Glen Taylor
Owner

On March 23, 1995, Glen Taylor closed the deal that made him majority owner of the Minnesota Timberwolves. He added the title of NBA owner to a list that already included international businessman, state senator, entrepreneur, philanthropist and executive of the year. In October 2002, Taylor became the majority owner of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx after a change in the league's ownership structure. Taylor had served as the operating owner of the Lynx for the previous four seasons of the team's existence, beginning with the 1999 inaugural campaign.

Taylor is Chairman of the Board of Taylor Corporation, located in Mankato, Minn. The Taylor Companies, which are involved in the printing, marketing and electronics industries, include more than 70 operating divisions in 19 states, three Canadian provinces, the United Kingdom, Australia and Mexico.

Taylor was elected to the Minnesota Senate in 1980, where he served until 1990. He became assistant Senate minority leader in 1982. From 1984 to 1986, he served as Senate minority leader. While in the Senate, Taylor was instrumental in providing leadership in the areas of higher education, child care and economic development policies.

In 1997, Mankato State University awarded Taylor his first honorary doctorate. Taylor received the degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws for his distinguished professional career and volunteer service. In October 2001, Taylor was inducted into the Minnesota State University, Mankato Hall of Distinction.

Taylor was born April 20, 1941, and raised on a farm 60 miles west of his current home in Mankato. He graduated from Comfrey (Minn.) High School in 1959. In just three years, he earned his bachelor's degree in mathematics, physics and social science from Mankato State University.

Taylor lives in Mankato with his wife Becky.

Rob Moor
Chief Executive Officer

Rob Moore became chief executive officers of the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2004 following 10 years as the team’s president. While reorganizing the Timberwolves and building a first-class staff, Moor was also involved in securing a WNBA franchise for Minnesota in 1998.

Moor’s strategic goals for the Timberwolves and Lynx revolve around customer services and a fan-centered attitude. “If we provide great customer service and great entertainment we will always be successful,” Moor says.

In a career that began at MGM Studios in Culver City, California, Moor was involved with the merger with United Artists and the subsequent sale of the studio to Ted Turner. Moor worked for Turner Entertainment for two years before moving to 20th Century Fox in film distribution. While at Fox, Moor had the opportunity to join the Los Angeles Kings where he transitioned his entertainment career to sports. Moor was the executive vice president of the Los Angeles Kings when he moved to Minnesota to lead the Timberwolves.

In addition to being on the executive committee of Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association, Moor is also active in fundraising efforts for several non-profit organizations. Born in Geneva, Switzerland, Moor was raised in Europe and moved to the United States in 1966. Moor currently resides in Plymouth, Minn.

Chris Wright
President

This season marks Wright’s 18th year with the Timberwolves organization and fourth as the team’s president. 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 where everyone understands their role and supports each other, 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 of the organization, which is to surround fans with the world-class athleticism and complete entertainment of the NBA and WNBA.

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).

Wright, who graduated from Carnegie College of Physical Education in Headingly Leeds, Yorkshire, England, is very involved with a number of local charities and youth sports programs. He resides in Eden Prairie, Minn., with his wife, Walla, their sons Jeff and Ned, and their daughter, Christy.

Roger Griffith
Executive Vice President

Roger Griffith joined the Timberwolves organization in 1994 as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Griffith, who played an instrumental role in bringing the WNBA to Minnesota, also serves as the Lynx' Chief Operating Officer. He oversees all accounting, box office, budgeting, finance and personnel operations for both organizations. In addition, Griffith is responsible for running the Lynx' day-to-day operations.

Prior to joining the Timberwolves, Griffith gained a variety of experience in public and private industry. Previously, he worked for Taymark, a Taylor Corporation company, as division manager for the ad specialty direct mail division. He also worked at Northwest Airlines as the director of internal audit and spent time with a public accounting firm.

A native of Shakopee, Minn., Griffith graduated magna cum laude from Augsburg College in 1984 with a degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. In 1988, he earned his MBA in general management from the University of Minnesota. Griffith resides in Eagan, Minn. with his wife, Jean, and daughters, Emma and Abby.



