The NBA has announced James Cadogan as the first Executive Director of the league’s Social Justice Coalition. Cadogan’s job will be to drive the strategic vision and day-to-day operations of the Coalition which will start on May 10.
“James’ expertise in public policy and record of success in vision and strategy-setting will help drive the priorities of the National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, and ensure we are creating meaningful impact in key areas of reform at the national, state, and local levels,” said NBA Deputy Commissioner and National Basketball Social Justice Coalition Board Member Mark Tatum. “We are proud to name him as the first Executive Director of the Coalition and look forward to his leadership in furthering our efforts to advance social and equal justice.”
“James’ vast array of experience in policy development, strategic planning, lobbying, litigation and research – all at both the private sector and federal government levels – reveals the considerable value he will deliver to the mission of the Social Justice Coalition,” said NBPA Executive Director and National Basketball Social Justice Coalition Board Member Michele Roberts. “We are thrilled he will be joining us.”
The Social Justice Coalition will lead family’s collaborative efforts to address racial inequality and raise awareness of social justice through education and advocating for meaningful policy.
For Cadogan, he will develop and lead an internal staff. He will also manage relationships with partner organizations, external consultants, lawmakers, and elected officials in an effort to develop and execute advocacy efforts tied to policy reform priorities.
“The Social Justice Coalition cements the NBA family’s commitment to civic engagement and policy action at a crucial moment in our nation,” shared Cadogan. “I grew up not only with an unwavering love for the game of basketball, but also a deep respect for the NBA’s history of player activism promoting racial and social justice. Just as today’s grassroots movement for justice can trace its origins to the civil rights movement of the 1950s and ‘60s, this Coalition is rooted in the legacy forged by generations of NBA athletes, who for over sixty years have used their platforms to fight for civil rights and economic justice. I’m honored to be joining the team and look forward to helping today’s players, coaches, league officials, and governors build on that rich tradition.”
The Social Justice Coalition Board of Directors includes Carmelo Anthony, (Portland Trail Blazers), Avery Bradley (Houston Rockets), Sterling Brown (Houston Rockets), Donovan Mitchell (Utah Jazz) , and Karl-Anthony Towns (Minnesota Timberwolves) who are all players. Also on staff are NBA Team Governors Micky Arison (Miami Heat Managing General Partner), Steve Ballmer (L.A. Clippers Chairman), Clay Bennett (Oklahoma City Thunder Chairman), Marc Lasry (Milwaukee Bucks Governor), Vivek Ranadivé (Sacramento Kings Governor and Chairman); Coaches Lloyd Pierce and Doc Rivers (Philadelphia 76ers) as well as NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts and NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum.
