WISE Announces 2016 Women Of The Year Award Recipients

NEW YORK, Jan. 21, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Women in Sports and Events (WISE), the leading voice and resource for women in the business of sports, today announced the three recipients of its 2016 WISE Women of the Year Awards. These winners will be recognized at the 22^nd Annual WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon on June 22, 2016 at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York City.

The 2016 recipients are Renie Anderson, SVP Sponsorship & Partnership Management, NFL; Kathy Behrens, President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs, NBA and Karen Brodkin, President, Business Affairs, WME | IMG.  The honorees were voted on by WISE members across the country for their significant impact on the business of sports.

"As an organization committed to helping women in the business of sports excel and succeed, we are honored to recognize three women who have made an impact on our industry," said Kathleen Francis, national chair of WISE. "These women exemplify a commitment to leadership and are dedicated role models for others."

The 2016 WISE Women of the Year honorees are:

• Renie Anderson: As the NFL's SVP of Sponsorship & Partnership Management, Anderson oversees the league's sponsorship, new business and strategy divisions leveraging the goals and brands of the companies associated with the NFL with key initiatives including the NFL's high-profile calendar initiatives such as Draft, Training Camp, Kickoff, Thanksgiving, Playoffs, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl. In addition to overseeing key revenue growth and partners, during the 2015 NFL Season, Anderson has led the execution and platform of the NFL's 50th Super Bowl celebration all-season long. In addition to her professional work, Anderson volunteers in a variety of places, including Iona College, with Business students on interview tactics, and Safe Horizon, a leading victim services non-profit organization. Anderson joined the National Football League in 2006 after nine seasons at the Arena Football League.
     
• Kathy Behrens: As President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs for the NBA, Behrens oversees a group that manages all of the NBA's programs that coordinate league and player social responsibility efforts, support player growth and development, and enhance the marketing opportunities for current and former players. Behrens joined the NBA in September 2000 as Vice President, Community Relations, overseeing all of the NBA's public service initiatives, community outreach, and employee volunteer programs. Prior to joining the NBA, Behrens served as Executive Director of New York Cares, a non-profit organization that mobilizes volunteers to help New York City's neediest residents. She serves on the Board of Directors for New York Cares, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and the Ad Council and is a member of the Board of Regents for her alma mater, the University of Hartford.
     
• Karen Brodkin: In her role at WME | IMG, Brodkin oversees business affairs across the company's Events, Media, College, Golf, Tennis, Original Content, Performance, Clients, Global Partnerships, and Licensing businesses, as well as Joint Ventures. In addition, Brodkin is actively engaged in WME | IMG's business and strategic development, sponsorship, and sports/media consulting. Previously, Brodkin was the Executive Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs at FOX Sports Media Group. Prior to joining FOX, Brodkin spent five years as an entertainment attorney at two Los Angeles-based entertainment firms, where her clients included Garth Brooks, Spike Lee, Warner Bros and New Line Cinema. Brodkin is the Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Los Angeles Sports Council, and serves on the Southern California Advisory for CAL Athletics, the Sports and Entertainment Leadership Council for Los Angeles Children's Hospital, and the Host Committee and Advisory Board to the Los Angeles Olympic Trials-Marathon.

To view the full list of past WISE Women of the Year honorees, visit wiseworks.org.

About WISE

WISE (Women in Sports and Events), is the leading voice and resource for professional women in the business of sports. Through ongoing meetings, special events, and mentoring and educational programs, WISE aims to offer its members the opportunity to gain valuable industry insights and connections that can provide them with a competitive advantage in their current position and as they advance in their careers. Founded in 1993, WISE is a national membership organization and registered 501(c)(3) public charity headquartered in New York City, with chapters in Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Cleveland, Houston, Los Angeles, NYC Metro, Pittsburgh, San Diego, San Francisco/Bay Area, South Florida and Washington, D.C. For more information on WISE, please visit wiseworks.org.

SOURCE Women in Sports and Events (WISE)

Related Links

http://wiseworks.org