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Reflecting on the journey to becoming Vice President of Finance at Little League® underscores the importance of community. Growing up in Sullivan County, Pennsylvania, where a solitary traffic light marked the town, I learned early the value of engagement and support.
My parents played a pivotal role in instilling these values. They were active in community initiatives, encouraging my brother and me to engage with others through sports. Activities like basketball, soccer, and baseball were integral, imparting lessons in teamwork and friendship.
Embracing numbers and hard work
While sports shaped my discipline, it was my mother’s banking career that ignited my fascination with numbers. Her meticulousness and dedication made a lasting impression. My father, who worked long shifts in a factory, taught me perseverance and commitment. These influences guided my aspirations toward a career that merged problem-solving with interpersonal relationships.
In high school, I enrolled in an accounting class, discovering a passion for the subject. Numbers, much like sports, tell stories and convey meaning. This interest led me to pursue a degree in accounting at Lycoming College, establishing a foundation for a career closely tied to my hometown.
Building a legacy at Lycoming College
After completing my education, I spent 17 years in public accounting, honing skills in financial statements while developing a deep understanding of people. My return to Lycoming College as Vice President of Finance marked a significant milestone. Over 12 years, I contributed to impactful projects, including the development of a new collegiate baseball field—an endeavor that holds a special significance.
Watching the baseball field come to life, filled with children creating memories, was immensely rewarding. Recently, my son celebrated his 10th birthday with a wiffle ball game on that field, reminding me that my contributions extend beyond financial figures—I helped create a community space for joy and connection.
A serendipitous path to Little League
My transition to Little League International began unexpectedly during a date with my wife at the Little League Baseball® World Series. As we watched from the stands, I shared my aspiration to work for the organization. While content in my role at the college, a few months later, I received a LinkedIn message about a finance position at Little League. Skeptical at first, I reached out to a friend, Pat Wilson, the current Little League President and CEO, who confirmed the opportunity was genuine.
Interestingly, my connection with Pat dates back years when he assisted his father in cleaning our accounting office. I have always believed in treating everyone with respect; today’s assistant could be tomorrow’s leader. Life often brings us full circle.
The joy of teamwork and community
My daily motivation at work extends beyond spreadsheets and financial reports. It is the people I interact with that inspire me. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose at Little League is invigorating. I continue to coach my two sons, aged 12 and 10, and their excitement for baseball season serves as a constant reminder of our mission’s importance.
Each time children visit Williamsport for the first time, their awe as they explore the facility reinforces the significance of our work. The friendships formed across borders and cultures through this game create lasting bonds that are profoundly meaningful.
Transformative experiences and personal growth
My parents played a pivotal role in instilling these values. They were active in community initiatives, encouraging my brother and me to engage with others through sports. Activities like basketball, soccer, and baseball were integral, imparting lessons in teamwork and friendship.0
My parents played a pivotal role in instilling these values. They were active in community initiatives, encouraging my brother and me to engage with others through sports. Activities like basketball, soccer, and baseball were integral, imparting lessons in teamwork and friendship.1
My parents played a pivotal role in instilling these values. They were active in community initiatives, encouraging my brother and me to engage with others through sports. Activities like basketball, soccer, and baseball were integral, imparting lessons in teamwork and friendship.2