Jeff Bower, President
Jeff Bower is a highly effective leader who understands the challenges of working with large organizations and specializes in resource management and productivity to maximize output and efficiency. With his vast experience as an NBA front office executive and head coach, Bower has witnessed the direct correlation between effective mind-setting and a team’s performance. His passion for developing others is evident in his long career of coaching individuals to reach their full potential.
Bower’s most recent NBA experience as Senior Vice President of the Phoenix Suns saw him assist with the organization transformation that propelled them to the NBA Finals during the 2020-2021 season after missing the playoffs since 2010. Prior to that, Bower spent four years with the Detroit Pistons, where he helped them restructure their roster and reach the playoffs in 2016, their first playoff appearance since 2009.
Bower previously served two terms as general manager of the Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets from 2001-2003 and 2005-2010. The Hornets made five postseason appearances during his time as general manager, highlighted by a franchise record 56 regular-season wins in 2007-08 and the first division title in team history. Following that season, Bower finished third in voting for the NBA Executive of the Year.
He began his NBA career with the Hornets organization in 1995 as an advance scout and then was promoted to director of scouting/assistant coach after two years. Bower was the team’s assistant general manager for the 2000-01 season before serving as general manager from 2001-2003. He was an assistant coach for the Hornets in 2003-04 and director of player personnel in 2004-05 before returning to the role of general manager again in 2005. In 2009-10, Bower served as New Orleans head coach for the final 73 games of the season, posting a 34-39 record.
In addition to his NBA experience, Bower spent the 2013-2014 season as head coach of Marist College where he had previously served as an assistant coach (1986-1990) and (1990-1995). He helped the Red Foxes to an NCAA tournament berth in 1987. Bower began his collegiate coaching career as an assistant coach at Penn State University from 1983-1986.