Conrad Smith
Chief Operating Officer
smith@lynxbasketball.com

Conrad Smith was named Lynx Chief Operating Officer on November 19, 2008. Smith previously held the position of Vice President of New Business Development with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx.

Smith oversees Lynx ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, marketing, advertising, public relations and other business segments. Additionally, he serves as a community ambassador, helps drive marketing and communications needs for the organization, and operates as the team liaison to the league on marketing and business matters.

Smith has 25 years of professional sports experience, including the last 14 with the Timberwolves and Lynx organization. During that time, Smith was Vice President of Corporate Sales and Services and most recently, served as Vice President of Business Development, working with premier sponsors such as Verizon, Best Buy, Pepsi and Target.

A graduate of Emerson College in Boston, Smith first came to the Twin Cities in 1983. Before joining the Timberwolves, he spent four years as the Director of Corporate Sales for the Minnesota Twins. Prior to that, Smith held a similar position with the National Hockey League's Minnesota North Stars.

Katie Alsdurf
Manager of Basketball Operations and Video
alsdurf@lynxbasketball.com

Katie Alsdurf joined the Lynx staff in September of 2007 as Basketball Operations Coordinator. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the Lynx front office and assists in the strategic planning processes of player personnel and development.

A native of Forest Lake, Minn., Alsdurf attended Marquette University on a basketball scholarship, where she was named to the Conference USA All-Freshman team in 2002. In 2003, Alsdurf returned to her roots when she transferred to the University of Minnesota. While finishing her basketball career as a Gopher, Alsdurf completed her undergraduate degree in Public Relations, and received her Masters degree in Sports Management. On the court, Alsdurf was a member of the 2004 Final Four team, while off the court she was a two-time Academic All Big Ten honoree. Most recently Alsdurf competed on the Premier Players college tour, which plays against top teams throughout the Division I college preseason.

Alsdurf currently resides in Forest Lake, Minn.

Katie Bye
Ticket Sales Representative
bye@lynxbasketball.com

Katie Bye joined the Lynx staff as Ticket Sales Representative in February of 2009. Her primary focus is to tailor group ticket packages to meet the needs of prospective clientele, developing and maintaining new partnerships, as well as expanding brand awareness of Lynx Basketball.

Prior to joining the Lynx, Bye spent the past four months as a Public Relations Intern for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Prior to that, Bye interned with Sport Management department at Minnesota State University-Mankato where she helped start the MSU Scholarship BBQ event, which generated money for student scholarships. Bye also interned with the Saint Paul Saints in game-day promotions and special events during summer of 2008.

Bye played basketball, softball, and volleyball in high school and loves to bowl. Bye loves Bill Murray and classic Chris Farley movies and spends most her time with her fiancé, family, friends.

Bye graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a bachelor's degree in Communications and from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a master's degree in Sports Management. Bye currently resides in Minnetonka, MN.

Chad Cardinal
Group Sales Executive
cardinal@lynxbasketball.com

Chad Cardinal joined the Lynx staff in October 2006. His is responsible for the maximization of revenue through direct sale of group tickets while managing the group sales department. Before joining the Lynx, Cardinal graduated from Mayville State University where he doubled majored in Sports Management and Exercise Science along with attaining a minor in Coaching and certificate in Information Technology. While at Mayville State, Cardinal played baseball for a Comets team that won 17 consecutive championships and 42 of the past 58 under Hall of Fame coach Scott Berry. For his efforts on the field, he was a multiple All-Region pick as well as a repeat Academic All-American selection for his effects in the classroom. A native of Brooklyn Park, Cardinal currently resides in Minneapolis.

Erin Henning
Fan Relations Coordinator
henning@lynxbasketball.com

Erin Henning was named Fan Relations Coordinator in October of 2007. In this role, Henning serves as the day-to-day contact for Lynx season ticket holders; planning events, servicing season ticket accounts, fulfilling benefits, and answering any questions that may arise.

