Conrad Smith named Lynx Chief Operating Officer

Minnesota Lynx Executive Vice President Roger Griffith today announced that Conrad Smith has accepted the position of Minnesota Lynx Chief Operating Officer. Smith previously held the position of Vice President of New Business Development with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Smith will assume the responsibilities of Angela Taylor, former Lynx Vice President of Business Development.

In his new position, Smith will oversee Lynx ticket sales, corporate sponsorships, marketing, advertising, public relations and other business segments. Additionally, he will serve as a community ambassador, help drive marketing and communications needs for the organization, and will serve as the team liaison to the league on marketing and business matters.

"I'm thrilled to take on this exciting opportunity with the Minnesota Lynx," said Smith. "We have a promising, young roster of world-class players with a very bright future. I'm looking forward to developing a business plan that continually grows our business, reaches new fans and heightens the profile of the Lynx within the Twin Cities and throughout the WNBA."

"This is a critical position for the Lynx and I am pleased to have someone of Conrad�s caliber fill this position for us," said Griffith. "He's been involved with the WNBA and the Lynx organization since its inception, and has sold in this market for many years. Conrad will continue to grow our revenues and will be a great leader for our business staff. I want to thank Angela Taylor for her contributions and am looking forward to helping Conrad continue the momentum and growth that we have established."

Smith has 25 years of professional sports experience, including the last 14 with the Minnesota Timberwolves. During that time, Smith was Vice President of Corporate Sales and Services and most recently, served as the team�s Vice President of Business Development, working with the team's 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. Prior to joining the Wolves, he spent four years as the Director of Corporate Sales for Major League Baseball's Minnesota Twins. Prior to that, Smith held a similar position with the National Hockey League's Minnesota North Stars.

The Minnesota Lynx begin their 11th season of WNBA basketball at Target Center this summer.