The Portland Trail Blazers President of Business Operations Dewayne Hankins and Interim General Manager Joe Cronin announced promotions in leadership and basketball staff to align with future business goals.
Ashley Clinkscale has been promoted to Executive Vice President / Chief Communications and Impact Officer. In this new role, Clinkscale will continue to oversee Corporate Communications, Community and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and in addition will be overseeing Basketball Communications, Player Relations and Alumni Relations.
Andrea Bailey has been promoted to Executive Vice President / Chief Revenue Officer. Bailey will oversee all revenue departments including Commercial Partnerships, Ticket Sales & Service, Premium Sales & Service and lead on finding emerging revenue streams utilizing digital assets, esports and our facilities.
Ryan Flaherty has been promoted to Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing. Flaherty will oversee Brand & Fan Development, Broadcast, Content, Creative Services, Game Operations & Events and Retail, all teams integral to creating Trail Blazers fans and growing the brand internationally.
Rebecca Felch has transitioned to the role of Chief of Staff. In this role, Felch will drive forward business objectives while playing a key role in annual business planning. She has been with the Trail Blazers for over seven years working as both Executive Assistant to the President / CEO and Chief of Staff.
Hankins will continue overseeing the new leadership team after taking over as President of Business Operations in November 2021, his ninth season with the Trail Blazers organization, with the goal of creating a more innovative, data-driven business model.
“I’m excited to announce these leadership changes and for where we are heading as one united organization,” said Hankins. “Our employees, fans and community stakeholders expect a lot from us, and this realignment will best prepare us for the challenge.”
Additionally, Interim General Manager Joe Cronin has announced promotions and new team members to the Basketball Operations department.
Geoff Clark has been promoted to Director of Player Health and Performance. With over 24 years of experience with the Trail Blazers, including the last 12 as Head Athletic Trainer, Clark will lead the Trail Blazers team of medical and performance staff in providing preventative maintenance and rehabilitative health care to players. The recipient of the 2014 National Basketball Athletic Trainers Association Trainer of the Year award, his experience includes four minor league seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers and an eight-year physical therapy stint while being assigned to the CBA’s Yakima Sun Kings.
After two and a half seasons as the Trail Blazers Assistant Athletic Trainer/Physical Therapist, Jessica Cohen has been promoted to Head Athletic Trainer. Cohen is credentialed as both a Certified Athletic Trainer and a Licensed Physical Therapist. In 2021, she became board certified in Sports Physical Therapy (SCS) by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Cohen joined the Trail Blazers from the WNBA where she spent two seasons as the Atlanta Dream’s Head Athletic Trainer and Physical Therapist following five seasons with the Chicago Sky.
Dr. Chantelle Green joins the Trail Blazers as the Director of Mind Health & Wellness. In this role, Dr. Green is responsible for helping players deal psychologically with the demands of the sport and to improve their personal development and performance. She will also provide mind health education and awareness to players and staff.
Sheri Sam is joining the Trail Blazers as Scouting Manager. Sam will work closely with the team’s basketball operations staff, performing a number of player evaluation, information gathering, salary cap and basketball analytics duties.
“As we continue forward, we want to align all aspects of our business and set up our players and staff for success,” said Cronin. “These promotions and new team members represent a great step in achieving that goal.”
