NEW YORK, NY, November 28, 2022 -- The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) today announced the following staff additions and changes effectively immediately:

Inky Son, Chief of Staff to the NBPA Executive Director & SVP of Strategy

Inky Son has been named the Chief of Staff to the NBPA Executive Director & SVP of Strategy. In this role, Son will oversee the activities of the Office of the Executive Director, prioritizing critical issues and supporting the implementation of the NBPA’s mission, vision, and values. Son will play an active role in leading the execution of the union's strategy, development, and growth. Latoya Sterling who served as Chief of Staff during the Executive Director transition has been named as Vice President of Player Marketing & I.D.E.A. Lab for THINK450, the revenue-generating arm of the NBPA.

Before transitioning to this new role, Son served as the Vice President of Licensing for THINK450. Son helped launch the licensing division of THINK450 and developed its strategic direction while overseeing new business development initiatives across several product categories. Before joining THINK450 in 2017, Son worked for the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) and led their licensed apparel category. Son spent the first 10+ years of her career in the fashion industry, managing international licensing for top brands (Calvin Klein and DKNY) and leading a start-up fashion brand in Europe (Twenty8Twelve London). 

Son holds a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Studio Art from Georgetown University. 

Lyzz Ogunwo, NBPA Vice President of International Development and Global Impact

Lyzz Ogunwo has been named the NBPA Vice President of International Development and Global Impact. In this new role, Ogunwo will be responsible for leading the NBPA’s global social impact initiatives with a focus on advancing academia, policy, and thought leadership development for the union. 

Since 2017, Ogunwo has worked with the NBPA Foundation, leading the development of philanthropic resources and support for the individual efforts of NBPA members and the Foundation’s programmatic work domestically and abroad. Most recently, Ogunwo served as the Foundation’s interim Executive Director from January 2022 to November 2022. 

Before joining the NBPA Foundation in 2017, Ogunwo spent over a decade in politics and government affairs, notably serving as the White House Leadership Development Director and White House Liaison to the Peace Corps during the Obama Administration. Under President Obama's first term at the Department of Energy, Ogunwo helped to advance the White House Energy Council on Women and Girls and the International Clean Energy Education & Empowerment (C3E) initiative.

Ogunwo holds a B.A. in International Affairs and Corporate Communications from James Madison University and a Master's in Public Administration from the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. Ogunwo is also a Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Senegal). 

Ricki Dean, NBPA Senior Director of Player Matters

Ricki Dean has been named the NBPA Senior Director of Player Matters.In this role, Dean will develop and execute strategies to equip players with the tools, support, and guidance needed for successful careers.

Led by Dean, the newly-formed Player Matters Department will serve as a division of the overall Player Engagement Department led by Chrysa Chin, the NBPA’s Chief Player Engagement Officer. Working in tandem with Chin, Dean will deliver player-centric services to support players’ needs, interests, and growth on and off the court.

Dean previously worked for the NBPA from 2015-2021 as the Associate Manager of Strategic Engagement & Development, specializing in player services and crisis management. Dean notably oversaw elite high school outreach, which led to the creation of ICONic, the NBPA’s transitional support program for players drafted under the age of 21. Dean most recently worked for the San Antonio Spurs as the Player Engagement & Family Services Manager, serving as the players’ primary contact for off-the-court needs and family support.

Dean received her undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she double-majored in Exercise and Sport Science and Sociology with a minor in Spanish in the Professions. Dean then earned her Master of Professional Studies in Sport Industry Management from Georgetown University. 

“I am excited for Inky, Latoya, Lyzz and Ricki as they embark on this next career step within our organization,” said NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio. “I am also so grateful for Latoya Sterling and her work as my Chief of Staff, and I look forward to working with all of them in their new roles as we continue to reimagine the possible for our members.”

Additional staff promotions for the NBPA include:

• Kirk Berger - Counsel

• Shayne Eisenman - Operations Manager

• Ivan Maggi - Director, International Player Experience

• Danielle Marsh - Vice President, People & Culture

• Kiran Prakash - Manager, Communications & Media Relations

• Matt Sherman - Senior Director, Growth Strategy

• Kathryn Than - Program Officer, NBPA Foundation

• Ryan Vaughn - Director, Revenue Sharing & Special Projects

All media inquiries should be directed to communications@nbpa.com.

About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities, and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.