Women's Sports Foundation announced the appointment of Karen Durkin as its CEO. Durkin joins the Foundation from the National Hockey League (NHL), where she served as executive vice president of communications and brand strategy.
Before her position at the NHL, Durkin held various roles of increasing responsibility at the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA). When she left the organization in 2006 to join the NHL, she was the executive vice president and chief marketing officer. During her tenure at the LPGA, Durkin served as the organization's key business and communications strategist, a role largely responsible for the development of the LPGA's precedent-setting “Fans First” business plan and highly successful “These Girls Rock” brand platform.
“Karen's depth of sports marketing experience will help deliver to The Women's Sports Foundation lasting partnerships, an increase in financial support, a stronger brand presence and awareness for the important work that we do,” said Billie Jean King, founder of the Women's Sports Foundation. “Her career is an affirmation of what women can do for sports and through sports. We're delighted to welcome her.”
“It's an extraordinary privilege to have been selected to work with the remarkable founder, Billie Jean King, a talented staff and all the foundation's many committed and passionate supporters,” said Durkin. “I understand the profound impact sports can have on young girls and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead an organization that works every day to positively affect girls and women through sports.”
Named one of Sports Illustrated's most influential women in golf in 2005, Durkin also serves on the board of the Executive Women's Golf Association. She also was named to Golfweek Magazine's 2002 “Forty Under 40,” among those likely to shape the game and the business.
As an undergraduate, Durkin captained the swimming team and played on the women's basketball team. She is also a three-time champion of the Stamford (Conn.) City golf tournament (1986, 1987 and 1991).
“As the Women's Sports Foundation embarks on the next generation of the work that Billie Jean King and others began in 1974, we are thrilled to welcome Karen, a true leader in women's sports. Her professionalism, expertise and vision are the perfect match for our organization,” said Ilana Kloss, chair of the board of The Women's Sport's Foundation. “We are especially respectful of her thoughtful, strategic and enthusiastic view of our future. “
Durkin, the Foundation's fourth CEO, succeeds Dr. Donna Lopiano, who resigned from the Foundation last August after a fifteen year tenure. The Foundation's founding Executive Director, Eva Auchincloss, served from 1974 until 1986 when Deborah Slaner Larkin assumed the role, serving until 1991.
