Jared Bartie became the second executive to join Bobcats Sports & Entertainment from the NBA league office in recent months when he was named chief administrative officer and general counsel. His role with the Bobcats is similar to one he held with the U.S. Tennis Association, where he was general counsel and chief legal officer.

Age: 38
New title: Chief administrative officer and general counsel, Bobcats Sports & Entertainment
Previous title: Vice president of team business development, marketing and team business operations, NBA
First job: Painting fences for the city of Cambridge, Mass.
College education: Bachelor of arts, American University (1990); Juris Doctor, Northwestern University School of Law (1993)
Resides: Relocating to Charlotte with wife Wendy
Grew up: Cambridge, Mass.
Brand most admired: Google
Favorite vacation spot: Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico
Last book read: “The Audacity of Hope: Thoughts on Reclaiming the American Dream” by Barack Obama
Favorite musician: Jay-Z

What is the biggest risk you’ve taken in your career?

Going to work for the XFL. It was the biggest risk, most fulfilling and most disappointing, all in the same experience. We thought we had a product that was a compelling product and thought we had a shot at really making it. I’m happy that we were able to get it up and running. We just weren’t able to sustain the business.

What was it like working with Vince McMahon?

He was great. He is in my opinion a marketing genius and is one of the brightest minds in the sports and entertainment business. He also selected a fantastic guy to run the league in Basil DeVito.

What is your biggest professional accomplishment?

Being selected to work at Proskauer Rose and having the opportunity to work on sports matters in their labor and employment group with some of the industry’s brightest lawyers. Anyone you ask will say it is one of the best, if not the best, and most successful sports practices in the industry.

What career advice do you have for people wanting into the sports industry?

Be willing to pay your dues and to take risks with respect to your career choices.

Do you think there will be a big transition for you going from a league setting to a franchise?

I don’t think it’s going to be a huge transition because of the group I was in. … The purpose of that job is to serve as a liaison between the league and the teams, so I had a great deal of interaction with the teams I was assigned to work with.

What is one story you are watching in sports today?

I am intrigued by the mixed martial arts industry and the pace in which the industry is growing. They are spot on in providing a product that targets and appeals to that coveted male 18-34 demographic.

This career spotlight is courtesy of the SportsBusiness Journal. CLICK HERE to visit their official website.