Richard D. Parsons attends Children's Defense Fund "Beat The Odds" gala at The Pierre Hotel, March 12, 2014, in New York City. (Rob Kim/Getty Images)

The NBA has placed an interim CEO at the head of the Los Angeles Clippers after owner Donald Sterling was banned for life from the league for racist comments he was recorded making to his assistant.

Dick Parsons will the run the team until the league votes on whether to force a sale of the Clippers. Here's a look at the new team leader:

Vital Stats: Richard Parsons, 66 years old, native of Brooklyn, N.Y.

Resume: Former college basketball player at the University of Hawaii; lawyer and political aid who worked with New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, President Gerald Ford, Mayor Rudolph Guiliani, President George W. Bush, and Mayor Mike Bloomberg. Former chairman and CEO of Dime Bancorp, Time Warner, and Citigroup. Economic adviser to President Barack Obama.

Current Job: Senior adviser at Providence Equity Partners and a member of the board of directors for the Commission on Presidential Debates.

What The NBA Has to Say: "I believe the hiring of Dick Parsons will bring extraordinary leadership and immediate stability to the Clippers organization," said NBA President Adam Silver. "Dick's credentials as a proven chief executive speak for themselves and I am extremely grateful he accepted this responsibility."

What Dick Parsons Has to Say: "Like most Americans, I have been deeply troubled by the pain the Clippers' team, fans and partners have endured. A lifelong fan of the NBA, I am firmly committed to the values and principles it is defending, and I completely support Adam's leadership in navigating the challenges facing the team and the league. The Clippers are a resilient organization with a brilliant coach and equally talented and dedicated athletes and staff who have demonstrated great strength of character during a time of adversity. I am honored to be asked to work with them, build on their values and accomplishments, and help them open a new, inspiring era for their team."