Women Leaders

Passion, Trust and Selfl essness

An Interview with Kari Cohen, General Counsel, New York Red Bulls

EDITORS’ NOTE Since joining the commercial, transactional, media, litiga- inclusion starts with us. We are fortunate that as New York Red Bulls in January 2020, tion and day-to-day legal affairs for a prominent organization within the sports world, Kari Cohen has overseen all legal the company. I also work closely with our athletes and employees have a unique plat- matters pertaining to New York Red management on a wide range of critical form and can make a tremendous impact that Bulls, Red Bulls Arena and RBNY arena operations and event program- changes our world culture for the better, and we Academy. This involves identifying ming initiatives. are committed to encouraging and promoting the and leading legal matters in all How do you define the New right causes regardless of current events. In addi- departments across the company as York Red Bulls culture and how criti- tion, the focus that we place on racial and gender well as regulatory, compliance and cal is culture to the success of the hiring practices is of utmost importance in order real estate matters and governmen- organization? to establish a diverse and progressive workplace. tal affairs. Cohen was hired by BSE Culture is key. We believe our Do you feel that there are strong oppor- Global in June 2011 as Associate people are our most valuable assets. tunities for women to grow and lead in the Counsel, was promoted to Counsel Kari Cohen Without a happy and engaged work- sports industry and what more can be done for Legal & Business Affairs, and then force, we would not be as successful to create these opportunities? promoted to Vice President and Assistant General as we are. Our culture consists of shared val- I am confi dent that there will be strong Counsel before becoming Deputy General Counsel. ues – passion, trust and selfl essness – that are opportunities for women to grow and lead in the As part of her duties, Cohen handled the negoti- constantly reinforced through various methods. sports industry. Now that women are achieving ation and drafting of agreements with respect to Our entire workforce commits to living them unprecedented and highly-regarded opportunities, suite licenses, ticketing, vendors, and naming each and every day and these ideals are the we will prove that we can be just as successful as rights/sponsorships for the Brooklyn Nets, New York glue that binds us together. our male counterparts, whether it’s in a front offi ce Islanders, Barclays Center, NYCB Live, home of position or on the fi eld. I think that two important Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Webster factors to contribute to creating more opportuni- Hall. Cohen was one of 50 women in roles across ties for women in the sports industry is encourag- the sports industry selected for recognition as part “Our culture consists ing and educating the younger generations. The of Sports Business Journal’s 10th annual class more we come together to highlight the value of of Game Changers. She earned a B.A. degree cum women in sports, the more likely young girls will laude in journalism and political science from The of shared values – realize the bright future sports offers. Widely shar- George Washington University and a J.D. from ing women’s accomplishments in the sports world Cardozo School of Law. passion, trust and can have a signifi cant impact and create a domino effect of change. When we take our children to ORGANIZATION BRIEF The New York Red Bulls watch women in sports and bring our daughters (newyorkredbulls.com) is one of 26 teams in Major selfl essness – that to “take your daughter to work day,” we expose League Soccer (MLS). RBNY, one of the ten char- them to incredible role models and this helps to ter clubs of MLS, has competed in the league since inspire young boys and girls alike to continue to its founding in 1996. The Red Bulls play home are constantly pave the way for women to succeed. matches at Red Bull Arena (RBA) in Harrison, What advice do you offer to young peo- New Jersey. The three-time MLS Supporters’ Shield ple interested in building a career in the Winners are owned by the Austrian beverage com- reinforced through sports industry? pany Red Bull for which the team is named. The First, build meaningful relationships (think New York Red Bulls offer one of the nation’s pre- various methods.” quality, not quantity) with individuals already in mier youth soccer development programs, from the industry, and second, become the best over- local soccer partnerships across New York and all professional you can so that you can succeed New Jersey to Regional Development Schools and in any industry that you pursue. The rest will all the Red Bulls Academy teams. How critical is it for the New York Red follow. Bulls to build a diverse and inclusive work- Did you always know that you had a pas- Will you discuss your role and key areas of force in order to bring diverse perspectives sion for the sports industry and what makes focus for the New York Red Bulls? and experiences to the table when making the industry so special for you? I oversee all legal matters pertaining to business decisions? It was always very important to me to pursue New York Red Bulls, Red Bulls Arena and RBNY It is critical to our culture to build a diverse a career in an industry that I was passionate about Academy including regulatory, compliance and and inclusive workforce. In order to be success- and, for me, that was sports. Not only do I love governmental affairs. I am responsible for advising ful and connect with our fans and members of watching and following sports, but I love how the Red Bulls’ leadership team and my colleagues the community which come from a wide variety sports have the unique ability to establish incred- on key business, strategic, and legal matters for the of backgrounds, cultures and ethnicities, we rec- ible camaraderie and create special bonds among organization and have oversight for all corporate, ognize that the commitment to diversity and so many different individuals around the world.• 134 LEADERS POSTED WITH PERMISSION. COPYRIGHT © 2021 LEADERS MAGAZINE, INC. VOLUME 44, NUMBER 1