Las Vegas Raiders announced Thursday that a former Nevada gambling regulator was the new president of the franchise, becoming the first Black woman to hold this title with an NFL team.
Mark Davis, team owner, said Sandra Douglass Morgan was the top candidate after speaking to candidates.
Davis stated that Davis’s experience, integrity, and passion for the community will prove invaluable to our organization. Sandra was an incredible leader from the moment she met me. We are very fortunate to have her at our helm.
Morgan, who was the Nevada Gaming Control Board’s former chairwoman, is the third African-American woman to be elected president of an NFL team.
She is also the most recent Raiders hire to overcome barriers. Tom Flores, a former Raiders head coach, was the first Hispanic coach to win the Super Bowl. Art Shell, a former coach, was also the first Black head coach in the NFL’s Super Bowl era.
Morgan spent eight years in North Las Vegas and was the first Black woman attorney in Nevada. She served that role between 2013 and 2016.
Morgan stated, “I certainly never want to become the last,” and “I want to get there where there are no more firsts.”
Morgan stressed leadership and transparency at her Allegiant Stadium introductory press conference.
Morgan stated, “We have so many more things to do, and we are excited to be at helm of that growth. I look forward to ushering into the new chapter for Raiders.” “I believe in Raiders’ promise, I believe that Raiders have the future, I believe the Raiders’ tenets and most importantly, I believe the Raiders’ commitment to excellence.
She will take over a team that had seen its leadership change in the past year, which saw two presidents and many long-standing executives leave.
Marc Badain had resigned last summer as president. Dan Ventrelle assumed the interim presidency in July 2021 and was promoted to full-time in January.
Ventrelle left the company less than one year after he joined it. Ventrelle stated that he was fired because he raised concerns about the NFL’s “hostile work environment” in a statement to Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Morgan stated, “It is no secret that the organization has experienced some recent challenges. But I want to make it clear that I am not here for any of those issues or to avoid concerns or problems that need to addressed.” It is clear to me that this is an important and defining moment for the NFL. It is important to me, and I intend to make meaningful contributions well beyond the Raiders.
Maxx Crosby (star defensive end) said that Raiders players are eager to begin a new chapter.
Crosby stated, “It’s amazing.” “First, breaking down barriers. Mark has done an amazing job. It all started with his father. Just being transparent and giving everyone equal opportunities. She is truly the best for the job, and it’s going be amazing. We’re excited about the future.
Coach Josh McDaniels, and general manager Dave Ziegler, welcomed Morgan in a prepared declaration.
We congratulate Sandra Douglass Morgan for her historic appointment as Raiders team president. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Raiders family. Sandra brings a wealth of leadership experience to the team and we are excited to work with her in building a championship-caliber culture.” the statement stated.
Morgan’s husband Don played for the Minnesota Vikings in 1999 and the Arizona Cardinals in 2002.
