About

Our Leadership

Women in Sports and Events is led by experienced sports business professionals committed to providing women with the tools and resources to take their careers in the industry to the next level. WISE National, governed by a national board of directors, sets organizational strategy while each WISE chapter elects its own board to carry out WISE’s mission at the local level.

  

Kathleen Francis Headshot

National Board Chair and President

Named chair and president in 2011, Kathleen Francis has overseen growth in membership and league partnerships, chapter expansion, and the launch of WISE's educational events and professional development programs including the Executive Leadership Institute, Emerging Leaders Certificate Program, Power of Choice for Emerging Leaders of Color, WISE/R Symposium and WISE Multiplier Summit.

Erica Esposito Headshot

Secretary | Governance


Erica Petri joined the national board in 2015 and oversees best practices regarding legal and corporate governance. She currently serves as vice president and assistant general counsel at the National Basketball Association.

  

Sue Rodin Headshot

Founder and Chair Emerita


Sue Rodin founded WISE in 1993, serving as president during the organization’s first 18 years. She continues to serve on the national board and focuses on the annual WISE/R Symposium and WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon.

Tonya Cornelius Headshot

Director


Pam El Headshot

Director


After serving on the national advisory board, Pam El joined the national board in 2021. She oversees best practices regarding strategy, positioning and board governance. El serves on several corporate boards, is CEO at Pam El Consulting and the former CMO at the National Basketball Association.

  

Ernestine Miller Headshot

Director


Ernestine Miller is a founding member of WISE and has remained active in the organization since, working on several committees and the annual WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon. Ernestine was the first president of WISE Washington DC.

Lisa Murray Headshot

Director


Erin Weinberg Headshot

Director | Communications/Media Relations

Erin Weinberg joined the national board in 2010. In addition to overseeing communications strategy and media relations, she also co-chairs the annual WISE Women of the Year Awards Luncheon.