The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Charles D. Smith as the organization's Executive Director. Effective immediately, Smith is assuming leadership of the organization. In addition to overseeing and leading the operational and strategic efforts of the NBRPA, other key responsibilities include fundraising, marketing, member relations, community outreach, and programs and services for members.

Smith, a 10-year NBA veteran, joins the NBRPA after serving as a Regional Representative of Player Programs for the NBA Players Association (NBPA). In that role, he made an impact on the lives of current and former players by providing them educational programs and support services. Smith also directed the Rookie Transition Program (RTP), which, in conjunction with the NBA, exists to provide first-year players with the basics needed to ensure a successful transition into the NBA. The NBPA honored Smith in 1993 when it created, especially for him, the position of First Vice President, a post he held for two, three-year terms.

With nearly 20 years experience in the non-profit world, Smith has an expertise in technology, new business formation, marketing strategy, global relations and event production. He is also a highly touted public speaker and has addressed a number of Fortune 500 companies, including General Electric and Forbes.

"Charles is an accomplished entrepreneur and a powerful leader and motivator. He has a long track record of proven success, as his tremendous accomplishments and numerous awards in the areas of business and community service speak for themselves," said Buck Williams, NBRPA President. "The NBRPA's Board of Directors is very confident that Charles's strong expertise in new business development and business strategy, coupled with his experience in meeting the needs of former players, will lead the NBRPA in a very positive direction."

A graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, Smith is close to completing his master's of business administration in management from Seton Hall University.

ABOUT THE NBA RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION

The National Basketball Retired Players Association (NBRPA) is a non-profit organization comprised of former professional basketball players committed to developing and utilizing their community stature to support and participate in socially responsible global initiatives that focus on, but not limited to, education, health and children's causes. Beyond providing scholarship and financial aid to members in need, the NBRPA serves its membership through a variety of post-retirement objectives, including advocacy on pension issues, support in career transition and participation in community service.

MORE NATIONAL BASKETBALL RETIRED PLAYERS ASSOCIATION INFO

The NBRPA was founded in 1992 by basketball legends Dave DeBusschere, Dave Bing, Archie Clark, Dave Cowens and Oscar Robertson. These basketball luminaries shared a vision of providing assistance to retired players through a variety of services.

The NBRPA is a subsidiary of the NBA. The NBA has played a major role in funding the Association over the years. The NBRPA has close relationships with both the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA).

The NBRPA is a non-profit organization comprised of former professional basketball players of the NBA, ABA and Harlem Globetrotters. The Association's mission is to promote basketball and enhance the sport's image by assisting Members in building community relationships and fostering support for charitable activities; providing comprehensive health care coverage; offering the Dave DeBusschere NBRPA Scholarship Fund for members and their children; monitoring the pension plan; and creating opportunities such as special appearances and international basketball tours.