China Jude
By Kenneth Mullinax/ASU
An alumna from Alabama State University, Dr. China Jude, has been named president of Business Operations by the Motor City Cruise, an NBA G League affiliate of the Detroit Pistons.
Jude graduated from ASU with a degree in Broadcast Journalism, served and received an honorable discharge from the U.S. Naval Reserves, and later earned a Doctor of Education degree (Ed.D.) from Northcentral University.
Jude explained that in her new position, which began on Jan. 27, she leads the Motor City Cruise's business lines with the primary goal of increasing the organization’s revenue opportunities and expanding relationships with ticketholders, fans, sponsors and partners.
“The city of Detroit is a fantastic sports city, and I look forward to identifying new ways in which the Motor City Cruise can build its fan base and carve its own niche in the broader sports landscape,” said Jude. “I look forward to advancing the club’s success and contributing to the larger picture in which this team supports the Detroit Pistons.”
Jude will report directly to Melanie Harris, the president of Business Operations for the Detroit Pistons.
“We are pleased to welcome China to the organization, knowing her sports business experience and leadership will galvanize our Cruise business operations team and catalyze growth both on and off the court,” said Harris.
A native of Waukegan, Illinois, Jude came to Alabama State University on a volleyball scholarship. A skilled athlete, she was named a SWAC all-conference player.
Her stellar professional career has spanned more than two decades. She has worked with such powerhouse sports organizations as the Denver Broncos and has also held leadership roles at the University of Wyoming, New York's Queens College, the University of North Carolina-Wilmington and the University of the District of Columbia. Most recently, she served as USA Volleyball's organizational strategist.
“I am excited to work with the talented team of professionals at the Detroit Pistons and to help build the Motor City Cruise brand within the community,” stated Dr. Jude.