Pacers hire Krauskopf as league's first female assistant general manager

WASHINGTON - The Indiana Pacers will hire longtime WNBA executive Kelly Krauskopf as the first female assistant general manager in NBA history, local media reported on Monday.

Major League Baseball has had two women assistant general managers, and there are several rising female executives in the NBA, but Krauskopf will be the first at the assistant general manager level.

"The chance to work in an NBA front office for a first-class organization filled with great people I know and in a city that has become my home is extraordinary," Krauskopf said in a statement on Monday.

"My past experience has shown me that building winning teams and elite level culture is not based on gender - it is based on people and processes. I am excited to join the Pacers as we continue building the best NBA franchise in the business," she added.

Krauskopf served as general manager of WNBA team Indiana Fever for 17 seasons, building rosters that led the Fever to the playoffs 13 times including three WNBA Finals appearances and a WNBA championship in 2012.

Krauskopf also had a significant role with USA Basketball's women's national team, playing a part in the selection process of three gold-medal winning squads (2004, 2008 and 2012).