Mary C. Ford
FOUNDER
With over 30 years of experience in professional sports,
Mary C. Ford has built a career spanning nearly every corner of the industry—from front office roles with the Sacramento Kings and Seattle SuperSonics, to media at Fox Sports, and athlete representation at Goodwin Sports Management. Along the way, she’s worked with more than 70 elite basketball players, including icons LeBron James, Candace Parker,
Kevin Durant, Gary Payton, Tina Thompson, Jamal Crawford, Damian Lillard, and DeMar DeRozan.
While she’s led in public and media relations, one part of the job always stood out: helping athletes build meaningful community initiatives. Whether launching local programs or developing long-term legacy projects, Mary found her greatest purpose in helping clients create impact that extends far beyond their playing days.
That passion inspired her to launch Pay It Ford LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to guiding current and retired professional athletes in turning vision into impact. Through sustainable, purpose-driven projects, Mary helps athletes build legacies that matter—beyond the game, beyond the spotlight, and deep within the communities they care about most.
WHY PAY IT FORD
I’ve spent more than three decades in professional sports—on the team side, the media side, and the representation side. I’ve had the honor of working with some of the greatest to ever play the game, both on and off the court.
But what’s stayed with me most isn’t the headlines or the highlight reels. It’s the quiet moments - when a player says, “How can I give back?” or “What do I want my legacy to be?” Helping them answer those questions – and bringing their vision to life – is where I’ve found my purpose.
That’s why I started Pay It Ford LLC. Because I believe that legacy isn’t just about stats or championships—it’s about impact. My mission is to empower athletes to take the platforms they’ve earned and transform them into something lasting. Something that shapes lives, strengthens communities,
and makes a difference long after the final buzzer.
— Mary C. Ford, Founder