Little League® International announced the promotion of Samantha Mahaffey to Little League Security Manager, effective July 1, 2018. With her new position, Mrs. Mahaffey, who formerly served as Liability and Crime Coordinator since January 2014, will be taking over security operations for Jim Ferguson, who will be retiring from Little League following the 2018 Little League Baseball® World Series.
“Little League International takes pride in its safety and security operations, especially during the Little League Baseball World Series each August, and we are confident that Samantha’s knowledge and expertise will serve her well in this new position,” said Stephen D. Keener, Little League President and CEO. “We are truly thankful for all the time, dedication, and commitment that Jim has shared with Little League over the years and wish him the best on his well-earned retirement this fall.”
Since joining the Little League team in 2014, Mrs. Mahaffey has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Little League Baseball World Series security operations and recently completed her Masters of Security Administration degree from Southwestern College in December 2017. Over the last six months, Mrs. Mahaffey has helped to update the Little League Child Protection Program and has assisted with welcoming Little League’s newest background check vendor, JD Palatine.
“I am very excited to take on this new role as security manager and truly appreciate Little League giving me this opportunity,” said Mrs. Mahaffey. “More importantly, I want to share my sincere gratitude to Jim for providing me the guidance and insight into Little League’s safety and security operations and wish him well during his much-deserved retirement.”
As part of her new position, Mrs. Mahaffey will now manage all of Little League’s safety programs and security operations, including overseeing all safety and security efforts during the Little League Baseball World Series.
After 29 years working for Little League, Mr. Ferguson will officially be retiring following the conclusion of the 2018 Little League Baseball World Series. During his tenure with Little League, Mr. Ferguson has overseen all safety and security for Little League International and the Little League Baseball World Series and has been responsible for the growth and development of the Child Protection Plan, A Safety Awareness Program (ASAP), and other programs, in addition to establishing lasting relations with local, state, and federal security organizations each year. In addition to his role as Assistant Director of Risk Management and Safety, Mr. Ferguson also served as the former Director of the Little League Challenger Division during his career.
“It is a bitter-sweet moment as my time working for Little League comes to an end, but is also very reassuring knowing that the safety and security of Little League International is being left in the well-deserving hands of Samantha Mahaffey,” said Mr. Ferguson. “I am confident that Samantha’s knowledge, expertise, and dedication to Little League’s safety and security will make her a great leader and am excited to see what the future holds under her direction. Thank you to all of the friends, colleagues, and coworkers that I have worked with during my time with Little League and for all of the support this great organization has provided me over the years.”