Henning was hired as an intern in the ticket sales and marketing department for the Timberwolves in October 2006. She remained a full-time intern with the Timberwolves until being hired for her current position.

A native of Lake Crystal, Minn., Henning attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where she double majored in Political Science and Communication Studies. In college, Henning played lacrosse and studied abroad in London for six months.

Henning has been a sports fan all her life. She has been a youth softball coach for several years and is an avid Minnesota Twins fan. She enjoys being with her friends and family, traveling, listening to live music, and watching scary movies. Henning moved to the Twin Cities in 2006 and now resides in Minneapolis.

Todd Kirckof
Interactive Services Coordinator
kirckof@lynxbasketball.com

Todd Kirckof joined the Timberwolves and Lynx organization as an intern at the beginning of the Timberwolves 2007-08 season. In June of 2008, he was promoted to Interactive Services Coordinator, and is responsible for updating and maintaining lynxbasketball.com.

A native of Villard, MN, he graduated in 2007 from Minnesota State University Moorhead where he majored in Graphic Communications.

Todd currently resides in Minneapolis.

Patrick Lange
Ticket Sales Representative
lange@lynxbasketball.com

Patrick Lange joined the Lynx in March of 2008. He started as an Inside Sales Rep before being promoted to his current position as a full time Lynx Sales Representative in August of 2008. His focus is on season tickets as well as developing group sales opportunities.

A native of Fountain City, Wis., Lange graduated in 2007 from St. Cloud State University where he majored in Travel and Tourism.

Lange currently resides in Minneapolis.

Jay Mayes
Corporate Sales Executive
mayes@lynxbasketball.com

Jay Mayes joined the Lynx staff in February of 2009 as Corporate Sales Executive. Mayes is responsible for generating sponsorship revenue and marketing sponsorships for the Lynx, with a focus on new media packages, in-arena signage, event-based sponsorships, tickets sales/hospitability and community relations initiatives.

Prior to joining the Lynx, Mayes spent the past five years working in various capacities selling corporate sponsorships. Most recently, Mayes served as the Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Portland LumberJax of the National Lacrosse League. Prior to that, Mayes worked for A. Bright Idea Sports Marketing where he held the title of Sports Marketing and Sponsorship Sales Executive from 2006 to 2007. Mayes got his start in sponsorship sales in 2004 with the National Football League's Baltimore Ravens.

Originally from Baltimore, Md., Mayes graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pa. Mayes currently resides in Minneapolis.

Anna Mercado
Marketing Manager
mercado@lynxbasketball.com

Anna Mercado was named Marketing Manager in April of 2008. Her primary responsibility is to engage fans and drive ticket sales through advertising, promotions and events.

Mercado has been with the Timberwolves and Lynx organization since October 2004. Before joining the dedicated Lynx staff, she served as Advertising and Event Supervisor for both teams. Mercado began her career in sports by interning for the Minnesota Twins her senior year of college.

A native of Eagan, Minn., Mercado graduated summa cum laude from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota with a degree in marketing. She currently resides in Minneapolis with her husband Adam.

Andrea Olson
Ticket Sales Representative
olson@lynxbasketball.com

Andrea Olson joined the Lynx staff in fall of 2008. Her main focus is creating group events for women's programs and youth basketball programs through out the Twin Cities.

Before joining the Lynx, Andrea worked in sales for both Wells Fargo and Wells Fargo Financial.

Andrea is a native of Chippewa Falls, Wis. She graduated in 2006 from Warner Southern College in Lake Wales, Fla., with a degree in Sports Management and was a member of the Lady Royals basketball team. Olson was introduced to basketball at a young age by her father, who coached at the high school and collegiate levels. She did her senior internship at Gold's Gym in Winter Haven, Fla. and started the Gold's Gym basketball league.

Olson currently resides in Minneapolis.

