The Riverside Hawks Appoints First Executive Director In More Than 10 years

The Board of Directors of the 63-year-old the Riverside Hawks Program has announced the appointment of their new Executive Director, Aswan Morris.

Morris is a former professional basketball player, Harlem resident, and a highly recognized motivational speaker, who is guided by his faith and love of community. 

Aswan Morris’ life and career experiences, combined with his passionate communication style and leadership skills — makes him an almost perfect fit for this position with the Riverside Hawks.  “We could not be more delighted to welcome this young man to the program as our new Executive Director,” said Phil Isom, Board Chair of the Riverside Hawks. “This is the first time in almost 10 years that we have had someone in this key leadership role.  Aswan brings new vision and a set of skills, honed through his work as Regional Director for Young Life, and through his national and international speaking engagements, that we believe are intrinsic to the role he is taking on.”

Mr. Morris’ first day on the job began on Monday, June 3rd, 2024.  In his capacity he will set the course for the growth and expansion of the community-focused basketball and academic programs the organization has become known for, involving both boys and girls. He will also be involved in inspiring these young participants, the heart and soul of the community and the organization, to aspire to be the very best of themselves both on and off the court; to overcome adversities, to live a purposeful life in service to community and family, and driven by hope and faith.  This has been the unbroken thread that has charted his life.  He is now looking to leverage his skills and resources to continue the work of transforming young lives.

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“If I was to summarize what guides me, it would be family and faith.  I’ve made a choice to live a life in service.  I have three sisters who have shaped why and how I advocate for women.  All of these things, but most importantly my faith, I will use to inform my leadership role with this important organization,” said Aswan.  

“We cannot wait to see how the Riverside Hawks will benefit from the addition of this exceptional young man, Aswan Morris, to our program,” said Phil Isom.

The Riverside Hawks will celebrate the addition of Mr. Morris to his new position with the program at its annual gala, which is on November 7, 2024, at the Mandarin Oriental in New York City.

For more information on the Riverside Hawks program, and for gala tickets and tables, visit www.riversidehawks.org.

The Riverside Hawks

The Riverside Hawks was founded by members of the Riverside Church in 1961, to help students and families in the Harlem community, use basketball to pursue academic opportunities, promote character development and to improve the life and career prospects of scores of young individuals. The strength of the Riverside Hawks basketball program is legendary.  Their elite-level girls and boys basketball teams play in nationally recognized showcase tournaments and rank among the top teams in the nation.  Notable alums include Donovan Mitchell, Ty Jerome, Eric Paschal, Chris Mullin, Kenny Smith, Kenny Anderson, Ed Pinckney, Metta World Peace, Lamar Odom, Rafer Alston, Elton Brand and Malik Sealy.  Today, the Hawks have over 600 girls and boys beginning at kindergarten age through high school in their academic and basketball programs.  Almost 70% of their students come from the Washington Heights, Harlem, and Bronx neighborhoods.

Photo credit: The Riverside Hawks.