Lynx Front Office

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.

Before he even completed his first full season as Timberwolves owner, Taylor set in motion his plan for making a mark on the Minnesota sports scene. Prior to the completion of the sale of the team from Marv Wolfenson and Harvey Ratner, Taylor installed Rob Moor, Roger Griffith and Chris Wright to run the business functions of the franchise. In 1999, Taylor brought women’s professional basketball back to the Twin Cities by operating the Lynx and added the duties of Lynx Chief Operating Officer to Griffith’s responsibilities.

In the winter of 2008, Taylor shifted the balance of power within the Lynx by naming Griffith the company's Executive Vice President and appointing long-time Timberwolves and Lynx Vice President of New Business Development Conrad Smith as the new Chief Operating Officer of the Lynx. During the 2009 offseason, Taylor appointed long-time successful WNBA assistant coach Cheryl Reeve as the franchise’s seventh head coach.

Glen Taylor is chairman of the multinational Taylor Corporation, based in Mankato, MN. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Minnesota State University, Mankato. During this period, he worked part time at Carlson Wedding Service, a print shop specializing in formal invitations. After graduation he continued to work at the company, developing strategies to cut delivery time, improve service and expand offerings. Taylor purchased the company in 1975, assembled a passionate leadership team and dramatically expanded the firm's capabilities, growing it into one of the largest privately held companies in the United States. Today Taylor Corporation, based in North Mankato, includes more than 80 subsidiaries providing business and personal communications products, technologies and marketing services. Other enterprises owned by Taylor are in securities, agricultural, and medical fields.

He continued his education at the Harvard Graduate School of Business. In 1997, Mankato State University awarded Taylor their 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’s business savvy has been recognized by Corporate Report magazine, which honored him as its Executive of the Year (1987), and the Sales and Marketing Executives of Minneapolis/St. Paul, who awarded him with their Sales Executive of the Year Award (1999). He was also inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame (2002) by Twin Cities Monthly Magazine.

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.

He has served on the NBA Planning Committee and has been Chairman of the Audit Committee. In October of 2008, Taylor was named chairman of the NBA's Board of Governors.

Taylor and his family have provided financial assistance and participated in missions to Africa, Turkey, Egypt and Central America to support the Starkey Hearing Foundation and Common Hope.

Taylor and his wife, Becky, live in Mankato. Their children and grandchildren enjoy attending many of the Timberwolves and Lynx games.





LIMITED PARTNERS

WILLIAM F. BIEBER Chairman, ATEK Companies, Plymouth, Minn. Bieber resides in Edina, Minnesota.

RALPH W. BURNET Chairman of Coldwell Banker Burnet, Edina, Minnesota, and Owner and Chairman of RWB Hospitality LLC. Burnet resides in his hometown of Wayzata, Minn.

DENNIS FRANDSEN Owner/CEO of Frandsen Corporation, North Branch, Minnesota. A native of Luck, Wisconsin, Frandsen resides in Rush City, Minnesota.

R. WYNN KEARNEY, JR. Kearney is senior surgeon of the Orthopaedic & Fracture Clinic, Mankato, Minnesota ., and resides in Mankato, his hometown.

FRED LUTZ Lutz, a retired soft drink bottler, resides in North Mankato, Minnesota.

BURTON J. McGLYNN Chairman of Decopac, Inc. (a McGlynn family company). A native of Minneapolis, McGlynn resides on Captiva Island, Fla.

JOHN E. MOORE President of Moore G.P. LLC. Moore resides in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

THOMAS E. MOORE Senior Vice President Investments at UBS Financial Services Inc. Moore resides in Edina, Minnesota.

TERI E. POPP President Minnesota Military Family Tribute and retired attorney residing in Orono, Minnesota.

WILLIAM J. (BILL) POPP Owner/President of POPP Communications., Golden Valley, Minn. A native of Minneapolis, Popp resides in Orono, Minnesota.

JOYCE SEXTON President Sexton Family Foundation. Sexton resides in Incline Village, Nevada.

WILLIAM SEXTON Retired President/Owner Old Northwest Company. Sexton resides in Incline Village, Nevada.



Rob Moor
Chief Executive Officer

Rob Moor became chief executive officer 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 and, in 2004, leading the effort to form Midwest Entertainment Group and manage Target Center until the spring of 2007.

