FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WISE NYC Metro Announces Executive Team Evolution and Board Expansion New Vice President, Secretary, and Board Members Bring Strategic Leadership and Extensive Networks to Strengthen Chapter Operations
NEW YORK, NY — WISE NYC Metro is pleased to announce significant leadership changes this spring, positioning the chapter for a strong close to the 2026 program year and preparing for the chapter's milestone 20th anniversary in 2027.
Executive Leadership Change: New Vice President
Naeema Murph has been elevated from Chapter Secretary to Vice President of WISE NYC Metro, effective immediately. In this role, she oversees the chapter's core programming: Professional Development, Program Panels, Mentoring and Special Events; ensuring mission alignment and quality execution across these critical areas. Naeema is not new to this work. She has been part of WISE NYC Metro's leadership team for nearly two decades, serving in various capacities and chairing or supporting the committees she now steers. Prior to joining WISE, she was part of the national events team executing large-scale programming. Professionally, she is Senior Vice President, Global Experiential Strategy & Hospitality at Citi, bringing both institutional knowledge and deep expertise in event strategy and execution. "Naeema knows our chapter inside and out," said Van Adams, Chapter President. "She's already executing much of this work behind the scenes. Her appointment reflects the strength of our internal talent pipeline."
New Board Leadership Secretary: Patricia Mays
Patricia brings two decades of multimedia experience as a vice president/producer formerly with ESPN and executive editor, digital news with Hollywood Reporter. Patricia currently serves as a professor of journalism and communications at Quinnipiac University. Her meticulous organization and institutional thinking are exactly what the role requires. As Secretary, the hub of chapter information and communication, she will ensure our operations run with efficiency.
Board Member: Ishwara Glassman Chrein
Ishwara is Managing Director, Scientific Games. For two decades, she has been a dedicated mentor in our Mentoring Program, deeply committed to WISE's mission. Her career spans executive leadership roles, including most recently as Adjunct Porfessor at Columbia University. Prior to that, Ishwara was president of the Chicago Fire, and held leadership roles with Verizon Media, WME/IMG, and McKinsey and Company.
Board Member: Casey Dowling
Casey is Regional Vice President for Legends Global, brings a vast network across multiple markets and deep relationships in her sector, positioning her to strengthen partnerships and expand chapter reach.
Board Member: Kelley Walton
Kelley is Chief Marketing Officer for Snipes. She is an active participant in WISE's Executive Leadership Programs and brings executive experience from organizations such as Amazon Music, Under Armour, LVMH, alongside an extensive network in sports and entertainment.
These appointments strengthen WISE NYC Metro's leadership bench as the chapter enters its 20th anniversary year. The new board members along with the current leadership team bring strategic expertise, industry networks and deep commitment to the chapter's mission.
"This is a curated group," said Van Adams. "These appointments were made with careful consideration and intention. Each person was selected because they bring specific expertise need to advance our chapter's work and provide exceptional programming to our chapter members."
About WISE NYC Metro WISE (Women in Sports and Events) NYC Metro is a nonprofit chapter-based organization dedicated to advancing women's leadership in sports business through signature programming, mentoring and professional development.
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