Carr

New York, May 30 -Former NBA great and North Carolina native M.L. Carr has been named President of the Charlotte Sting, it was announced today by WNBA President Val Ackerman. The appointment follows the WNBA's assumption of control of Sting operations upon the recent approval by the NBA Board of Governors of the relocation of the Charlotte Hornets to New Orleans. In the newly created role, Carr will draw upon his vast experience in professional sports to revitalize the support of the Sting in his home state.

In addition to Carr's appointment, the league announced that Renea Bared will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Business Operations, in which she will oversee the Sting's day-to-day business operations, and Felicia Hall has been promoted to Vice President, Team Operations.

"This new management team will allow us to fortify the Sting's support from the business community and basketball fans in Charlotte, and we're very excited that M.L Carr will be leading the effort, given his stature and his wealth of knowledge about the sport of basketball," said Ackerman. "I am confident that his appointment will provide us with the greatest possible chance of success in the Charlotte market."

"This is an extraordinary opportunity, and I am thrilled to have the chance to help contribute to the growth of the WNBA in Charlotte," said Carr. "The Sting is an exciting team to watch, and I hope that all basketball fans in the city and surrounding communities will come out this season to support the players and experience all the team has to offer."

Carr was raised in Wallace, N.C. and attended Guilford College in Greensboro, N.C. His 10-year playing career included one season in the ABA and nine in the NBA for the Detroit Pistons and the Boston Celtics, where he contributed to two NBA titles (1981, 1984). After his retirement in 1985, Carr moved into the front office, served as the Director of Community Relations and later coached the Celtics for two seasons (1995-97). Carr then became Boston's Executive Vice President for Corporate Development, responsible for securing sponsorship and joint-venture partnerships. Most recently, he worked as a business development consultant while residing in the Boston area.