Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, whose sports properties include the Dignitas, Philadelphia 76ers, and the New Jersey Devils announced that David Gould has been named chief diversity and impact officer. This is a newly created position within the organization will see the Philadelphia native lead HBSE’s internal and external diversity and inclusion standards, programs and initiatives across the organization which includes multiple esports properties, the Prudential Center, HBSE Real Estate, HBSE Ventures, Sixers Innovation Lab and more.
“It is a privilege to step into this new role, created by managing partners Josh Harris and David Blitzer, and am ready to make serious impact with regard to racial equity in our company and across our communities – and that includes the gaming community, which is a special part of our HBSE ecosystem,” said David Gould, chief diversity and impact officer, HBSE. “I believe that the esports industry has an important role to play in the push for social and racial equality. I look forward to working alongside HBSE’s executives including those leading our esports arms, New Meta Entertainment, Inc., which includes the brand Dignitas, and the NBA 2K League’s 76ers Gaming Club, to continue their existing diversity initiatives and ensure we are doing all that we can do to drive positive messages of change and generate meaningful conversations.”
As CDO, Gould will be tasked with providing executive leadership and guidance in working closely with not only company personnel, but community leaders, along with HBSE’s Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Board and the human resources department. The goal is to implement a comprehensive inclusion and diversity strategy across HBSE.
Part of the strategy includes Gould’s directing of HBSE’s action plan and commitment to promote racial equality. Included in that design will be efforts to invest in “Black communities, support Black and minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, promote education, health and employment opportunities for Black community members, and amplify and build workplaces founded in respect, diversity and inclusion across HBSE properties.”
Previously, Gould, who joined the 76ers earlier this year as the executive director of the Sixers Youth Foundation, helped develop the HBSE’s racial equity action plan and led many of the 76ers’ efforts to support those communities that were in need during the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Gould also furthered the Foundation’s efforts in serving youth through the rehabilitation of basketball courts in Greater Philadelphia, as well as instituting and providing youth basketball clinics and delivering lunches to thousands of children across underserved communities.
Source: Read Full Article