Page 115 - Forbes - USA (December 2019)

PROMOTION

Celebrating 100 Seasons By Creating A

More Diverse And Inclusive Future

As the NFL celebrates its 100th season, it is equally
important to recognize the diverse leadership and

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and in the front office. To be a leader in best business
practices, the NFL understands that diversity is an

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entire organization, not in just one aspect of it.
The NFL continues to seek full diversity throughout its

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To achieve this, it is vital to implement collective and
innovative solutions that foster an inclusive environment. TROY VINCENT DAWN APONTE
Executive Vice President Chief Football
Those responsible for the game within football
of Football Operations $GPLQLVWUDWLYH 2IŻFHU

operations exemplify our diversity. This group, led by
executive vice president of football operations Troy
Vincent, includes: David Gardi, SVP of game operations
and compliance; Al Riveron, SVP of officiation; Dawn
Aponte, chief football administrative officer; Arthur
McAfee, SVP of player engagement; Tracy Perlman, SVP
of football communications and marketing; and Natara
Holloway, VP of football strategy and business operations.
Along with the entire NFL staff, these individuals
work tirelessly to formalize partnerships with historically
black colleges and universities, the American Football
Coaches Association and the National Collegiate Athletic ALBERTO RIVERON DAVID GARDI

Association and to create programs that foster a diverse 693 2IŻFLDWLQJ SVP Game Operations
and Compliance
talent pipeline.
Key initiatives where the NFL champions diverse hiring
practices are the Rooney Rule and the HBCU Careers in
Football Forum. These opportunities are ever-evolving in
order to maximize impact. Last year, the NFL implemented
new guidelines for the Rooney Rule that continues to open
the door of opportunity for hiring head coaches and
football operation executives. While the HBCU Careers in
Football Forum, which takes place in conjunction with the
Celebration Bowl, focuses on informing and giving HBCU
students access to opportunities that can jump-start their
careers in professional sports. ARTHUR MCAFEE TRACY PERLMAN
SVP Player Engagement SVP Football Communications
In addition, the Football Operations team oversees the
and Marketing
Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship and the Nunn-
Wooten Scouting Fellowship. The Bill Walsh Diversity
Coaching Fellowship is designed to increase the number
of full-time NFL minority coaches by providing them
with access, resources and experience. Whereas the
Nun-Wooten Scouting Fellowship exposes interested
former players to a career in professional scouting. Both
programs recognize the value that diversity brings to the
success of the game.
As the NFL celebrates 100 seasons, we remain
committed to creating opportunities that foster a diverse
NATARA HOLLOWAY
and inclusive environment. VP Football Strategy
and Business Operations

The National Football League Is A Proud Supporter Of The Executive Leadership Council And Its Goals, Leading With Purpose.