A graduate of the University of Indianapolis with a law degree from Indiana University, Elizabeth shares with us her journey, role models, and the importance of inclusion in today's workplace.

How would you describe your role and responsibilities with the Sacramento Kings?
Fortunately, I have been able to get involved with many different aspects of Basketball Operations, and to be integrated into the organization more broadly. A few specific examples include: delivering NBA mandated presentations to staff and players, coordinating pre-season game scheduling, scouting, and serving as a member of the Kings Women’s Committee and the Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

At the core of my role, I work closely with our Assistant GM, managing the operations of the scouting department. Important to our approach is to promote integration and collaboration across our front office executives, scouts in the field, analytics, and other means of growing our intelligence and insights. The scope of personnel and scouting is robust, and I am here to help ensure that we are being diligent and as efficient as possible. Of course, the nature of what we do is well known, but our specific approach and processes are confidential, so I will stop there.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The game of basketball has provided me so much and being able to work every day in a sport I love is amazing. I am very fortunate.

Who have been your biggest role models?
My mother and father are my biggest role models. Both of my parents stressed the importance of an education, hard work, and to treat everyone with kindness and respect. Without their support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

How do you think companies can strive to be more inclusive to women in the workplace?
I think companies need to make sure their applicant pools are diverse and not put as much emphasis on obtaining potential candidates through sharing job openings via word of mouth. In organizations that are male dominated, typically very few females get the opportunities to interview because they don’t have the relationships. Also, I think organizations would see a more diverse candidate pool if they focus on what transferable skills a person may possess that could make them qualified for an open position. I think people get too caught up in work history or former job titles and miss out on potentially excellent candidates.

What advice would you give to other women trying to break into the sports and entertainment industry?
My first job in sports was as a law clerk at the NCAA, which upon graduation and completion of the bar exam turned into a career that lasted over 10 years in two different positions. But for taking advantage of the relationships I was able to build while serving as a law clerk, I would not have been considered for a full-time job. I suggest taking advantage of any and all internship opportunities and build meaningful genuine relationships with people you encounter. At the end of the day people want to surround themselves with smart people, but also people that appreciate others and are a good teammate.

How important is it to you to work for an organization that constantly strives to bring greater awareness and equity to women in the workplace?
It is very important to me to work for an organization that not only strives to bring greater awareness and equity to women in the workplace but to ALL in the workplace. I would not feel comfortable working in an organization that didn’t celebrate the diversity of the people that make it great.

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Women's History Month Spotlight: Elizabeth Ramsey

Allison Ward

What is your role with the Sacramento Kings and how long have you been with the team?

“I am the Senior Director of Human Resources and I have been with the Sacramento Kings for 19 seasons.”

How would you describe the experience of coming out to your family, friends and teammates?

“After my high school graduation, I enlisted in the US Air Force and was stationed several states away from my family. I would visit 2-3 times a year and periodically would bring my partner with me.

I was raised in a conservative family, so coming out to my family in the early 80’s was not a conversation I was eager to have. The conversation started with my mother and has continued with the rest of my family over the years.

While I was enlisted in the Air Force (20 years) coming out to teammates was not an option since being a homosexual in military service was banned. Many of my friends and co-workers ‘knew’ but there was no ‘coming out’ moment.”

How has your personal experience helped you in your profession?

“My profession is in Human Resources so naturally I work with our employees on personal matters. I feel that I am a good listener and my life experiences have made me a more compassionate and understanding person.”

What challenges as an LGBTQ member have you faced working in the sports industry?

“None, I am happy to say! After 20 years hiding my identity in the military it felt as if a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders when I joined the Kings organization.”

How do you believe the LGBTQ conversation has evolved in sports and in business?

“The LGBTQ conversation has been changing over the years, as public perception changes the conversation changes.

20 years ago, the conversation revolved around Gay, Lesbian and Bi-Sexual issues, public displays of affection, the AIDS epidemic, etc. Today, the conversation has moved toward gender transition, gender expression, gender identity, and state and federal laws protecting the LGBTQ community rights.

