The Women’s Sports Foundation named NHL executive Karen Durkin its CEO, replacing longtime leader Donna Lopiano who resigned last August.

Durkin, who had been in branding and communications with the NHL, has also worked with the LPGA, where she developed the “These Girls Rock” brand initiative. In 2005 while with the LPGA, she was named one of the most influential women in golf by Sports Illustrated.

A former swimming and basketball student-athlete at Rochester, Durkin holds a master’s degree from Northwestern.

“It’s an extraordinary privilege to have been selected to work with the remarkable founder, Billie Jean King, a talented staff and all the Foundation’s many committed and passionate supporters,” said Durkin. “I understand the profound impact sports can have on young girls and am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead an organization that works every day to positively affect girls and women through sports.”