Moor’s strategic goals for the Timberwolves and Lynx revolve around customer service 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 in 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 NHL's Los Angeles Kings, where he transitioned his entertainment career to sports. Moor was the executive vice president of the 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 marked Chris Wright’s 21st year with the Timberwolves and Lynx organizations and seventh as the teams' president. Wright is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the teams.

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.Whether coming to the arena, watching a game on television, purchasing a ticket online, or meeting players and staff in the community, Lynx and 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 an unwavering work ethic, valuing excellence and being active members of the community. Wright believes that by developing a culture that emphasizes "one team," "one voice," and "one with our community," the Timberwolves and Lynx will have the ability to achieve great things. He believes in hiring a staff that is genuinely optimistic and passionate about the franchise-a staff that is professional, yet strives for fun with Timberwolves and Lynx fans and clients.

A native of England, Wright came to the United States in 1978. Prior to joining the Timberwolves and Lynx, 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 in and consults with many local charities and youth sports programs. He was elected to and serves on the board of the Minneapolis Downtown Council and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

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. In this role, he is responsible for all accounting, box office, budgeting, finance and personnel operations for the organization.

In 1999, he added the duties of chief operating officer of the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx to his responsibilities, and transitioned to executive vice president of the Lynx prior to the 2009 WNBA season.

Prior to coming to the Timberwolves and Lynx, Griffith gained a variety of experience in public and private industry. He previously worked for Taymark, a Taylor Corporation company, as division manager of the ad specialty direct mail division. He also worked for 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.






Carley Knox
Director of Lynx Business Operations
knox@lynxbasketball.com

Carley Knox is entering her fourth season with the Minnesota Lynx and her ninth in the WNBA. In December 2012, she was named the Lynx Director of Business Operations and acts as the primary liaison between the team and WNBA on league-wide business and marketing initiatives. Knox oversees the day to day business operations of the Lynx, including business development, budget management, community relations, scheduling, preseason games, and logistics. Additionally, Knox maintains her role within the development of corporate sales and tickets sales.

Originally hired by the Minnesota Lynx in January 2010 as the Business Development Manager, her focuses included corporate partnerships and ticket sales. She came to Minnesota after spending 5 years with the WNBA’s Detroit Shock where she was the Director of Sales and Marketing.

Knox attended Ohio University and earned degrees in both sports administration and women’s studies. She was also a member of the Ohio University Women’s Soccer Team when they won the Mid-American Conference Championship in 1998. She then went on to coach women’s soccer at St. Bonaventure University in Olean, New York.

Upon returning to Ohio she took a position with an LPGA tournament, specifically The Jamie Farr Owens Corning Classic, where she worked with operations, marketing, and sales. In the fall of 2002 she took a graduate assistantship at Bowling Green State University, where she obtained her M.A. in Sports Administration and Women’s Studies.

Knox currently resides in Minneapolis, MN.

Steve Beno
Ticket Sales Manager
beno@lynxbasketball.com

Steven Beno Jr. is in his 1st season as the Lynx Ticket Sales Manager, and is in his 4th year with the Timberwolves/Lynx organization. Prior to taking on his current role with the Minnesota Lynx, he was a Sr. Account Executive in the Timberwolves Premium Seating department, assisting companies entertaining their clients and employees with event suites, club seating, Lexus Courtside Seating and other seating options that best fit their needs. Before joining the Wolves, he oversaw all ticket operations of the Albany River Rats of the American Hockey League as the Vice President of Ticket Sales.

As Lynx Ticket Sales Manager, Beno is accountable for maximizing revenue from the sale of tickets to consumers, groups, and corporations while managing the Lynx ticket sales staff. Beno 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. He believes this is best accomplished through hard work, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service and follow through.

Originally from Green Bay, WI and hence a cheese head, Steve has the redeeming quality of being an alumni of the University of Minnesota and likewise, a Gopher.

Erin Henning
Sr. Account Executive
henning@lynxbasketball.com

Erin Henning started with the organization in the fall of 2006, joining the Fan Relations department in 2007. She was previously in the role of Fan Relations Manager, overseeing the Fan Relations department for the Minnesota Lynx. With her proven dedication of service and sales, she has recently transitioned into a Senior Account Executive, where she is committed to delivering exceptional customer service to Lynx fans, while helping to generate revenue for the organization.

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.

Janae Magnuson
Account Executive
magnuson@lynxbasketball.com

Janae Magnuson joined the Minnesota Lynx in February 2013 as a Account Representative. In her current position, Janae is responsible for selling full and partial season tickets, tailoring group ticket packages for clients and developing new ticket relationships.

