2013 Keynote Speaker: Chris Wright
Chris Wright is an English basketball executive who is currently serving as President of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wright joined the Timberwolves organization in 1990. Wright is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the team.
He leads a senior management group that is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the business operations of the franchise. By developing a culture of success, Wright and his senior management team are integrating the business and basketball operations to meet the strategic and financial goals of the team.
As president, Wright also articulates the mission for the organization which is to surround fans with the world-class athleticism and complete entertainment of the NBA and WNBA. Whether coming to the arena, watching a game on television, purchasing a ticket online, or meeting players and staff in the community, Timberwolves fans know that they are the sole focus of the organization's efforts. To fulfill this mission, Wright has established company-wide priority around the following goals: Having the Best Staff, Embracing a FansFirst Attitude, Embodying the Timberwolves Brand, Being an Active Member of the Community and being Good Stewards of Budgets.
A native of England, Wright came to the United States in 1978. Prior to joining the Timberwolves, he spent three years working for the state of Minnesota, first as a consultant working on bids for major national and international events, including the programming of the $17.4 million National Sports Center in Blaine, Minn. Prior to that, Wright also served as general manager for two Major Indoor Soccer League Teams, the Pittsburgh Spirit (1981-86) and the Minnesota Strikers (1986-87).