Todd Jacobson

Todd Jacobson is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs with over two decades of corporate, government and nonprofit leadership. Jacobson currently serves as Senior Vice President, Head of Social Responsibility for the National Basketball Association overseeing the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League and NBA 2K League social responsibility efforts, community partnerships, and public service initiatives.  He also directs the league’s government affairs, including the White House, State Department and United Nations relationships managing the league’s communication and engagement. 

Since joining the NBA in 2000, Jacobson has managed the launch and execution of the NBA Cares platform, the launch of the NBA Foundation and National Basketball Social Justice Coalition, managed the League’s social justice efforts  and led the development of the NBA’s international community outreach initiatives. In 2016, NBA Cares was recognized by ESPN with its inaugural League Humanitarian Leadership Award for driving social impact over the last decade.

Prior to joining the NBA, Jacobson served as Acting Director of Central Recreation for the New York City Parks & Recreation Department. 

In addition, Jacobson serves on the Board of Directors for Maccabi USA, the U.S. Fund for UNICEF New York Regional Board, the Beyond Sport Advisory Panel, and on the UJA Sports for Youth Executive Committee.

Jacobson graduated from Cornell University, where he was a four-year letter winner in soccer. He also holds an MPA from Columbia University. 

Education

• MPA, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
• Cornell University