Prior to joining the Lynx organization, Janae was the Director of Athletics for Mount Mary College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She was responsible with managing all internal operations for the entire Athletic Department, including supervising personnel. Additionally, Janae served as Head Softball Coach for six seasons, recording the best individual season and career record in school history.

A University of Washington graduate, Janae was born in Kalispell, Montana but grew up in Seattle, Washington. In her free time, Janae loves playing pretty much any sport, especially volleyball, basketball and softball. She recently taught herself how to snowboard, and looks forward to spending time wakeboarding on the lakes in the summer. Her partner and three kids currently live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Taylor Adrian
Account Representative
adrian@lynxbasketball.com

Taylor Adrian joined the Minnesota Lynx in May 2012 as a intern before beginning his current full-time position as Ticket Sales Representative in November 2012. In his current role, Taylor is responsible for selling various ticket packages, including both full and partial season tickets, while building ticket relationships with different groups around the Twin Cities.

Prior to joining the Lynx organization, Taylor was a sales representative and assistant manager at Hibbett Sporting Goods in Vermillion, South Dakota. He also worked at the University of South Dakota Foundation Call Center, supervising over 25 college students as they made fundraising calls for University initiatives and projects.

Adrian graduated from the University of South Dakota with a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology and Sport Science, with a specialization in Sport Management and minor in coaching. He grew up in Mountain Lake, playing high school basketball for the Wolverines all four years. He currently lives in Minneapolis, Minn. and enjoys playing pick-up basketball and traveling in his free time.

Matt Corners
Account Representative
corners@lynxbasketball.com

Matt Corners joined the Timberwolves & Lynx organization in December of 2011 as an Inside Sales Associate. After two Timberwolves seasons in the Inside Sales Department, he joined the Lynx front office as Account Representative in April 2013. In his current role, Matt is responsible for generating new revenue for the Lynx organization through the sale of season ticket and group ticket packages to consumers, corporations, and nonprofit organizations.

Matt graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato in May of 2011 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management. Prior to joining the Timberwolves & Lynx, he was a Corporate & Group Sales intern for the Mankato MoonDogs of the Northwoods League.

Corners was born in Fort Collins, CO and grew up in Stevens Point, WI. Outside of the office, he attends networking events and serves on the board of directors for Young Professionals of the Twin Cities. He currently lives in Minneapolis and enjoys attending live music and sporting events, golfing, and snowboarding.

Trevor Lyga
Account Representative
lyga@lynxbasketball.com

Trevor Lyga joined the Minnesota Lynx in April 2012. As an Account Executive, he is responsible for selling season and group tickets, while expanding brand awareness of Minnesota Lynx Basketball.

Prior to joining the Lynx, Trevor was employed by Wells Fargo where he completed a sales management internship. He also worked in sales development for a mobile application that he co-created for smart phones. Trevor graduated from Winona State University in 2011 with a degree in Business Management.

A native of La Crosse, Wis., Trevor is an avid sports fan who enjoys music, running and staying physically active in his free time. He currently resides in Minneapolis.

Emma Sandstrom
Account Representative
sandstrom@lynxbasketball.com

Emma Sandstrom joined the Minnesota Lynx in April 2013. As an Account Representative, she is responsible for selling various ticket packages, including both full and partial season tickets and group tickets, while expanding brand awareness of Minnesota Lynx Basketball and building relationships.

Prior to joining the Lynx organization she was a part of the Timberwolves College Night Sales Team. Emma graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2013 with a bachelor's degree in Education and minor in Sport Management. Emma is continuing her education in Sport Management, doing her Masters at the University of Minnesota.

A native of Minnetonka, Minn., Emma enjoys watching and playing all sports, music, traveling, outdoor activities, and volunteering. She currently resides in Minneapolis.

Amanda Collins
Community Relations Manager
collins@lynxbasketball.com

Entering her fourth season with the Lynx, Collins is responsible for coordinating all community relations platforms as well as managing the Lynx Foundation. Prior to joining the Lynx, she worked as an intern for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the client development and marketing departments.

Originally from Bismarck, ND Collins graduated from the University of Mary with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. While attending college, Collins completed an internship with the Dakota Wizards of the NBA D-League.