We have come a long way in the last 20 years, but still have a long way to go as well.”

How do you think companies can be more inclusive of their LGBTQ team members?

“If a company respects its employees, values diversity and fosters an open, inclusive culture all employees will thrive including LGBTQ team members.

We provide Everyday Inclusion and Respect in the Workplace training to our employees. The trainings encourage discussion regarding LGBTQ community issues and how we as an organization can be an ambassador of change in our community.”

How can fellow team members help advance awareness and equity for their LGBTQ teammates?

“Get involved! The Sacramento Kings organization provides opportunities for its team members to get involved with the LGBTQ community through Equality Night, Sacramento Pride Festival, Vision of Equality Luncheon, etc.”

What advice would you share with members of the LGBTQ community who are looking to get into the sports industry?

“Members of the LGBTQ community are just like anyone else looking to get into the sports industry. Obtain the education and experience required for the position you want as a career, pursue opportunities as they present themselves and then do everything possible to grow in your chosen profession.

This is an industry that is difficult to break into, especially at the pro level. I would recommend that you network a lot. Network to get the know the industry, not just to ask for a job.”

What resources would you recommend for fellow LGBTQ members in the sports business?

“Every community is different, but get involved with your local LGBT Community organization and surround yourself with positive, friendly co-workers or find a mentor in your organization to help you grow professionally.”

What does it mean to you that the Sacramento Kings organization hosts and participates in causes that strive to bring greater awareness and equity to the LGBTQ community?

“I am very proud to be a part of the Sacramento Kings organization. The Sacramento Kings dedication to the Sacramento community is one of the main reasons I have been with the organization for the past 19 years.”

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Equality Night Spotlight: Nancy Mahoney

“I moved across the country from Connecticut six years ago to be part of one of the best leadership teams in sports. I’m currently the VP of Group, Premium Hospitality &amp; Event Sales. I oversee the strategy for Kings and Golden 1 Center group sales, as well as the arena’s nearly 100 premium suites, lofts and balcony boxes. I also had the opportunity to take the lead on building a new team to facilitate the use of the arena for special events.”

“I was afraid of how those closest to me would react, and am fortunate to have had a great experience coming out. I came out in my senior year of high school and the most common response I got was, ‘Yeah duh, if you didn’t tell us soon, we were going to tell YOU.’  I guess that’s not surprising for a tom-boy with a bowl cut, that once wore a tux and bow tie to a wedding as a kid.

For me, it was hardest to come out to those I was the closest with.  My twin sister is my best friend, we have the stereotypical twin bond but for some reason she was one of the last people I told. In the end, she was, and is still, the most supportive of me and my coming out didn’t affect our bond at all.

That said, I feel like I still come out almost every day and at times I have that little thought in the back of my head – ‘What if they don’t accept me?’”

“Being a lesbian, female in a very male dominated sports industry, has made me resilient, progressive, and a dynamic leader. I oversee one of the most diverse staffs in professional sports and entertainment, and have cultivated a culture of growth, family and collaboration. 

My experience has helped shape me into a leader that encourages diverse thought and challenges the status quo.”

“I’m thankful and lucky to say, no experience sticks out to me.  I’ve been intentional in surrounding myself with leaders and peers that support me.  I will admit however, that I am conscious of my interactions in the workplace as a gay female, and recognize not everyone is as fortunate as I have been to be in such an accepting work environment.”

“I think companies can start Employee Resource Groups like the Kings have.  In addition to launching the Career Advancement Program, I serve as a member of the Diversity Council, and just recently launched our Women in Sports Network group. These groups can engage, retain employees, and help be a tool for awareness and change.”

“Be aware and emotionally intelligent.  Do what you can to be inclusive, make everyone feel welcome, and help educate others to become aware if they are doing anything otherwise. Be supportive of pride events, or walk side by side with them and other members of the Kings for the pride parade. 

Don’t tell them you accept them, show them in your actions.”

“Don’t make excuses, you can do it. Surround yourself with people who will support you, challenge you, and grow you – just like my boss, Phil Horn.  Own who you are and be authentic. So many jobs these days are about who you know. Don’t be afraid to use your networking skills in your own community; it could turn into a job!”