Zachre Phillips
Community Partnerships Executive
phillips@lynxbasketball.com

Zachre Phillips joined the Lynx and Timberwolves staff as a Group Event Representative in March 2008. His primary focus is to develop and maintain new partnerships, maximize the profitability of the Minnesota Lynx and Timberwolves, and tailor partnership packages to meet the needs of prospective clientele, utilizing the resources of Lynx and Timberwolves basketball as a business tool.

Prior to joining the Lynx, Phillips was employed by the City of Minneapolis as a Program Coordinator.

A native of East Lansing, Mich., Phillips graduated in 2006 from Olivet College with a bachelor's degree in Sports and Recreation Management and minor in Coaching. At Olivet College, he served as the Assistant Athletic Recruiting Coordinator for three years. Phillips was also a four-year starter on the Comets football team as a defensive back and was named to the MIAA All-Conference team in 2004.

Phillips moved to the Twin Cities in 2006 and now resides in Minnetonka.

Joe Schwei
Ticket Sales Manager
schwei@lynxbasketball.com

Joe Schwei joined the Lynx staff as Ticket Sales Manager in January.

Schwei comes to the Lynx from the Mankato MoonDogs baseball team of the Northwoods League where he has served as Owner and President since 2002. Schwei has also spent the last six years as an independent marketing consultant, handling all fundraising and e-commerce activities for the Metro Baseball League and developing marketing and business development strategies for the St. Cloud, Mankato, Alexandria, Brainerd and Madison franchises of the Northwoods League. Prior to his time in Mankato, Schwei co-founded and served as Director of Operations and General Manager for the Alexandria Beetles of the Northwoods League for one year. Before that, he had spent the previous five years as General Manager of the St. Cloud River Bats of the Northwoods League.

As Tickets Sales Manager, Schwei is accountable for maximizing revenue from the sale of tickets to consumers, groups, and corporations while managing the Lynx ticket sales staff. Schwei is also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day sales process of Lynx full and partial season ticket packages as well as Lynx Group Ticket initiatives.

Originally from Neenah, WI, Schwei graduated with a bachelor's degree in political science from the University of Minnesota and is currently completing his Masters of Business Administration at the Carlson School of Management. Schwei currently resides in Minneapolis.

Aaron Seehusen
Public Relations Coordinator
seehusen@lynxbasketball.com

Aaron Seehusen joined the Timberwolves and Lynx organization as an intern in the summer of 2007. In October of 2008, he was promoted to Minnesota Lynx Public Relations Coordinator, and is responsible for handling all local and national media requests involving players, coaches and front office personnel.

Prior to joining the Timberwolves and Lynx, Seehusen served as a marketing and game management intern for the Dubuque Thunderbirds of the Central States Hockey League.

A native of Plymouth, MN, he graduated from Loras College in Dubuque, IA with a bachelors degrees in Sports Management and Business.

Seehusen currently resides in Plymouth.

Nicole Smith
Senior Manager of Community Relations and Fan Relations
nsmith@lynxbasketball.com

In December of 2008, Nicole Smith was named Senior Manager of Community Relations and Fan Relations. In this role, Smith is responsible for the strategic development of community partnerships, while building player images and generating local opportunities to extend player celebrity, brand and goodwill. Smith also oversees Lynx guest service and retention efforts as well as Lynx season ticket holder programming.

After serving as Manager of Business Operations where Smith oversaw the execution of several key business initiatives encompassing ticket sales, marketing, fan relations, public relations, community relations, and corporate sponsorships, Smith was charged with developing and executing the strategic direction of the sales and service departments as well as ensuring championship-caliber service to all guests as Senior Manager of Ticket Sales and Service.

Smith began with the Minnesota Lynx as a game presentation intern in 2005. Following her internship, Smith transitioned into the position of Fan Relations Executive, where she spent two years developing service and retention programs for season ticket holders.

A native of Apple Valley, Minn., Smith graduated from the University of Wisconsin - River Falls in 2005 with a degree in Marketing Communications and Journalism, and is now pursuing her MBA at Bethel University. Smith currently resides in Minneapolis.