Kim Stone
From Hoopedia
A veteran of the dynamic South Florida sports market for more than 16 years, Kim Stone’s experience spans almost every functional area of a professional sports team and she has been an integral part of building the HEAT’s success by developing and implementing sound business strategies and management practices.
In 2006, her role expanded again when she was promoted to Executive Vice President & General Manager, Arena. Stone now has the added responsibility of overseeing the day-to-day operations of American Airlines Arena, which was nominated for Arena of the Year by Pollstar in 2006. The facility has hosted world renown events, recently including the 2006 NBA Finals, Madonna’s summer tour and the launch of Mariah Carey’s national tour. Additionally, Stone is responsible for delivering exceptional customer service for the largest season ticket holder base in the NBA. Since taking over this area two years ago, the department has set team records for most seats and revenue renewed each year and consistently ranks among the best in the NBA in retention with innovative and customer-eccentric programs that are often cited as a “best practice” among league teams.
Stone has risen through the ranks of the HEAT organization during her 11 years. Hired initially into the Sports Media Relations department in 1996, she worked directly with players such as HEAT All Stars Tim Hardaway and Alonzo Mourning as well as Coach Pat Riley and his staff on a daily basis. She coordinated the media operations during the HEAT’s playoff runs from 1996-1999. She worked several NBA All-Star Weekends, including the league’s star-studded 50th Anniversary celebration in 1997. In 1996, she handled the media relations duties for the men’s and women’s basketball competitions at the Atlanta Olympic Games.
On July 16, 1999, she was tabbed by the HEAT to lead the company’s efforts to expand its business by adding a WNBA team and named the Senior Director of Operations. She played a key role in all facets of the startup of the expansion franchise from building awareness and developing a logo to basketball issues such as hiring of the coaching staff. Later, she was charged with overseeing every area from marketing and promotions to the basketball operations.
Stone’s responsibilities changed in 2003 when she became Chief of Staff to HEAT President, Business Operations, Eric Woolworth. She helped develop and implement sound business strategies and management practices that remain among the best in the league. She helped develop the current version of the service department that is based on an innovative approach to providing superior customer service through a balance of technology and personal touch. Her department became the No. 1 team in the NBA in Ticket Exchange usage for two consecutive years, which has become a valuable new revenue stream.
Prior to joining the HEAT, Stone was the Sports Publicity Director for the University of Texas women’s athletics department from 1992-94. She came to South Florida in 1990 as an assistant in the University of Miami’s sports information office, where she worked with many sports including the 1991 National Champion football squad. Stone’s publicity efforts for the women’s basketball team helped Miami claim National Coach the Year and Sports Illustrated Player of the Year honors in 1992.
Stone’s career began at the University of North Carolina, where she assisted in the sports information office while completing her degree in journalism and public relations. In December of 2003, she graduated with honors from the University of Miami with a master’s degree in international business administration. She is an adjunct professor in the St. Thomas University master’s of sports administration program, a board member of City Theatre and a mentor in Big Brothers, Big Sisters of Miami.