“Develop a strong network within your field. Find great mentors, develop meaningful relationships, and don’t forget to pay it forward.”

“It means everything to me. I’ve been brought to tears of joy while seeing the Kings wave a giant rainbow flag and when my peers walked by my side at the annual Sacramento Pride parade.  I’m proud to say the Kings have hosted an Equality Night for a number of consecutive years.

I’m proud to be an out and successful member of the LGBTQ+ community and to also be part of one of the best Executive teams in professional sports and entertainment.  I’m proud to bring my girlfriend to work functions and feel welcome! 

I’m proud to feel like I can be an example for those in the LGBTQ+ community, it does get better.”

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Equality Night Spotlight: Lisa Feigenbaum

In the second chapter of our Black History Month Spotlight series, we sat down with Eric King our Vice President of Technology. Eric has been with our team for over seven years and he provided us with insight on where he finds inspiration, his heritage and journey.

How would you describe your role with the Sacramento Kings?

"As VP of Technology I am responsible for overseeing and managing all technology for not only the Sacramento Kings office but for Golden 1 Center, the world’s most technologically advanced and sustainable arena. My extremely talented team and I provide service to 350-plus full-time users that are housed in the Sawyer Hotel, Golden 1 Center, as well as in Stockton.

My role is to not only manage and maintain our current technology, which includes but is not limited to: a Tier 4 Data Center, Enterprise Applications, Security Postures, and everything in between but I also must be innovative and stay on top of current technologies and developments that are released frequently.

This is key in order for me to lead the Technology department and to help us maintain being the most technologically advanced arena in the world. Vetting out new technologies from inception to the design and through implementation is a major part of my role as well."

"I wouldn’t necessarily say that I have specific role models, but I would say that there are a few people I have found extremely intriguing throughout the years who influenced me to some degree like Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.

Those are probably two people that most tech professionals mention when talking influencers and role models. But, as typical as it sounds, it’s completely true for me. These are two men that dominated the tech industry over the years, really launching us into the tech society we are today.

I was really intrigued by the inner workings of different things as a child. From as far back as I can remember, I spent countless hours taking things apart to see how they worked and then put back together. Also, I have always liked change. The idea of change and progress is something that drives me.

Gates and Jobs both had extreme drive and determination, which allowed them to continue to push the boundaries of technology and help create and shape the tech industry that I love so much today."

In what ways do you celebrate your African American heritage?

"I celebrate my African American heritage year-round. I mean after all, I am an African American executive for an NBA Team, so I have a strong platform to make a difference.

Growing up I had very limited access to books and information on black history. Now, as an adult, I have so much access to all kinds of information and history literally right at my fingertips. I really enjoy watching documentaries and segments on history, so I make a conscious effort to incorporate documentaries and history segments specifically on African American history into my list.

Of course, I’ve watched quite a few different segments on Rosa Parks, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. but I find myself searching more for content that focus on others who inspired change around racial justice. Through continued education on black history and the men and women who inspired change, I feel like I am able to learn from the past and help us move forward into a culture where we are all one people.

I also make sure that I stay up on current events centered around diversity and race. It’s important to become educated in these current events, and it’s equally as important to look at everything from all angles.

As an African American in an executive role, I realize I have a tremendous responsibility to represent all African Americans in a positive light at all times.

I think the biggest thing I do to celebrate my African American heritage is by going through life, being me, working hard and staying true to myself. I am an African American but that’s not my only identity. I am a father. I am a mentor. I am a friend. I am an executive for an NBA franchise. I am someone people can count on. I am a high producer at work. I am a good citizen. And I am proud of all of that.

I am all of these things (and more) and I work hard to be the best me possible every single day."

What advice would you give to fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?

"I want to start off by sharing a quick bio on me before I get into this question. I will say first and foremost, I am a huge supporter of continued education. I think college and trade schools are important and with the growing population. What you do during that continued education can help set you apart from all the others.

