Annie Klug "05 serves as senior social responsibility program manager for the Portland Trail Blazers. Her previous work in the nonprofit sector and her time as an undergraduate in the Warsaw Sports Marketing Center at the Lundquist College of Business has led her to a meaningful and rewarding career in the sports industry.
Describe your current position and role.
I'm primarily responsible for developing the company's relationships with nonprofits and schools across Oregon and southwest Washington. I also lead the team's corporately-sponsored community programs, facilitate Trail Blazers Foundation and player community events, and oversee various fundraising initiatives for the Trail Blazers Foundation—including the Rip City 5050 Raffle we hold at all Trail Blazers home games and events like Game On: A Trail Blazers Foundation Benefit.
How has your Warsaw Center experience shaped your professional career?
The Warsaw Center reignited my passion for sports by taking my personal love for sport and its impact on the community and translating it into an understanding of the complexity of the industries surrounding it. Whether it was getting a glimpse into the competitive world of corporate partnership, understanding the importance of community support of sports entities and arenas, or beginning to see just how much sport can lead social change in underserved communities, the Warsaw Center changed my view of the role of sports business. It introduced me to concepts, businesses, and—most importantly—people who shared that same passion to make careers out of sport. I remember listening to the countless speakers who came to the Warsaw Center and shared their stories. Having thoughtful, motivating conversations with experienced professionals helped me realize this could be part of my future too.
What key business trends are you following right now?
Of particular interest to my job is the incredible growth of corporate social responsibility across all industries, especially as millennials are entering the workforce and bringing a values-based mindset to the workplace. I also pay close attention to how other teams partner with companies to mutually build their brands. We are always seeking creative ways to support our corporate partnerships, and, of course, metrics and data play an increasingly important role in our decision making. We're asking ourselves, “Do our community programs matter to our fans? Are we actually making equitable, sustainable impact on our community? What new ways can we find to ensure that both are happening?"
What is your favorite social media platform for personal use, and what social media platform is best for your business purposes?
I'm pretty old school, so I still use Facebook to connect with friends and family (It did launch when I was a student at UO!). But the instantaneous nature of Twitter is often best for consuming news and sports. Though it's simple, I don't think there is a more impactful platform for sharing our community efforts than Instagram. Photos and video clips often beautifully capture the individual moments that are the essence of this work.
What do you miss most about Eugene?
What I miss most is being a part of the campus community—running into friends, classmates, and professors while walking across campus. I also never miss an opportunity to go back to Full City Coffee Roasters, which is still one of my top spots in the whole state!
—As told to Whitney Wagoner, Warsaw Sports Marketing Center