Wendy Thomson, Little League Canada Assistant Regional Director, and Ron Smith, Little League International Programmer and Analyst, have officially announced their retirement from Little League Baseball and Softball at the end of 2018.
“We are very grateful for the many years of service and dedication that Wendy and Ron have given to our program and congratulate them both on their well-deserved retirements,” said Stephen D. Keener. “They have both contributed significantly to making the Little League program such a meaningful part of thousands of communities around the world. For this we thank them both immensely.”
Wendy Thomson – Little League Canada Assistant Regional Director
Mrs. Thomson has worked for Little League Canada for the past 10 years and has been instrumental in the organization and development of the entire Little League Baseball and Softball program throughout the country. Throughout her career at the regional office, Mrs. Thomson has worked with District Administrators and volunteers across Canada to create a solid infrastructure and stability within the program, which has ultimately led to the development and growth of Little League programs across Canada. Prior to her time at the Regional office, Mrs. Thomson also spent 15 years volunteering with her husband at the local league level.
“It has been an honor to spend my career working with Little League Baseball and Softball and I am thankful to all of the volunteers and staff that I have had the privilege to work alongside during my time with this great organization,” said Mrs. Thomson. “While I am sad to have to say goodbye to my time working as an employee of Little League International, I am excited and confident for the future that Little League International and Little League Canada. We have met so many people through Little League and still call a lot of those people friends to this day. Little League is a program that will always be very close to my heart.”
Since taking over as Assistant Regional Director, Mrs. Thomson has seen Little League Canada see tremendous growth including expanded coverage of the Little League Baseball Canada Region Tournament through CBC Sports, growth and development at each of the different levels of the program throughout the country, and the organization and structuring of the annual regional tournaments.
Ron Smith – Little League International Programmer and Analyst
Mr. Smith joined the Little League International staff in August 2007 where he took over as the Programmer and Analyst for the organization. During his time with the organization, Mr. Smith has overseen the server and network systems of Little League International and has assisted with the growth and development of the entire Little League Information Services department. In addition to his work with the information services department, Mr. Smith has also provided continuous support each year at the Little League Baseball World Series as a scoreboard and in-game entertainment operator.
“I am eternally grateful for all the volunteers and staff who have supported me during my time at Little League International and for the countless memories that this position has created for me,” said Mr. Smith. “The amount of growth and development that I have seen during my time with Little League makes me excited for the future of this organization and for the incredible opportunities that will soon be available to children all over the world.”