Nancy Grove has announced her retirement from Little League International, effective Friday, May 29, following a career spanning more than 34 years with the organization.
Grove, who served as Director of Materials Management, said, “Little League has always been more than just a place where I come to work every day. Throughout my time here, I have had the opportunity to develop lifelong friendships, enhance my skills in ways I could never have imagined, and feel accomplished supporting our incredible volunteers around the world.”
Her journey with Little League began at one of her son’s Coach Pitch games when she met a Little League employee who spoke about the organization’s values and daily work. This conversation sparked her interest in joining the organization. Soon after, Grove applied for a position in the Communications Department.
Patrick Wilson, Little League President and CEO, said, “Throughout her career, Nancy has embodied Little League’s core values like no other. Her expertise and passion for the program were tremendous assets to the organization, and it has been my honor and pleasure to work alongside her for more than three decades. On behalf of everyone at Little League and all those she has impacted during her time here, I’d like to thank and congratulate Nancy on a well-deserved retirement.”
In her role as Director of Materials Management, Grove was responsible for desktop publishing tasks such as providing graphics support for league supply needs, tracking order fulfillment, managing purchase requisitions, and overseeing contract negotiations. She emphasized that what made coming to work meaningful was not just these duties but also being part of a team-driven environment.
“At Little League, it always takes a team. In purchasing and throughout the organization, there are often many projects that run simultaneously. Having the opportunity to lead a team that is committed to working through challenges and towards our mission is something I will always hold close to my heart,” said Grove.
As she concludes her tenure with Little League International after over three decades of service, Grove offered advice for those continuing their work: “Take advantage of the experiences of your colleagues and their knowledge of the organization. Their backgrounds, stories, and commitment to Little League will help you understand the depth of what it means to work for the greatest youth sports organization in the world.”
