Following an outstanding 34-year-long career at Little League® International, Nancy Grove has announced her retirement from the organization, effective Friday, May 29.
“Little League has always been more than just a place where I come to work every day,” said Grove, Director of Materials Management. “Throughout my time here, I have had the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, enhance my skills in ways I could never have imagined, and feel accomplished supporting our incredible volunteers around the world.”
Grove’s Little League journey began when she was at one of her son’s Coach Pitch games. At the field, she ran into a Little League employee who shared with her what it was like to work at the organization, its values, and what they strive towards every day. The way the individual passionately spoke about the program sparked her interest immediately. Not long after, Grove had the opportunity to apply for a position in the Communications Department, and the rest is history.
“Throughout her career, Nancy has embodied Little League’s core values like no other,” said Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO. “Her expertise and passion for the program were tremendous assets to the organization, and it has been my honor and pleasure to work alongside her for more than three decades. On behalf of everyone at Little League and all those she has impacted during her time here, I’d like to thank and congratulate Nancy on a well-deserved retirement.”
During her time as Director of Materials Management, Grove handled desktop publishing, providing graphics support for the creation of league supply needs, tracking order fulfillment, purchase requisitions, and overseeing contract negotiations for effective operations. However, it was never the day-to-day work that made her most excited to come to work every day; it was the team-driven attitude that Little League embodies.
“At Little League, it always takes a team. In purchasing and throughout the organization, there are often many projects that run simultaneously. Having the opportunity to lead a team that is committed to working through challenges and towards our mission is something I will always hold close to my heart,” said Grove.
As Grove’s time with Little League comes to an end, she reflects on what these past three decades have meant to her and shares this advice for those continuing their work with the organization.
“Take advantage of the experiences of your colleagues and their knowledge of the organization,” said Grove. “Their backgrounds, stories, and commitment to Little League will help you understand the depth of what it means to work for the greatest youth sports organization in the world.”