Kelly Krauskopf Named Assistant GM Of Indiana Pacers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana Pacers announced Monday they've hired Kelly Krauskopf as the team's Assistant General Manager. Krauskopf, who begins her new role on Jan. 1, joined Pacers Sports & Entertainment in 1999 when the Indiana Fever was granted a WNBA franchise, and has been the Indiana Fever's top executive for the last 19 seasons, according to nba.com.

The Indianapolis Star reported Monday Krauskopf is the first female to be named assistant general manager since Nancy Leonard, wife of former Pacers coach Bobby Leonard.

"As the architect of one of the WNBA's most successful franchises, Kelly is a true pioneer in our sport," said PS&E owner Herb Simon, in a release. "I've worked with Kelly over the past two decades, so I know her tremendous basketball mind, strong work ethic and proven leadership skills will continue to be of great benefit to our organization."

Krauskopf became the WNBA's first Director of Basketball Operation in 1996, and has led the Fever to 13 playoffs, including three WNBA Finals appearances and a WNBA championship in 2012.

"Kelly has played the game, worked in the WNBA league office, helped build and run the Fever franchise from its beginning and eventually built a championship team,"said Pacers' President of Basketball Operations Kevin Pritchard. "She is very well respected in all basketball circles and she has great knowledge of our entire operation, so when we looked at this position, it made complete sense to just look in our own building. We think she will be a great asset to myself, General Manager Chad Buchanan and Senior Vice President of Basketball Operations Peter Dinwiddie as we pursue our goal of building a winning team for our state and our city."

Prior to 1996, Krauskopf was the Managing Director of League Development for Media Sports Partnership out of Dallas, was the Assistant Commissioner for the Southwest Conference, and also served on USA Basketball's Women's Senior National Team Committee. She also played college basketball at Texas A&M.

"First, I would like to thank Herb Simon, Kevin Pritchard and Rick Fuson for this amazing opportunity," said Krauskopf, in a release. "I have admired the work that Kevin and his staff have put forth so far and I am honored to be a part of an elite and historical franchise. The chance to work in an NBA front office for a first-class organization filled with great people I know and in a city that has become my home is extraordinary."

Krauskopf added, "My past experience has shown me that building winning teams and elite level culture is not based on gender – it is based on people and processes. I am excited to join the Pacers as we continue building the best NBA franchise in the business."

According to the Pacers, the Fever and Pacers Gaming will report directly to Pacers Sports & Entertainment President/Chief Operating Officer Rick Fuson while the organization evaluates and identifies new leadership.

Indiana Fever's Tamika Catchings jokes with head coach Stephanie White, right, and Kelly Krauskopf, president and general manager, during media day Monday, May 9, 2016, in Indianapolis. Catchings relishes every precious moment she has left on the basketball court. At her final WNBA preseason game, her hands got inexplicably clammy. At her final media day, she playfully jumped into photos with teammates and answered every last question. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)