The Phoenix Suns hired Morgan Cato as their new assistant general manager and vice president of basketball operations, ESPN reports. She’s now one of the NBA’s highest-ranking women in the front office.
Cato has an impressive resume — she spent the last 10 years working for the NBA in New York, working under Byron Spruell, president of league operations. She has worked on initiatives that targeted growth within the league and around the world, including the development and launch of the Basketball Africa League. She also played a key role in improving the sport’s global talent pipeline.
Cato is the first woman of color to hold the assistant general manager title, and according to ESPN will report to general manager James Jones. She’ll work with Suns’ coach Monty Williams on leadership and strategy as it pertains to coaching development, player engagement and front-office operations.
The Suns franchise said it is thrilled to welcome Cato to the team.
“We’re excited to welcome Morgan to the Valley and to the Suns organization,” Jones said in the statement released Monday. “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.”
According to CNN, the Suns just had a great season, achieving a record of 64-18, and were just three games away from hitting their previous best. They lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference semifinals.