Michael Winger serves as President of Monumental Basketball, overseeing all aspects of operations for the Washington Wizards, Mystics and Capital City Go-Go.
Winger was named to the newly created position in May 2023 after spending the previous six seasons as the general manager of the Los Angeles Clippers. With 18 years of experience as an executive across different NBA landscapes, Winger has earned a reputation for restoring and sustaining excellence through strategic planning, operational systems, and devotion to organizational culture. He has enjoyed contributing to successful franchises, including being part of two NBA Finals teams (2007 Cleveland; 2012 Oklahoma City), and seven Conference Finals teams, while working alongside some of the most respected players, coaches, executives, and ownership groups of the last 20 years.
Winger joined the LA Clippers as general manager in 2017 and worked closely with President of Basketball Operations Lawrence Frank on all day-to-day basketball functions. He was responsible for designing operational and roster planning strategies, helped create and build departments and infrastructure by acquiring and training staff, developed systems to support the players and oversaw all transactional processes. Winger also led the design of the team’s new world class performance and training center set to open in 2024. He was instrumental in acquiring both Paul George and Kawhi Leonard prior to the 2019-20 season, who together propelled the team from eighth in the West in 2018 to second in 2019 before reaching the Western Conference Finals in 2021.
Prior to his time with the Clippers, Winger worked as an assistant general manager and team counsel for the Oklahoma City Thunder from 2010-11 to 2016-17. The Thunder appeared in the 2012 NBA Finals and reached the Western Conference Finals four times during his tenure.
Winger began his NBA career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, serving five seasons (2005-06 through 2009-10) and earning several promotions to become the team’s director of basketball operations and team counsel. During his five seasons, the Cavs appeared in the 2007 NBA Finals and reached the Eastern Conference Finals twice.
Originally from near Cleveland, Winger is a graduate of Miami University (OH) and holds a law degree, having attended both The University of Toledo College of Law and the University of Maryland School of Law. He spent two years working for renowned sports agent and attorney Ron Shapiro in Baltimore while pursuing his law degree.
It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Cal LaRoche, a brilliant and dedicated advisor and champion of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, who left us on Wednesday, April 9th, 2025.
Born in New York in January 1946, Cal graduated from Central State University in Ohio, where he joined the Eta Gamma Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. His career spanned decades of leadership and innovation, beginning at the National Security Agency and continuing through key roles at IBM, SkyTel Communications, and The Orkand Corporation.
A visionary entrepreneur, Cal later co-founded DC Ventures and Associates.
His commitment to service was unwavering. Cal chaired the Boards of Trustees at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda and Norwood School and served with distinction for 15 years on the Advisory Board of the Ron Brown Scholar Program. His leadership extended to the Beta Mu, Boulé Foundation Board, where he served as Chair, and to Patients For Affordable Drugs, where he was a founding board member and Treasurer.
An avid golfer and advocate for equity in the sport, Cal co-founded the Pro-Duffer/Carter Foundation Scholarship to promote diversity in golf. A long-time member of TPC Potomac at Avenel Farm, he was as passionate about creating opportunity as he was about the game itself.
Cal’s legacy is carried on by his beloved family: his mother, Lucille “Gloria” David; his wife, Esperanza, and their sons, CJ and Ethan; his former wife, Cheryl LaRoche; their daughters, Gina LaRoche, Renee LaRoche-Morris, and Danielle LaRoche; six grandchildren; and his siblings. His wisdom, warmth, and unwavering belief in the potential of young people will remain an enduring part of the Ron Brown Scholar community.
We are forever grateful for Cal’s enduring support, leadership, and love. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence, generosity, and deep humanity. He will be deeply missed.
