NEW YORK -- Mark Tatum '91 made a name for himself on East Hill in baseball, but he's now one of the top names in the basketball world now.

After 15 years working with the National Basketball Association, Tatum began his appointment as the NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer this month.

"Mark Tatum's appointment as NBA Deputy Commissioner is recognition of the confidence our owners and teams have in his leadership ability and track record of success," said Adam Silver, the new NBA commissioner. "As Deputy Commissioner and COO, Mark will use his extensive industry relationships and knowledge of our game to help guide and grow our league."

Tatum earned his bachelor's degree from Cornell in business management and marketing. He played for two seasons under Hall of Fame coach Ted Thoren, appearing in 41 games as a junior in 1990.

In his previous role as Executive Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships, Tatum oversaw the NBA's marketing partnerships business across the NBA, WNBA, NBA Development League, and USA Basketball. He also was responsible for managing the league's media sales, including sales of NBA TV, NBA.com, and other NBA-controlled media, along with leading the sales relationships with the league's TV partners.

Prior to joining the NBA in 1999, Tatum held marketing and sales positions with The Clorox Company, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Major League Baseball.