In July 2022, Sandra Douglass Morgan was appointed as President of the Las Vegas Raiders, making her the first Black woman ever to hold such a position in NFL history – and only the third woman overall to become president of an NFL franchise. She joins the ranks of Kim Pegula (Buffalo Bills) and Kristi Coleman (Carolina Panthers).
Leadership Rooted in Community
Born and raised in Las Vegas, Morgan’s journey is deeply tied to the city she now leads the NFL’s Silver and Black franchise in representing. Her early aspirations morphed into a steadfast commitment to equity and representation – propelled by witnessing her parents’ experiences of racial bias.
Trailblazing Career Highlights
Before joining the Raiders, Morgan built a career marked by leadership and historic firsts:
- North Las Vegas City Attorney (2008–2016): First Black person in Nevada to hold that role.
- Chairwoman, Nevada Gaming Control Board (2019–2021): First person of colour in that role; she spearheaded cashless wagering policies and fought against discrimination in gaming.
- Served on the Nevada Gaming Commission, Nevada State Athletic Commission, and on boards for Caesars Entertainment, Fidelity National Financial, and Allegiant Travel Co.
- Held the position of Vice Chair of the Super Bowl LVIII Host Committee – another historic “first” as a Black woman in that leadership capacity.
Leading Through Turmoil
Morgan stepped into her Raiders leadership during a period of substantial turnover. Two previous presidents had resigned or been dismissed within a short time, amid scrutiny over workplace culture and allegations of harassment. At her introductory press conference, she made it clear: “I’m not here to sweep anything under the rug”.
Vision Beyond Being “First”
Morgan’s leadership is not just symbolic – it’s transformative:
- She chose to lead to make a meaningful, lasting impact on her community.
- A poignant moment for her occurred when a young girl at a game saw her on the field and said, “Maybe I can work for the Raiders, too.” That’s when Morgan realised “this job is much bigger than me.”.
- Her definition of success? Not to be a lone trailblazer, but to open the path for many behind her. She notably hired a Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion for the Raiders and pushed for stronger community engagement.
Why Her Journey Matters
- Breaking Barriers: Morgan’s appointment sends a powerful message about what’s possible for women and people of colour in sports leadership.
- Leadership with Purpose: Her career choices reflect a persistent push for equity, transparency, and social progress.
- Legacy of Inspiration: By focusing on inclusivity and mentorship, Morgan is working to ensure that “firsts” become unnecessary because representation is already normalised.
