- Julius “Dr. J” Erving named Vice Chairman -
SPRINGFIELD, MASS. - The Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame announced its newly elected Board of Governors, a group of leaders dedicated to preserving the legacy and promoting the future of basketball. Among the outstanding Governors elected at the Board’s September 2024 annual meeting is basketball legend Julius “Dr. J” Erving, who will serve as Vice Chairman of the Board.
Celebrated as one of the most electrifying and influential players in basketball history, Erving transformed the sport with his graceful, high-flying style, culminating in his induction into the Hall of Fame in 1993. His position on the Board reinforces his long-standing commitment to basketball’s premier institution, having an annual college basketball award named in his honor to recognize the top men’s collegiate small forward, and most recently, serving as the host of the Jerry Colangelo Golf Classic at the Biltmore Golf Club in Phoenix this past September.
“We are thrilled to have such distinguished leaders on our Board of Governors,” said John L. Doleva, President and CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Each of these individuals brings a unique perspective, and their combined expertise will be invaluable as we continue to honor the game’s rich history while also shaping its future.”
In addition to Erving, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is honored to acknowledge the leadership of the following elected officers:
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Jerry Colangelo, Chairman – Partner, JDM Partners, Inc.; Hall of Fame Class of 2004
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James Vinick, Treasurer – Managing Director - Investments, Moors & Cabot, Inc.
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Kathy Behrens, Secretary – President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs, NBA
"I'm honored to continue my role as Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, working alongside such esteemed individuals,” said Jerry Colangelo, Chairman of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. “Julius Erving's election as Vice Chairman is a testament to his exceptional contributions to the game. Dr. J’s legendary career and deep understanding of basketball will be invaluable as we attempt to honor the sport's history and inspire the next generation of players and fans."
Other Board members include Bob Beaudine, President & CEO of Eastman & Beaudine; Greg Butler, Executive Vice President & General Counsel of Eversource Energy; Alvin Chun, President of Counterpointe Solutions, Inc.; Frank Colaccino, Founder & CEO of The Colvest Group, Ltd.; Cathy Engelbert, Commissioner of the WNBA; Dan Gavitt, Senior Vice President of Basketball for the NCAA; Rick Kelleher, Chairman and Former President & CEO of Pyramid Global Hospitality; and Bill Koenig, President of Global Content & Media Distribution for the NBA.
Also serving on the Board are Jim Puhala, Head of Product Solutions & Regulatory Compliance at MassMutual; Byron Spruell, President of League Operations for the NBA; Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner & Chief Operating Officer for the NBA; Jim Taubenfeld, President of Me Salve, Inc.; Thomas Tull, Managing Partner of TWG Global; and Rick Welts, Principal at 7Rings Consulting and Private Equity Advisor at Sixth Street Group, as well as a Hall of Fame Class of 2018 inductee.
Ex Officio members include John L. Doleva, President & CEO of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, and Robert Naismith, great-grandson of Dr. James P. Naismith, the inventor of the game of basketball.
About the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame
Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, the city where basketball was born, the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is an independent non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to promoting, preserving, and celebrating the game of basketball at every level – men and women, amateur and professional players, coaches, and contributors, both domestically and internationally. The Hall of Fame museum is home to more than 450 inductees and over 40,000 square feet of basketball history. Nearly 200,000 people visit the Hall of Fame museum each year to learn about the game, experience the interactive exhibits, and test their skills on the Jerry Colangelo "Court of Dreams." Best known for its annual marquee Enshrinement Ceremony honoring the game’s elite, the Hall of Fame also operates over 70 high school and collegiate competitions annually throughout the country and abroad. For more information on the Basketball Hall of Fame organization, its museum, and events, visit hoophall.com, follow @hoophall, or call 1-877-4HOOPLA.