CAA
Creattive Artists Agency’s sports practice extends its reach into all areas of the industry, from athlete representation and brand consulting to media and strategic advisory services. At the hub of all those spokes sits Jordan Harnsberger. “Unlike traditional agents, my clients are department heads across the 19 divisions of CAA Sports,” Harnsberger said. “I make sure that they have what they need, and if there are best practices to share, information to dispense amongst them, certain initiatives that extend beyond one vertical or another
Harnsberger, 33, is in a role that was created especifically for her. She began her career at CAA in 2009 as an executive assistant in the agency’s film division before requesting a move to sports. Harnsberger began assisting CAA Sports co-head Howard Nuchow, who carved out the linchpin role as the company continued to scale.
Jordan Harnsberger
Chief of Staff, CAA Sports
Born: Los Angeles
Education: Brown University, B.A.
She also manages planning and execution for CAA Sports’ external events, including events at the Super Bowl and NBA All-Star weekend, and new conference series CAA Convene, which had its first edition last year. At that event, Harnsberger conducted an on-stage interview with Doc Rivers, which she said stands out as a career highlight.
“Being someone in our retreat audience when speakers have sort of had this moment for me, where they helped me see something in my career that I wanted to go after,” she said. “Having a stage like that where I was interviewing him and hearing his stories, that was a very special achievement.” — Chris Smith
More about Jordan
Guilty pleasure: Impromptu trip planning.
Attribute I look for when hiring: Something my grandfather called “can-do-itness.”
Woman in sports business I’d most like to meet: Doris Burke. She is all about doing the work, preparation, and doing everything to her best ability. And because of that, she isn’t celebrated for being a great female broadcast talent, she’s celebrated for being a great broadcasting talent, period.
I wish I’d known at my career’s start: Use your vacation days.
Change I’d make related to women working in sports: Women everywhere, not just in sports, need to be better educated on business finances and following the money.
Sports can grow its role in the social justice movement by: I am inspired by the number of athletes and clients who are using their platforms to create positive change. The sports industry should continue to support and amplify those efforts — in time, energy, and money.
