Meet Our Team
Co-Founders
Griffin Taylor
As CEO of The Program NYC, Griffin is responsible for spearheading the company’s vision, strategy and day-to-day operations.
At the corporate level, Griffin has spent a decade executing brand partnerships between NBA superstars and Fortune 500 companies, while spearheading strategy and business development for multiple startups in the tech & commerce space.
At the grassroots level, Griffin Taylor has a decade of experience working within basketball culture, assembling teams in major NYC (Rucker Park, Dyckman, Gersh) and national (2022 GM of the Year, The Basketball Tournament on ESPN) tournaments.
Griffin is a lifelong New Yorker, who grew up the proud son of a mom in the Blues Hall of Fame. He is a St. Bernard's School and Bronx High School of Science alum, who went on to play basketball at the NCAA Division III level.
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Jared Effron
Jared Effron brings more than a decade of sports business experience to the team as well as an extensive and dynamic network. Jared has successfully raised over $20M for new ventures in his career across the Real Estate, Technology, and E-Commerce sectors.
He is a die-hard Knicks fan and native New Yorker who graduated from The University of Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences. Jared currently resides in Manhattan with his wife, newborn baby girl, and dog.
Jared was a multiple time high school all-star basketball player in New York City growing up, and still plays the game recreationally on a weekly basis.
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Carmelo Anthony
A 10-time NBA All-Star, ninth leading scorer in NBA history, entrepreneur and philanthropist, we are thrilled to have Carmelo on our board as an advisor.
A leader and pioneer on the basketball court, Carmelo’s incredible career has paved the way for his many other brands, business ventures, and philanthropic efforts on a global platform. He is a leading voice at the forefront of the ongoing fight for social justice, championing actionable change that pushes society and the next generation forward.
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Sue Bird
After a championed career spanning three decades and regarded as the world’s premier point guard, Sue Bird has left her mark on the WNBA and the world of women’s sports. Bird has won five Olympic Gold Medals, four FIBA World Championships, two NCAA Championships, four WNBA Championships among numerous other basketball accolades. Since her retirement in 2022, Sue has quickly established herself as a true trailblazer as a former athlete segueing into the mainstream media business with an unparalleled perspective. She is a co-founder of the women’s sports media commerce company Togethxr; co-founder of the production company, A Touch More, with fiancé and soccer legend Megan Rapinoe; and co-owner of the Seattle Storm. Bird is an outspoken and visible activist advocating for Black Lives, LGBTQ+ rights, equality, health, and wellness and expanding opportunities for girls and all marginalized people.
ROC NATION
Strategic Advisors
Chris Mullin
Kemba Walker
Maurice “Moe” Harkless
A 10-Year NBA Veteran who played with six different organizations, Moe was the 15th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft and a graduate of St. John’s University. Prior to his NBA and collegiate career, Moe was one of the most decorated high school players in New York City, growing up and residing in Jamaica, Queens. Moe brings a plethora of basketball knowledge to share with our youth.
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JJ Redick
Stacy Griffith
Stacey Griffith is a renowned leader in fitness, wellness, and motivation. Her journey began with basketball, attending camps at Stanford, Santa Clara, and San Jose State Universities, and coaching at Corona del Mar High School. In the 1990s, she championed women’s sports as the U.S. Women’s Coordinator for the National Inline Hockey Association, organizing the first National Championships for inline roller hockey in Las Vegas.
As a Founding Senior Master Instructor at SoulCycle, Stacey revolutionized fitness by combining movement, community, and inspiration. She was the lead instructor on Oprah Winfrey’s 2014 Life You Want Tour and is the author of bestselling books Two Turns from Zero and Energize! Go From Dragging Ass to Kicking It in 30 Days. Stacey also co-founded Love & Sports, an activewear brand inspired by her passion for movement.
A breast cancer survivor, Stacey inspires resilience and positivity through motivational speaking at events for institutions like Columbia Business School and American Express. Her expertise has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Shape, and more. Stacey’s story is a testament to the transformative power of passion and perseverance.
Asani Swann
Basketball Advisors
John Carroll
John is the former Head Coach of Northfield Mount Hermon, one of the most prestigious academy and highly ranked basketball prep schools in the country. Over a 20 year span at NMH, John coached over 170 players who received NCAA Division I scholarships (many of whom played in the Ivy Leagues). Additionally, John recently served as Chairman of the New York Renaissance (Rens). A native New Yorker (and former captain at Poly Prep), John brings a plethora of knowledge to our operation.
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Chad Babel
With over 20 years of experience in grassroots basketball, Chad is the founder/owner of MADE Hoops, the premier national middle school basketball circuit. Additionally, Chad has spent many years at the director level with Nike, helping lead on much its EYBL programming. Chad is a native New Yorker with a deep understanding of and even deeper connections across youth basketball.
Jay David
Jay is the director of the New York Jayhawks, one of the city’s most competitive AAU programs that has produced dozens of players who went on to receive NCAA scholarships. Jay also serves as a top assistant coach at Long Island Lutheran (LuHi), currently ranked #2 in ESPN’s national high school team rankings.
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Louis Xifaras
The Directors
Jackie Nunes
Ross Burns
Brian Harrington
Brian is the owner of Transcend Fitness, a top-tier foot strength & conditioning facility in Westchester, NY. Brian is the go-to strength coach for dozens of elite NYC high school players. He also works out a number of professional players with ties to the greater New York area during the offseason.
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