28 FRONTDOORS MEDIA | JULY 2018 VINCE KOZAR Phoenix Mercury Chief Operating Officer Photo: Barry Gossage

JULY 2018 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA 29 His office is a vision of orange and purple (the Mercury’s signature colors), with random tchotchkes scattered about. This includes a bobblehead of team forward DeWanna Bonner, but more about that later. What you notice first about Vince Kozar is his intensity. His job as the WNBA Phoenix Mercury’s chief operating officer is a smorgasbord of tasks and coordination, but it’s clear his passion is in community payback. “If we aren’t using this platform to do good, we’re wasting it,” he said. “We’re part of this community. And while we’re building a fan base, these athletes, and all of us, are really good about getting involved in causes that are incredible.” The team has a rigorous schedule, playing 34 games in 94 days. Included in that time frame are practice and travel days, and many of the team members then go overseas in the off-season to play on an international stage. All of these commitments pull players away from family and loved ones. But Kozar gives these women enormous kudos for their big hearts and willingness to do good. He said, “What really makes me happy is responding to something in the moment. For example, in the wake of the Houston hurricane last year, Brittney Griner texted me and asked what we could do for her hometown. In the span of three days, we put together a breakfast and raffle, and raised $66,000. The team, the fans, everyone got involved. It was great.” The team has a number of community service programs that Kozar is clearly proud of. One standout is Rock the Pink, their signature breast cancer event. It creates an environment of support and celebration. “We want survivors to know we’re behind them,” Kozar said. “So many have been touched by the disease. We combine personal stories — we have players who have lost parents — with those of fans. Connections are made with folks from the outside that otherwise might never have happened.” Pride Night is another important event, stressing the fact that the Mercury welcomes everyone. The team celebrated its fifth-annual event last month, making them trendsetters. Kozar said with a sly smile, “The Suns just did their first Pride Night this past year.” Again, the intensity and sense of purpose shine. Judy Pearson | Contributing Writer HOW THE PHOENIX MERCURY AND VINCE KOZAR ARE LEAVING ARIZONA BETTER THAN THEY FOUND IT OFFICE DOORS {leadership}