Raiders make history, hire Sandra Douglass Morgan as team president
The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines once again, but this time for the positive, as they announced the hiring of Sandra Douglass Morgan as the team’s new president.
Morgan, who abruptly replaces Dan Ventrelle--becomes the first black woman to hold the title of team president for an NFL franchise.
If you watched Morgan’s live presser--it was quick. No more than a handful of questions were asked by media members.
But the question remains…who is Morgan and what is she all about? Below is a breakdown of the person, leadership qualities and pedigree she brings to the silver & black along with some news, notes and quotes from her introductory press conference.
Who is Sandra Douglass Morgan?
Born and raised in Las Vegas, NV
Studied political science at University of Nevada
Studied at UNLV | Boyd’s Law School
Served on Nevada State Athletic Commission
Chairwoman & executive director of the Nevada Gaming Control Board
Husband played SS for Cardinals and Vikings
Raiders recent off-field drama
No question, Morgan will have her hands full from the get-go--primarily due to the team’s off-field incidents dating back to last year.
Morgan did not side step from the recent off-field issues that’s been hanging over the Raiders over the past few seasons:
“I want to be clear. I’m not here to sweep anything under the rug or avoid problems or concerns that need to be addressed,” said Morgan.
“I accepted this role because I believe in the promise of the Raiders. I believe in the future of the Raiders. And I believe in the organization’s tenets, of integrity, community and most of all commitment to excellence.”
Morgan also revealed that she would continue to promote diversity in the workplace and that’s always a positive in the right direction. But what did the owner have to say on the new hiring?
Owner Mark Davis on hiring Morgan
“I am thrilled that Sandra has agreed to join the Raiders family,” Mark Davis, the team’s owner, said in a statement. “Her experience, integrity and passion for this community will be invaluable to our organization.”
While Morgan seems to be the right person for the job, it remains to be seen, how she will build up the team’s cultural identity from the ground up, as people have left the organization over the years for various reasons.