Tanesha Wade

Tanesha Wade is the Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion for the Chicago Bears. In this role, they are responsible for leading the charge in creating a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable environment for employees, fans, and the community.

Wade has over 20 years of experience in the sports industry, with a focus on operations and event management. Tanesha began their career as a Business Operations Assistant with the Iowa Barnstormers Arena Football team in 2000. In this role, they performed administrative duties, including clerical, payroll and financial tasks. Tanesha also assisted with game operations, community relations and marketing initiatives.

In 2001, Wade was promoted to Director of Operations for the Chicago Rush Arena Football team. In this role, they were responsible for all aspects of game operations, live entertainment / production programming, special events, vendor negotiations and retail management.

From 2009 to 2013, Wade served as the Director of Premium Seating, Stewardship & Events for the University of Minnesota Athletics department. In this role, they were responsible for overseeing premium seating and stewardship operations for all ticketed sports. Tanesha also managed a portfolio of corporate clients and oversaw all events held at premium seating areas.

Wade is a graduate of Iowa State University, where they earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.

Tanesha Wade completed their undergraduate degree at Oregon State University in the field of Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Tanesha is currently pursuing their MBA at OSU.

Tanesha Wade works with Lee Twarling - SVP, Sales & Customer Relations, Ken Mrock - Head, Groundskeeper, and Mike Santarelli - Executive Director, Football Technology. Tanesha Wade reports to Ted Phillips, President & CEO. and Mallorie Sanders - Manager, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion reports to Tanesha Wade.