On Nov. 9, Dr. Davie Jane Gilmour not only will take over as the chairwoman of the Little League International Board of Directors, but will be the first woman to do so.
Gilmour joined the board of directors in 2004 and in 2008 was elected to take over as chairwoman.
"I can't wait," Gilmour said as it gets closer to the date. "I can't wait because we have the opportunity during the World Series to show everybody what a great place we live in. I'll have the best job in the world."
Gilmour is no stranger to being a leader in the area, as she said her day job - president of Pennsylvania College of Technology - goes "hand in hand" with the goals and work of the youth baseball league. Although, she noted, that Little League participants are a bit younger.
"(Little League) can teach life skills to young people. ... Character (and) loyalty are not just words. They mean something," she said.
And although she said she's trying to stay out of the spotlight, as it's more important to her that participants are recognized, it can't help but find her - especially being the first chairwoman.
She insists it's not about her, though, but about Little League.
"The spotlight really shouldn't be on me, it should be on the organization," she said.
But it's not a role Gilmour is shying away from, either.
"I don't mind being the first woman," she added with a laugh.
Gilmour said she didn't believe she was the first female chairwoman, when told. But, she also said that she will only use it as motivation.
"It was very humbling. I was shocked and honored. And so I made up my mind that I will do the best I can," she said.
And Gilmour added that there's been some adjustments on both sides. Throwing out the first pitch at a Little League game in Georgia over the summer, someone asked her if she would be able to throw in her dress. Gilmour did, but she said she's still learning the best ways to do certain tasks.
Having lived in Williamsport for 35 years, it's easy for Gilmour to know how much Little League affects young people and wants to continue its mission. Of course, she understands just how big the World Series is.
"You need to go and experience it before you can make any comments on it because it is amazing," she said.
Gilmour said having known for the past four years that she would become the chairwoman allowed her to take her time and learn.
"It's wonderful because I've learned a lot and I had the opportunity to work with the current chairman (Dennis Lewin)," she said.
Gilmour said as she fills the position, it's not about her gender, but doing the best she can.
"I have big shoes to fill - male or female. And I want to do it right. And I want to be successful, regardless of my gender," Gilmour concluded.
