Meet our Team — FoRR The City Foundation

Founder · Senior Vice President

Amber Nichols

Amber Nichols is a trailblazing basketball executive with a growing reputation for excellence in player evaluation, team building, and leadership in professional sports. She currently serves as the Director of Amateur Evaluation for the Washington Wizards, where she leads all NBA Draft scouting efforts and plays a key role in shaping the team's long-term talent strategy.

In 2021, Nichols made history as one of the first women to be named General Manager of an NBA G League team, taking the helm of the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards' G League affiliate. Under her leadership, the Go-Go became known for its strong developmental culture, producing NBA-ready talent and fostering an environment built on accountability, competitiveness, and growth.

Nichols' success as a GM was marked by her ability to build high-character, high-performing rosters. Several players developed under her guidance went on to earn NBA contracts — demonstrating her skill as a talent evaluator and her strategic approach to player development.

A former Division I athlete at the University of Richmond, Nichols combines on-court experience with executive insight. She earned her master's degree in Sport Management and Policy from the University of Georgia, equipping her with a strong foundation in sports business and policy. Today, she also serves as an Adjunct Professor in Georgetown University's Sport Industry Management Program, mentoring students who aspire to enter the sports industry.

Widely respected for her thoughtful leadership, collaborative style, and commitment to equity and inclusion, Amber Nichols continues to help shape the future of basketball — on and off the court.

Wizards · Dir. Amateur EvaluationForbes 30U30SI 100Former G League GMGeorgetown Faculty

President

Lauren Sills

Lauren Sills currently serves as the Operations Leader for the NBA Foundation, the League's first ever charitable foundation, dedicated to driving economic opportunity for Black youth. A proud graduate of Spelman College, Lauren has been driven by the idea that, "to whom much is given, much is required" and has worked over the past 12 years to ensure that her professional career and personal endeavors are tied to service.

Lauren has worked across a variety of industries, spanning education, nonprofit and government with the common thread of supporting and investing in communities of color. Previous to the NBA, Lauren worked at Nike in their Social and Community Impact team, leading Nike's philanthropy and community partnerships for the East coast. Before joining Nike, she served as Senior Associate at the JPMorgan Chase Foundation. Prior to JPMorgan, Lauren was the Youth Advocacy Manager for Generation Progress.

Vice President

Jonathan Wall

Jonathan Wall is an NBPA Certified agent at The Familie, where he represents high school, college, and professional basketball players. Jonathan is an experienced attorney with an extensive understanding of the game and business of basketball. After graduating from Morehouse College, Harvard Graduate School of Education, and Harvard Law School, he began his career representing leading companies and executives at a top-ranked corporate law firm in New York City. In 2019, he was named to the National Black Lawyers' "40 under 40" list.

Born and raised in Raleigh, NC, Jonathan resides in Los Angeles, CA with his wife, Kayla, and their dog, Raleigh.

Chief Financial Accountant · Treasurer

Michael Powell

Michael Powell is an experienced financial accountant, project management professional, and entrepreneur. As a Managing Consultant currently working in the Washington D.C. metro market, Michael has experience in progressive roles in public accounting and financial consulting servicing Fortune 1000 public companies, as well as smaller private companies. Michael is also the co-founder and managing partner of Jackson Powell, LLP, a CPA tax planning and preparation firm that has helped hundreds of individuals and small businesses with their tax needs since 2016.

Originally from Decatur, Georgia, Michael has always put an emphasis on staying involved in the communities he lives in and helping underrepresented groups.

Chief Technology Officer · Secretary

Kayla Taylor

Kayla is a Business Operations Manager at a high-growth financial technology startup that has been recognized by the Inc. 5000 for the past four years. She has built her career with this company through its transition from early- to growth-stage startup; working in strategy and operations functions as the company has scaled. Prior to joining her current company, Kayla attended the University of California, Berkeley where she majored in business through the Haas Undergraduate Program.

"As a first generation college graduate, I understand the impact that programs like FTCF can have on the confidence and future outlook of adolescent youth. I have aspired to work with youth from backgrounds similar to mine and I am excited to take part in the diverse programming that we have planned with FTCF."

Board Member

Robert Chadwick

Robert was born and raised in Chesapeake, Virginia where he attended Indian River High School. Upon graduating, he went on to Elizabeth City State University where he earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing. He is the proud father of three beautiful children Morgan, Austin, and Justin. He is currently employed with Wake New Start reentry as a case manager.