NBA2LOU, Kentucky’s premier organization for recruiting the NBA to the Bluegrass, announced the addition of Mary Ellen Wiederwohl as Strategy Development Consultant and Vice Chair of the Board.

“With the recent expansion comments from the League, it’s time to move into a more formal pitch mode,” said Steve Higdon, NBA2Lou Board Chairman. “Mary Ellen’s professional experience and vast network make her the perfect person to get us ready for what we believe will be new opportunities to bring a team to Louisville.”

Wiederwohl joins the organization on a near term contract to take the NBA2Lou’s successful prospecting activities to the next level. Wiederwohl has an unprecedented tenure with Louisville Forward, leading the city’s economic development. Under her leadership, the city landed hundreds of new job creation projects, creating thousands of new jobs, and experienced over $17 billion of new capital investment.

“I’m excited to work with this amazing group of Louisvillians and basketball lovers to build our fundamentals and firm up our pitch for the NBA team this city is ready to welcome,” said Wiederwohl. “We have the best arena in the country, unmatched basketball fervor, and a strong business case. I’m looking forward to working with our community partners to compete and win.”

Wiederwohl has more than two decades of experience in advocacy and pitch development from years in government relations and economic development. She will work closely with public and private partners in the coming months to build Louisville’s best case for a team.

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