WOMAN IS NOW TOP CAT

NFL Panthers’ COO

She’s finally gotten to the top of the pyramid.

A woman who began her career as a cheerleader for the Carolina Panthers took over as head of the NFL team’s entire operation on Monday, after the team’s owner stepped down amid a sexual-harassment scandal.

Tina Becker was promoted to chief operating officer as 81-yearold Jerry Richardson, owner of the team ever since it’s inception in 1993, said he’d step aside to focus on selling the franchise.

“These have been some of the most difficult days of my 19 years with the Panthers, but I am lifted up by the strong resolve and the commitment our employees have shown to this organization,” Becker said in a news release Monday.

“Our team on the field is performing at a very high level, and I believe is bound for the Super Bowl.”

She also laid out the game plan for the team moving forward.

“My immediate focus will be to ensure the corporate side of the organization performs at the same high level, while addressing the real concerns that have been raised in recent days,” Becker said.

After starting out as a Panthers pompom girl (circled, above), she eventually became the coach of the team’s cheerleading squad.

Then her career really took off. As described in the Panthers’ announcement, “Becker (inset) has worked her way up the organization and served in key roles along the way, including directing the organization’s business and administrative priorities, as well as dealing with league affairs.

“She has worked closely over the years with all facets of the organization, including business operations, ticketing and sponsorship, stadium operations, entertainment and fan engagement. Prior to joining the owner’s office, Becker served as the team’s director of entertainment from 2012-14.”

Team president Danny Morrison had resigned earlier in the year, and there was no COO before, or after, his resignation.

Richardson said on Sunday that he will put the team on the market as soon as this season concludes.

The move took place after Sports Illustrated published a damning report saying he had used his status, power and image of a kindly older man to sexually harass women, then used his money to silence them.

The report said there are at least four former Panthers employees who allegedly have received “significant” money in exchange for their silence about Richardson’s improper behavior.