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As the first employee, Margaret Stender served as the founding President and CEO of the Chicago Sky for the first six years of this WNBA franchise. She led the team development from a vision and a dream to a thriving multifaceted professional organization.Margaret has overseen several milestones: a growing passionate fan base, partnerships with many diverse businesses, the venue move to Allstate Arena, a monumental T.V. broadcast schedule, the creation of the Chicago Sky Cares Foundation plus an exceptional athlete roster which includes three WNBA all-stars, one who also plays on Team USA.
“We have been proud to introduce our world-class athletes as exceptional role models,” said Stender. “It has been rewarding to showcase strong accomplished women as an inspiration and a force for positive social change.”
Margaret experienced corporate success prior to joining the Sky throughout her 22 years in business while holding positions that included: President of the Juice Drinks for PepsiCo, President for Quaker Oats Ready-To-Eat Cereals and Senior VP/GM of Travel Solutions for Rand McNally.
Stender attended the University of Richmond where she was a three sport student athlete and was elected co-captain of the basketball team for three years. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and Masters Degree in Business Administration from the University of Virginia.
Margaret, originally from Virginia, resides on the north side of Chicago with her two school-aged children. She serves on the Boards of The Latin School of Chicago and the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana. She is also a member of The Chicago Network.