But that wasn’t my path. Continued education after high school was not for me, so I went into the military. During my time with the military I was a Field Radio Operator. It was a semi technical position you could say. I did one term with the military but decided to not re-enlist and came back to the civilian life.

As a child growing up, I was always into electronics and technical things. I was always interested on how to take something apart and put it back together. I was fascinated with what little technology was around during that time in the 80s.

So when I got out of the military, I decided I wanted to get into the technology field. And from that moment on, I never looked back. From the start, I knew this was the path for me. The inter workings of technology came so natural to me. That was it. I was hooked.

There I was, in my early 20s, fresh out of the military, no college degree. And here I am, in my mid 40s, serving as the Vice President of Technology at the Sacramento Kings &amp; Golden 1 Center.

I didn’t get to this point in my career for any other reason than determination, integrity and hard work. I buried myself in books and tutorials and always offered to take on more work to expand my skillset and my knowledge. I did a lot of research on the things I didn’t know. I never gave up.

So, to my fellow African Americans who are striving to succeed in the Sports &amp; Entertainment Industry, I offer you this advice:

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

"There are so many aspects that I enjoy about what I do that it’s really hard to narrow it down! I love working in this super-fast paced, forward-thinking environment, where the technology is constantly changing and evolving. We are constantly finding new ways to be cutting edge and I get to be part of that.

Vetting out the new technology is not the only thing I really enjoy about my job though. Being able to deploy these technologies is also something I would say I enjoy the most. Being able to find technology that makes us cutting edge is amazing but deploying the technology that makes other’s jobs easier, being able to deploy technology that streamlines processes and increases efficiencies or that can enhance the fan experience, is extremely rewarding and it definitely drives me.

The direct influence I have on the technology we use is perhaps the single most thing I enjoy the most about what I do.

Another part of my job that I really enjoy is my team. I get to work with an amazing team. I say this all the time, but we have hands down, the best Technology team in the League. My team shares my same passions and they are all determined and committed to help move the organization forward in technology.

I also get to be a part of an extremely educated and dynamite executive team. One minute you can find me sitting around a table of Kings executives and the next I am on a keyboard console working on something in the Data Center. I get the best of both worlds in my current role and that is pretty amazing to me."

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Black History Month Spotlight: Eric King

In honor of Black History Month, the Kings organization is highlighting members of the team who have made an impact in their field while also representing their African American heritage.

We sat down with Kyle Ellington, our Director of HR and Diversity &amp; Inclusion, who has been with our team for 6 seasons now. Kyle continues to impact our workplace with his leadership and involvement in our happiness and well-being so we wanted to take time to discuss with him his heritage, inspiration and journey.

“With the Sacramento Kings, I am the Director of Human Resources and I also focus on diversity and inclusion. With my additional responsibilities as Diversity &amp; Inclusion, I am responsible for making sure we have a diverse and inclusive workplace. I oversee our diversity and inclusion council and organize monthly inclusion events such as our Black History Month panel that we just had."

"In Sacramento we are one of the most diverse cities and here at the Sacramento Kings we want to make sure that our community is reflective of our workplace. Everybody is welcome here, diversity includes everyone and I want to make sure that that message is in place with our organization."

What would you say you enjoy most about what you do?

“What I enjoy most about what I do is the employee experience we provide, for instance we don’t call our employees ‘employees’, we call them team members. I really enjoy seeing our team members have fun at work, and when I see them become super passionate about what they do it makes me love my job even more."

"Also, being that I am a competitive sports guy and that I am rooting for the team and for Sacramento; I know what we do here is bigger that basketball. The platform that the Sacramento Kings has allowed me to sit on and different opportunities I’ve had, whether it’s volunteering or offering somebody a full-time position/internship; I really get a lot of joy out of that. I love seeing people grow within our organization and also help impact our community.”

In what ways would you say you celebrate your African American heritage?

