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WNBA Phoenix Mercury

Phoenix Mercury Announces Leadership Changes

June 30, 2010 - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
Phoenix Mercury News Release


PHOENIX -Ann Meyers Drysdale has been named President and General Manager of the Phoenix Mercury and Amber Cox has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of the club, as announced today.

Meyers Drysdale joined the organization in September 2006 as the Mercury's third general manager. She is one of the most decorated female athletes of all time with a basketball resume that spans more than four decades. Since joining the club, she has led the Mercury to two WNBA Championships. She will also retain her role as vice president of the Phoenix Suns.

Meyers Drysdale was enshrined into the Naismith Hall of Fame as a player in 1993. As an amateur, she was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship from UCLA as well as the first female to be named to the school's Athletic Hall of Fame and have her No. 15 jersey retired. Meyers Drysdale is also the only female to ever sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team when she signed with the Indiana Pacers in 1979.

Cox has been with the organization for six seasons, most recently as the Senior Director of Marketing and Promotions. She has been instrumental in driving ticket and sponsorship revenue by developing and executing advertising, promotions and media plans. Additionally, she oversees the team's public and community relations and has been active in introducing marketing partners to the club.

In addition to her role with the Mercury, Cox also led the marketing efforts for the Phoenix RoadRunners, the Valley's former minor league hockey team for three seasons, from 2006 - 2009. Prior to joining the Mercury, she served as assistant director of athletics, in charge of media relations and development at Columbia College in Columbia, Mo.

Cox, a Missouri native, earned her Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Journalism and Master's Degree in Business Administration from William Woods University. She also currently serves on the Phoenix Women's Sports Association board of directors.

"Ann's success on the court and unparalleled sports resume has positioned her well to take on additional responsibilities for the team. Furthermore, Amber's been deeply involved in every aspect of the Mercury's operation, making her a natural choice for her new role," said Phoenix Suns President and Chief Executive Officer Rick Welts.

The announcement comes as Jay Parry, current President and Chief Operating Office of the Mercury assumes a new role as the Senior Vice President of Brand and Business Development for the Phoenix Suns.

"The success and solid foundation we've built over the last few seasons has allowed the Mercury to make this exciting transition seamlessly," said Parry. "The Mercury will remain a passion of mine and I'm confident in Ann and Amber's ability to lead the franchise with continued success."

The Phoenix Mercury has been providing affordable and entertaining basketball in the Valley for 13 seasons. The Mercury returns home on July 1 to face the Washington Mystics and will host the New York Liberty on July 3. Lower-level tickets are available for as little as $10 and can be purchased on phoenixmercury.com or by calling 602-252-WNBA.

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