Little League International names next CEO
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Little League International is naming Patrick Wilson as successor to retiring president and CEO Stephen D. Keener.
According to a news release, Wilson will assume the responsibilities of the position Jan. 1, 2025.
"Over my years at Little League, I've had the opportunity to work with really great people - both our professional staff and our volunteers - and see their dedication bring our program to life around the world," Wilson said, according to the news release. "Some of the relationships that I have been able to develop, including the personal relationships, is what I'm very proud of. Steve's presence in my career is something I'm grateful for and that has had a lasting impact on me. I am looking forward to continuing to lead Little League's evolution to tangibly bring our values to life - community, fun, inclusion, integrity, and teamwork -- and really live them as an entire organization in 2025 and beyond."
"For more than 40 years, Little League International has expanded and thrived under the dedicated leadership of Stephen D. Keener, who announced that he will retire as president and CEO on December 31, 2024," the news release said. "Since that announcement, the nominating committee of the Little League International board of directors has been actively focused on the search to find the next leader, who will chart the future of the organization"
The news release said the board considered several goals for the leadership successor, including finding an individual who values the tradition of Little League, balanced with innovation and grassroots engagement; finding a leader who can perform at an exceptionally high level, guiding an experienced team to accelerate the momentum of growth; and finding a visionary who can navigate the complexities of the youth sports landscape to reinforce the organization's esteemed leadership position into the future.
"During his tenure, Pat has been essential in building the Little League organization that we know today," the news release said. "He has forged deep relationships with key stakeholders, including those dedicated community volunteers and partners; he has passionately focused his efforts to expand the program internationally; he has created access and opportunity through programing and grant support to underserved communities; and, among his many other achievements, he has implemented research-backed programmatic and operational changes to improve the safety and quality of play for young athletes."
Wilson has held several key operational and organizational leadership roles during his tenure, including that of tournament director of the Little League International Tournament – which includes the Little League Baseball World Series. Named Chief Operating Officer in 2020, Pat has led the global team, a role in which he led the development of the organization's current strategic plan, focused on access, experience, and retention, and he led the thoughtful expansion of the Little League World Series tournaments to provide more opportunity for domestic and international baseball and softball programs to participate, the news release said.
"Deeply committed to the organization and its values of inclusion, integrity, community, teamwork, and fun, Pat is a steadfast leader that believes in the mission of Little League and its continued relevance in shaping the lives of millions of children worldwide," the news release said.