Jurgensen named executive director of NBA Foundation

NEW YORK – The NBA Foundation Board of Directors today announced that Ruth Jurgensen has been selected as the organization’s second Executive Director.  Jurgensen will lead the Foundation’s mission to drive economic empowerment for Black youth through employment and career advancement.  Formed in 2020 by the NBA Board of Governors, the Foundation has awarded $119 million in grants benefitting more than 240 youth-serving organizations.  Jurgensen succeeds Greg Taylor, who stepped down earlier this year after serving as the Foundation’s first Executive Director since 2020.
Jurgensen will be responsible for the strategic development, creation and implementation of programs and partnerships that advance the NBA Foundation’s efforts to increase access and support for high school, college-aged, job-ready and mid-career Black men and women.  Additionally, Jurgensen will oversee the administration of grants to national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development.
Prior to joining the NBA Foundation, Jurgensen was the CEO at Prep for Prep, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization focused on leadership development and expanding educational access for students of color.  At Prep for Prep, Jurgensen increased alumni participation in time, giving and board service.  She also implemented a new outreach strategy that increased the organization’s applicant pool, strengthened school partnerships and increased fundraising goals.
“After a robust search with many outstanding candidates, we are thrilled to welcome Ruth as the NBA Foundation’s Executive Director,” said Mark Tatum, NBA Foundation President and NBA Deputy Commissioner and COO.  “Her exceptional leadership experience truly set her apart.  We are confident that under her guidance, the Foundation will continue to grow and create more pathways to economic independence for young people.”
Jurgensen served as Assistant Head of School at Francis W. Parker in Chicago prior to joining Prep for Prep, and before that, she was the principal at Little Red School House and Elisabeth Irwin High School in New York City.
Jurgensen will lead the Foundation’s organizational goals, manage its operations and resources and design fundraising that yields long-term success.  Working closely with the NBA Foundation Board of Directors, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) and all 30 NBA teams, she will form impactful partnerships and oversee support for national and local organizations in NBA markets and communities across the United States and Canada.
“I am thrilled to join the NBA family in this role to further the unique and critical mission of the NBA Foundation,” said Jurgensen.  “I have learned throughout my career that with the proper investment and consistent commitment there is no limit to what young people can achieve.  I look forward to building upon what is already a strong record of success in partnership with our board, teams and players.”
Jurgensen holds an undergraduate degree in English Literature from Connecticut College and a master’s degree in English and American Literature from Brown University.  Jurgensen also serves as a Trustee on the Board of the Brooklyn Museum and is an advisor to Kura Labs, a nonprofit that offers free training and a job placement academy for students from underserved communities.
The NBA Foundation is dedicated to creating greater economic opportunity and career advancement for Black youth. The NBA Foundation works with the NBA Foundation Board of Directors comprised of seven representatives to oversee business affairs and provide strategic direction.  The Board of Directors include NBA team governors Gayle Benson, Larry Tanenbaum and Mat Ishbia; NBA Commissioner Adam Silver; NBPA Executive Director Andre Iguodala; San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes and Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris.
To learn more about the NBA Foundation, please visit www.nbafoundation.com.