Greg Taylor

Greg Taylor is the former Executive Director of the NBA Foundation, where he was responsible for the strategic development, creation and implementation of programs and partnerships that advance the Foundation’s efforts to increase access and support for high school, college-aged, job-ready and mid-career Black men and women. Additionally, Taylor oversees the administration of grants to national and local organizations that provide skills training, mentorship, coaching and pipeline development. Working closely with the NBA Foundation Board of Directors, Program Officers, National Basketball Players Association and all 30 NBA teams, he forms impactful partnerships and oversees support for national and local organizations in NBA markets and communities across the United States and Canada. Previously, Taylor served as Senior Vice President of Player Development for the NBA, leading the league’s initiatives to assist players in their personal, professional and social development by building innovative programs in the areas of continuing education, financial management and mental health and wellness. Prior to joining the NBA in 2013, Taylor served as President and CEO of the Foundation for Newark’s Future and as Vice President of Programs at the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, where he established strong relationships with local and national organizations and led a series of economic, education and youth development initiatives that supported youth and families of color.

My Truth

Finding the courage to speak my truth on a daily basis is akin to a street fight. Aggressions (micro or otherwise), societal inequity, or just the fatigue that I experience in altering my being just enough to make whatever audience I am addressing comfortable enough to hear ME all weigh heavily on my ability to authentically share my perspective with people outside of my immediate circle. As an African American man, I am constantly evaluating how I chose to show up in big and small interactions with the world around me. I reconcile this relentless battle by remembering to always speak my truth to those who ask for my opinion or express interest in my lived experience. The startling truth that guides my work and leadership is that I believe that in order to realize equitable communities for all I must complete these daily courageous acts: speak truth; authentically learn about divergent points of view; embrace the “uncomfortable”; and seek proximity to the inequity that I strive to eradicate.