Sources: NBA names Michelle D. Johnson senior VP, head of referee operations

Shams Charania
Michelle D. Johnson was superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy in 2016. (Special to Yahoo Sports)
Michelle D. Johnson was superintendent of the United States Air Force Academy in 2016. (Special to Yahoo Sports)

The NBA will name the first woman to lead the United States Air Force Academy, Michelle D. Johnson, as its new senior vice president and head of referee operations, league sources told The Vertical.

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Johnson is a retired Air Force lieutenant general and graduated in 1981 from the Air Force Academy, where she served as a three-time captain on the basketball team. As head of referees, Johnson will oversee all officiating programs, recruitment, training, development and evaluations. She replaces Mike Bantom, who will transition into a new role with the NBA.

Johnson holds several honors for her accomplishments, including the Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, among others.

She retired from service in August after receiving the Distinguished Service Medal.

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