From the first time I ever used a computer, I had a curiosity about how they worked and how to have them do different things. I once received an email from a friend when we were in middle school (in the early days of the internet) that had various text colors and formatting, something that was very uncommon at the time. I asked him how he did it and was introduced to HTML. From there, I learned about other programming languages, and eventually went to college, studied computer science, and entered the tech sector.
My first job out of college was for a local marketing agency, where I worked as a web developer, building websites for local and regional businesses. After a few years, I moved into a role at a local software company and was the lead developer on an enterprise workflow product that was used by several large corporations, including at least one professional sports franchise.
My sports fandom was somewhat limited as a child, but in my teenage years and beyond I became very passionate about sports. I’ve always enjoyed watching sports on TV and in person. I believe sports has an ability to unite us in ways that we might not otherwise anticipate. I have four children, and each one plays at least one sport. The lessons they learn from practice and competition are invaluable. I also deeply appreciate the small communities that form amongst players’ families and friends. We have opportunities to build relationships in ways that may not have happened without the shared experience of youth sports.
I’ve lived in Central Pennsylvania my entire life and have always known Little League®. Whenever I travel, and someone asks where I’m from, I’ll often say “I’m from Central Pennsylvania. Have you ever watched the Little League World Series? I live a few miles down the road.” Little League is an international icon, and something our area is immensely proud of. When I had the opportunity to apply for a position at Little League, I jumped at it. To have the chance to combine my professional skills with my passion for sports, and to contribute to the community impact of Little League – I couldn’t pass it up.
In addition to working at Little League and coaching my son’s team, I also serve as the secretary of our local league. I’ve had the unique opportunity to have the Little League experience at nearly every level – as a professional, as a parent, and as a volunteer. And once upon a time, as a player.
I played one year of Tee Ball as a child, and while I enjoyed it, I wasn’t particularly good at it. I have a core memory of being instructed to play shortstop and having to ask the coach where that was – all the other positions have obvious names! I’m now an assistant coach on my son’s coach pitch team. I can’t help but smile each time one of the players asks me, “Where’s shortstop?”
I love what I do. I get to solve hard problems using the skills I’ve built and refined over the years. More than that, I recognize that the work I do is for the benefit of millions of young players, their families, and their communities worldwide. I fully believe in the mission of Little League and am proud to contribute to it.
For me, the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition game during the Little League Baseball® World Series in Williamsport is one of the highlights of our annual calendar. I make it a point to attend and support the game each year and I enjoy every second. The excitement and emotion surrounding the event and its participants is always so special. I love seeing the international tournament participants cheering on the Challenger athletes during every at bat. The eruption of the crowd for each hit never loses its impact.
Additionally, each summer for the last six years I’ve had the opportunity to support the Little League Softball® World Series in Greenville, North Carolina. To see the community in Greenville come together to host this premier event is always inspiring.
When it comes to my daily work, I really enjoy problem solving and designing solutions to improve the experiences of our staff, volunteers, and families. I appreciate that the systems I’ve designed and built are used worldwide and continue to further the mission of our program.
Little League is easily the most unique organization I’ve ever worked for, or with. There are very few places where you can work in a traditional office role most of the year, but still spend your summers outside, hosting one of the most iconic sporting events in the world. I would encourage someone joining the team to be excited by what they get to be a part of, to be flexible, and to just enjoy the moments that are created. The work can be difficult, but the feeling of fulfillment is like no other.
This feature is part of a series of Little League International Staff Spotlights, highlighting the career journey of the organization’s employees, which began during Little League’s Girls with Game 50 (#GWG50) Celebration (LittleLeague.org/GWG50) in 2024.