During her spare time, Collins enjoys playing and watching all sports. In addition to her passion for Lynx basketball, she enjoys cheering on her favorite football team, the Dallas Cowboys. A figure skater since age 3, Collins enjoys coaching the sport as well. She currently resides in Woodbury.

Alex King
Public Relations Manager
king@lynxbasketball.com

Alex King joined the Timberwolves and Lynx public relations department as an intern in the prior to the 2008-09 NBA season. He served as an intern during two Timberwolves seasons, and spent the 2011 season as the Public Relations Assistant during the Lynx championship run. As Public Relations Manager, King is responsible for handling all local and national media requests involving players, coaches and front office personnel.

Prior to joining the organization, King was served as a PR intern during the summer of 2008 with the Larry H. Miller Spots & Entertainment Group in Salt Lake City. With the LHMSE, King assisted with PR efforts of the Utah Jazz’ Rocky Mountain Revue summer league, the Salt Lake Bees and the Miller Motorsports Park. King has also acted as a game day intern with the Saint Paul Saints (Summer 2009).

Originally from Tinton Falls, N.J., King graduated from the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in sports management and a minor in communications. He currently resides in Minneapolis, MN.

Amy Kuehn
Marketing Manager
kuehn@lynxbasketball.com

Amy Kuehn started as the Lynx Marketing Manager in February 2013. She is responsible for promoting the Lynx in the community as well as increasing single game ticket sales. Prior to joining the Lynx, she worked as an intern for the Minnesota Timberwolves marketing department starting in the 2009-2010 season. Kuehn also held a promotions internship with the Saint Paul Saints (summer 2009) and worked as a marketing/sales intern for two years with the Minnesota Swarm (Jan 2009-April 2010).

Kuehn graduated from the University of Minnesota's Carlson School of Management in May 2012 with a major in Marketing and minor in International Business. While attending college, Kuehn spent a semester studying at a business school in Bordeaux, France and played for the college's basketball team. At Carlson, she was involved in various student groups including Women in Business, Sports Management Association, and GLOBE.

In her spare time, Amy enjoys watching and playing sports, traveling, outdoor activities, music, and reading. Amy also volunteers her time with Habitat for Humanity. She currently resides in Minneapolis, MN.

Zach McGowan
Fan Experience Specialist
mcgowan@lynxbasketball.com

Zach McGowan joined the Timberwolves and Lynx organization in January 2011 in the Premium Seating and Community Relations departments for the Timberwolves, before beginning as Fan Experience Specialist in June 2012. In his current position, Zach's focus is working with Lynx Season Ticket Members to ensure they have an unrivaled year-round experience by providing exceptional customer service and facilitating exclusive events and opportunities for them.

Prior to joining the organization, Zach worked as an intern with the Mankato MoonDogs of the Northwoods League during the 2009 season, and LifeTime Fitness as a Member Engagement Advisor.

A native of Lakeville, Minn., Zach graduated from St. Norbert College (De Pere, WI) with a bachelor's degree in communication and minor in leadership studies in 2006, and from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a master's degree in sport management in 2010. He currently resides in Minneapolis, MN.

Tara Smith
Fan Experience Specialist
tarasmith@lynxbasketball.com

Tara Smith joined the Minnesota Lynx in January 2013. As a Fan Experience Specialist, she is responsible for servicing season ticket member accounts and enhancing their overall game day experience.

Before joining the Lynx organization, Tara was an intern for both the Minnesota Timberwolves and Minnesota Twins in their Community Relations Departments in 2012. Tara graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2011 with a bachelor's degree in advertising and minor in communications. While in college, Tara was involved in the Sport Management Association and Delta Gamma Sorority. She also volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House on the University of Minnesota campus.

Tara was born in Burnsville, Minn. and enjoys watching all Minnesota sports. During her free time, she plays co-ed soccer and spends time with her family and friends. She loves photography and traveling. She currently resides in Eagan, Minn. with her cocker spaniel, Zoey.

Paige Jackson
Basketball Operations and Video Coordinator
pjackson@lynxbasketball.com

Originally from Carson City, Michigan Jackson graduated from Central Michigan University with a Sports Management Degree. Jackson got her professional start in basketball as a student Manager for the Central Michigan University Women's Basketball Team.

From there she accepted an internship as a Video Coordinator with the Detroit Shock in 2008. In 2009 she returned as the Detroit Shocks Team Manager & Video Coordinator. Jackson spent the last 2 WNBA seasons as the Video Coordinator for the Washington Mystics.