The Californer - Playworks Welcomes Three New Members to Board of Directors During 30th Anniversary Year

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Raven Jemison, Jodi Bricker, and Oliver Nordlinger join at a pivotal moment as Playworks continues to innovate and expand access to play nationwide.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Californer -- Oakland, California – Playworks, the national nonprofit committed to bringing the power of play to every child, today announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors. The new members include:

Raven Jemison, president of the Kansas City Current
Jodi Bricker, experienced CEO, board member and investor
Oliver Nordlinger, co-founder and partner at Monogram Capital Partners

The appointments come as Playworks celebrates its 30th anniversary, a milestone year that honors three decades of impact while looking ahead to new, innovative ways to ensure kids experience safe and meaningful play every day.

"Each of these leaders brings deep expertise, strategic insight, and a strong belief in the power of play to shape young lives," said Elizabeth Cushing, President and CEO of Playworks. "As we celebrate 30 years of impact, we are also building the future of Playworks. Raven, Jodi, and Oliver join us at an exciting and pivotal moment, and their leadership will help ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through play."

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Jemison previously served as executive vice president of business operations for the Milwaukee Bucks, helping lead the organization during its 2021 NBA championship season. Her career includes leadership roles across the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL.

"My own experiences have shown me firsthand the transformative power of play in strengthening character and well-being in kids," Jemison said. "It's an absolute honor to join the board and contribute to their vital mission of ensuring all children have access to the benefits of play."

Bricker brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience across consumer, wellness and health care sectors, including 17 years at Gap Inc., where she helped launch Old Navy. She has also held leadership roles at Athleta and Levi Strauss & Co., and was the CEO of Quay. As a former college athlete, Jodi believes in the power of play and the role it plays in teaching life lessons to kids in healthy ways.

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Nordlinger co-founded Monogram in 2014 and previously worked at Leonard Green & Partners, Bain Capital and Bain & Company, focusing on investments in consumer and retail businesses.

Playworks works with schools nationwide to create safe and healthy environments where children can learn and thrive through play.

About Playworks

Celebrating 30 years on the playground, Playworks believes in the power of play to bring out the best in every kid. Since 1995, Playworks has helped 5.3 million children across more than 6,000 schools and community organizations get in the game by building skills, forming friendships, and staying active through play. www.playworks.org.