"I think I do that on a day to day basis. As being an African American male and in a director role, there are not too many of us in professional sports. I am always cognizant of that and thinking of what can I do better to pay it back to my community as a whole. "

"One of my main job responsibilities is recruiting. I’m an advocate for making sure we are bringing in a diverse group of candidates to the table to be considered for all of our full-time and internship positions.  I volunteer and participate in speaking engagements in the community and at our local colleges. One of my most memorable experiences this past year was speaking at Sacramento State University. I spoke to Men of Color – First Generation Institute about effective interviewing techniques which was an amazing opportunity for me to pay it forward.”

Who would you say have been your biggest role models?

“My dad has been a huge role model of mine. I look up to him because he provided a good life and many opportunities for my family and for myself to go to college and get an education while putting a roof over our heads. My dad is my number one role model."

"President Obama is another role model…becoming the first African American President was pretty groundbreaking and inspiring to many African Americans like me that anything is possible through hardwork and perseverance."

"And then since I’m a big sports guy, a couple other role models would be Michael Jordan because he’s the GOAT &amp; LeBron James because he has utilized his platform to speak up for social justice throughout his career. "

What advice would you give to any fellow African American’s who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?

“The advice I’d give to anybody whether they’re African American, Hispanic, Asian, white or anyone is that this is a people business. It is all about networking. By building genuine relationships and networks with people, and not just trying to build a relationship with someone to ask for a job from them. Try to build networks and try to get to know people."

"If you’re really passionate about working in professional sports you definitely need to have your goals planned and your mission set, and then go and get as much experience in that specific area because it is a competitive business. For example, if you’re really interested in sales, you should be focusing all your effort on sales experiences and sales related jobs and wherever there are internships that can help make sure you can land that full-time job in sales."

"The second piece of advice I would give is to take any and all opportunities that you can get to go to career fairs, or opportunities you might have to go network with people. You should find mentors, or ask to shadow people in your community such as your college professor if you’re in a sports management program."

"These are all great ways to take advantage of opportunities to network and build your base because it really is a people’s business. There will always still be a skillset needed, but interpersonal skills are invaluable and by networking to actually get to know people is how you really set yourself apart.”

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Black History Month Spotlight: Kyle Ellington

Kyle Ramos

In the first chapter of our Latino Heritage Month Spotlight series, we sat down with Carlos Jimenez, a longtime video editor with the Kings as he discussed his journey and what inspires him to be a creative.

How would you describe your role with the Sacramento Kings?
"There’s never a day that feels too much of the same. We could be out on a shoot that could be one hour or five hours. We could be at our desk editing which could take a short time or a long time. We do a lot of pre-production which is very important to be prepared, especially in this position. That way if you encounter an issue, you don’t panic and you know all of your options for how to solve it."

What do you enjoy most about what you do?
"What I enjoy most about what I do is working an environment with a lot of other creative people that you could feed off of. I think we all inspire each other, motivate each other and I think that’s easily my favorite thing - being able to work on something together and see it come to fruition."

In what your ways do you celebrate your Latino heritage?
"I take a lot of pride in my heritage. When I went to Mexico earlier this year, I felt so reconnected with my culture.

The way that I feel like I’m most involved with my heritage is paying attention to stuff that happens in our Latin communities and our struggles. For me, it’s paying attention to that and how I can be active to help other people.

How would you characterize your journey to where you are today?
"My mom came across the border when she was pregnant with me, specifically because she wanted me to be born in the United States to have the opportunities. It’s not just me and the things that I did - going to to school, taking internships - it was the stuff that my mom had to go through just to get me here."

Who have been your biggest role models?
"Both of my parents. I got my love of art through [my dad]. Because he taught me about art when I was so young, that’s when I decided that this is what I wanted to do. My mom was always super supportive and helped me get through college.

"I also take influences from music, painting, even astrology. I don’t try to bog myself down with ‘it has to be this’. I take influence from everything."

What advice would you offer fellow Latinos/Latinas/Latinx who are striving to succeed in the sports and entertainment industry?

"Follow your heart. Be good to people. Challenge yourself.

"I think telling young people to challenge themselves as young as possible, that’s how they’re going to stand out. You don’t need someone to tell you ‘you should be this’. You should tell yourself ‘this is what I want to do’."