As an important element of the overall restructuring of the Little League® International operations department to support volunteers and communities and advance Little League’s strategic league development initiatives, former Central Region Director, Nina Johnson-Pitt, has been elevated to the new role of Senior Strategy Executive. In this position, Ms. Johnson-Pitt will work across all departments leading the long-term strategic planning of the organization and continuing to evolve the Little League program to provide an unmatched youth sports experience for families around the world.
“As we look at our organizational structure and future growth, Little League’s primary focus is providing the support and direction for our volunteers to embrace our player-centric goals of providing meaningful and memorable Little League opportunities for all children,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “We are pleased to announce our newly created structure and look forward to Nina’s new role as we support her and our continuing efforts to strengthen our operations and volunteer support, as well as guide our strategic plan of action to grow the Little League program around the world.”
Ms. Johnson-Pitt first joined Little League as the Central Region Assistant Director in 2006 and was named the Region Director in 2011. During her time working for the Central Region, Ms. Johnson-Pitt has been instrumental in the development of programs in 13 states, the operation and growth of the Little League Softball® Central Region Tournament and Little League Baseball® Great Lakes and Midwest Region Tournaments, and the most recent relocation of the Central Region headquarters to Whitestown, Indiana. While no longer serving as the Central Region Director, Ms. Johnson-Pitt will remain working out of the Central Region Headquarters office in Whitestown, Indiana.
In addition to working across all departments to shepherd Little League’s strategic plan, Ms. Johnson-Pitt will also oversee Little League’s League Development Initiatives, headed up by Sam Ranck, Little League Director of League Development and Challenger Division.
“The Little League experience is about so much more than the plays that happen between two lines. It’s about teamwork, sportsmanship, and building better, stronger individuals and communities,” said Ms. Johnson-Pitt. “We know there are many challenges facing all of youth sports, and Little League, as the world’s largest and most respected youth sports organization, is uniquely positioned to embrace these challenges and enact change to support our players, families, and volunteers. Together with our volunteers and staff, I am eager to bring our strategic initiatives to life as we look to progressively evolve the Little League program.”
Born in St. Anthony, Indiana, Ms. Johnson-Pitt went to Forest Park High School before graduating from Ball State University with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Sport and Fitness Administration/Management. Along with her career at Little League, Ms. Johnson-Pitt has also served as a featured panel speaker with organizations such as Athletes Unlimited and continues to exemplify her leadership, knowledge, and expertise at other speaking and networking events nationwide. In addition, Ms. Johnson-Pitt currently serves as a volunteer coach for her local Little League program, Zionsville (Ind.) Little League.
The Little League International strategic plan focuses on a player-centric approach to all facets of the organization. Rallying around One Team. One Little League., initial phases of the strategic plan including the launch of Little League’s new mission and logo; establishing new playing opportunities through initiatives including Little League Sandlot Fun Days; and growing opportunities for female participants through partnerships like Athletes Unlimited. Additional pillars of the strategic plan include providing new financial support opportunities for local Little League programs, enhancing coaching resources with an emphasis at the youngest levels of play, finding innovative ways to bring new communities around the world into the Little League program, and the announced expansion of the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series events in 2022. The plan will continue to be adapted to meet the challenges our leagues and volunteers face throughout the coronavirus pandemic. More information on the strategic plan can be found at LittleLeague.org/Strategic-Plan.