Phoenix Suns
Company: Phoenix Suns, Phoenix, AZ, U.S.A
Company Description: The Phoenix Suns are a professional basketball team based in Phoenix, Arizona and members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The franchise was established in 1968 and has received many awards and honors for its achievements in both business and basketball operations.
Nomination Category: Individual Categories
Nomination Sub Category: Best Executive – Service Businesses – up to 2,500 Employees
Nomination Title: Lynn Agnello, Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships and Suite Sales & Services, NBA Phoenix Suns and WNBA Phoenix Mercury
Describe for the judges the activities and accomplishments of the nominated executive during the eligibility period (up to 500 words):
“Being present” is how Lynn Agnello, Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), not only established one of the highest ranking positions in the organization and the NBA, but how she balances her professional and personal life. As a single mother, Agnello had to master the art of being a full-time parent and full-time executive while remaining an inspiration on both levels. Her determination, strong work ethic and sense of humor have aided her in developing an award-winning NBA and WNBA Marketing Partnerships teams in addition to realizing her passion for mentoring and inspiring women in the work force.
While customer service is Agnello’s laser focus in sustaining marketing partnerships, her innovative thinking and keeping abreast of marketing and technological trends have assisted in leading her team to positive revenue growth numbers. This year, Agnello established monthly “social media summits” led by Suns digital experts for key partners. This concept provided an opportunity to “get social” with partner’s objectives. Incorporating partners’ branding organically into the Phoenix Suns brand is an essential discipline for Agnello and her team.
This past January the efforts of Agnello and her team were rewarded in receiving two of the four awards at the NBA league meetings: Category Performance and Account Performance. Additionally, the Phoenix Suns and Mercury Marketing Partnerships department is often referred to as a “best in class” performing department by other teams in the league and is often called upon to share “best practices” on how to deliver return on investments and return on objectives through team sponsorships.
In February 2011, Agnello was a key leader in the creation of an experiential outdoor entertainment and marketing initiative in downtown Phoenix called the “Legends Entertainment District.” This project is the first of its kind between two professional sports organizations (Phoenix Suns and Arizona Diamondbacks, MLB) and has created an energetic backdrop for people to enjoy the downtown experience. Offering nearly 55,000 square feet of unique marketing opportunities with a blend of digital signage and custom large format super graphic static billboards, this project offers additional revenue for the organization as well as creates an attraction in itself.
Agnello’s passion to inspire women to create their own opportunities and accomplish their goals has led her to participate in motivational and business leadership events outside of the company. She regularly speaks at women’s conferences focusing on the importance of work and life balance as well as how women can best succeed in business. This year alone, Agnello has been a key speaker at the Phoenix Suns & St. Joseph’s “Amazing Women: Be Your Best Self” conference, The Lilly Company’s “Women’s Leadership” conference and East Valley Fresh Start’s “Night of Heroes” conference.
Agnello serves on the boards of Fresh Start Women’s Foundation, Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, Phoenix Suns Charities and has been recently asked to join the Cabinet with Linda Hunt of St. Joseph’s Hospital, Catholic Healthcare West and the March of Dimes initiative.
List the URLs (web addresses) of any online news stories, press releases, or other documents that you would like the judges to see that support your entry. IMPORTANT: List each URL on a separate line, begin each URL with http://, and enclose each URL in square brackets. For example, [http://www.yourcompany.com/pressrelease.html]:
http://www.azcentral.com/business/articles/2010/01/28/20100128work-life-balance-agnello.html
Provide a brief biography of the nominated executive (up to 100 words):
Entering her 11th season as the Senior Vice President of Marketing Partnerships for the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA), Lynn Agnello oversees all business operations of the Marketing Partnerships department including sales, activation and creative services for corporate partners as well as Suite Sales and Services. Agnello’s main focus is creating integrated marketing opportunities, customized for each client, that will differentiate and amplify the partner’s brand and support their business initiatives. Since joining the Suns organization in 2001, she led the franchise to a double-digit increase in sponsor revenue and now collaborates with more than 100 sponsors.