As President, Social Responsibility & Player Programs for the NBA, Kathy Behrens oversees all NBA programs that coordinate league, team and player social responsibility and impact efforts, foster youth basketball development, support player growth and education, further important health and safety information, promote greater civic engagement, and enhance marketing opportunities for current and former players.

Behrens joined the NBA in September 2000 as Vice President, Community Relations, overseeing all of the NBA's public service initiatives, community outreach and employee volunteer programs.  She later worked as Senior Vice President of Community & Player Programs, and Executive Vice President of Social Responsibility & Player Programs.

Prior to joining the NBA, Behrens served as Executive Director of New York Cares, a nonprofit organization that mobilizes volunteers to help people in need throughout the five boroughs.  Before joining New York Cares in 1995, Behrens served in the administration of former New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo and was the Executive Director of the Friends of Cuomo Campaign Committee during the 1994 governor’s race.

Behrens graduated from the University of Hartford and serves as a member of the university’s Board of Regents.  She is also a trustee of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and a member of the Leadership Council for Share Our Strength.

A native of the Bronx, N.Y., Behrens currently lives with her husband and twins Matthew and Maureen in Westchester County, N.Y.

4/2023