Little League® International is pleased to announce the elevation of Sam Ranck to Senior Director of Strategy and Development, effective January 1, 2023. In addition to this new role, Mr. Ranck will also continue to oversee the operations and development of the Little League Challenger Division®.
“On behalf of all of us at Little League International, and our millions of volunteers around the world, we are honored to announce Sam’s elevation to Senior Director,” said Nina Johnson-Pitt, Little League Senior Strategy Executive. “Sam’s commitment to the advancement of the Little League program, combined with his unwavering dedication of providing the best possible experience for Little Leaguers all around the world has continued to grow year after year since he joined the organization more than 15 years ago. We look forward to watching the program continue to grow under his leadership as we all look to write the next chapter in the Little League story.”
In his most recent role as Director of League Development and Challenger Division, which he was promoted to in 2018, Mr. Ranck has helped to navigate new and current leagues through the pandemic, develop new ways to understand the needs of local leagues and their volunteers, bring resources such as the Little League Diamond Leader Program to life in order to help educate and support members of the program, and establish relationships with communities and external organizations to bring new leagues into the Little League program around the world. Additionally, he has continued to support and guide the Little League Challenger Division and oversee the playing of the Little League Challenger Division Exhibition Game at the Little League Baseball World Series each August.
“I am honored and thankful to be named a Senior Director within the Little League organization and to be given the opportunity to help lead the strategic future of this great program,” said Mr. Ranck. “As the world’s largest youth sports organization, we are committed to the future of the sport and I look forward to working with our team on advancing the Little League program and providing the best possible experience to our players, families, and communities all around the world each year.”
Mr. Ranck joined the Little League International Headquarters staff in 2007 when he was named the League Development Manager. Prior to holding that position, Mr. Ranck spent time working for the Peter J. McGovern World of Little League® Museum and Official Store from 2001-07. In 2008, Mr. Ranck was also named the Director of the Challenger Division, a division of Little League International he continues to oversee today.
Mr. Ranck is a 2006 graduate of the Pennsylvania College of Technology where he received a B.S. in Business Administration and an A.A.S. in Business Management. A member of the Sigma Beta Delta Business Honor Society, Mr. Ranck also served as a Student Ambassador, the Class Representative for the Class of 2006, and Commencement Speaker.