Dec. 17 (UPI) -- The Indiana Pacers have hired Kelly Krauskopf as the first female assistant general manager in the NBA.
Krauskopf's hire was first reported on Sunday and confirmed on Monday by the Pacers. Krauskopf has spent the last 19 seasons as the Indiana Fever's top executive. She also oversaw the Pacers NBA 2K League team last year. She will relinquish those duties when she takes her new role on Jan. 1.
"As the architect of one of the WNBA's most successful franchises, Kelly is a true pioneer in our sport," Pacers Sports & Entertainment owner Herb Simon said in a news release from the team.
"I've worked with Kelly over the past two decades, so I know her tremendous basketball mind, strong work ethic and proven leadership skills will continue to be of great benefit to our organization."
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Krauskopf joined PS&E in 1999. The Fever reached the postseason 13 times and the WNBA Finals three times during her tenure. The Fever won a WNBA title in 2012.
She became the first WNBA director of basketball operations in 1996.
"First, I would like to thank Herb Simon, Kevin Pritchard and Rick Fuson for this amazing opportunity," Krauskopf said. "I have admired the work that Kevin and his staff have put forth so far and I am honored to be a part of an elite and historical franchise. The chance to work in an NBA front office for a first-class organization filled with great people I know and in a city that has become my home is extraordinary."
"My past experience has shown me that building winning teams and elite level culture is not based on gender -- it is based on people and processes. I am excited to join the Pacers as we continue building the best NBA franchise in the business."
Krauskopf will work alongside Pacers general manager Chad Buchanan and assistant general manager Peter Dinwiddie -- as well as Prichard -- within the front office.
