T-Neisha Tate, who grew up in Jacksonville and has worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars for more than eight years, has been named Vice President of Social Responsibility & Impact – a new position that will answer an important calling for everyone within the Jaguars’ organization as well as the entire Jacksonville area.
In her new role, Tate is responsible for creating programming and executing on the organization’s social responsibility mission that is designed to emphasize respect and to inspire and unify players, staff, fans and area communities through efforts to make a positive, meaningful impact.
“The Jaguars as an organization have placed strong emphasis on social responsibility and racial equality, and the creation of this position is taking that commitment to an entirely new and appropriate level,” said Jaguars President Mark Lamping. “T-Neisha has long been a passionate and loyal member of our team, and her love for Jacksonville and its people is well known to anyone who has spent even a moment with her. This is a natural progression and well-deserved promotion for T-Neisha, who will undoubtedly make a difference for everyone who loves the Jaguars and believes that we can do more and be better.”
Among the first Black women to be named a vice president of an NFL franchise, Tate will report directly to Chief Marketing Officer and Senior Vice President of Social Responsibility & Impact Julian Duncan, who joined the Jaguars in 2018 and holds a similar distinction as the first Black CMO for an NFL club. During Tate’s time as the Jaguars Foundation Director of Programs, the Jaguars have made social responsibility not just the mission of the foundation, but of the organization as a whole.
“I am a Brown girl from the Northside of Jacksonville, a proud Raines Viking, and a woman who didn’t realize one could dream of working in professional sports, let alone be able to use a platform as powerful as the Jaguars to break down barriers and build understanding,” Tate said. “I am humbled by the commitment the Jaguars organization has made to essential issues such as social justice and equity. I am honored to be leading the charge to better my community by leveraging the power of football. My goal is to be a role model for every black and brown girl and woman whose possibilities and potential have yet to be realized.”
After graduating from Raines High School, which is also the alma mater of both of her parents, Tate attended FCCJ and Nova University, majoring in Early Childhood Education with a minor in Performing Arts/Musical Theater. She also holds a Sports Impact Leadership Certification from Johns Hopkins University.
Her previous jobs include serving as a truancy officer for Duval County Public Schools. She also worked at the Bridge of Northeast Florida and Community Connections prior to joining the Jaguars.
Tate has also been selected for recognition from Paradigm for Parity Coalition: 2020 Women on the Rise. Women on the Rise celebrates women who are helping to change the face of corporate leadership and have been nominated by their sponsors or their mentors for their work.
In general, Tate’s focus will be on education and economic advancement, police and community relations, and criminal justice reform. Earlier this year the Jaguars organization – including players, coaches and front office staff – held a march to bring attention to issues of inequality and social justice confronting the community. It was the start of several initiatives and activities that have continued with a focus on social responsibility, including a campaign to encouraging people to register to vote and to vote in this year’s elections.
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