Seattle Mariners: Why Catie Griggs?
Catie Griggs is the Answer
The former CBO (Chief Business Officer) of Atlanta United FC. Catie Griggs is the Seattle Mariners new President of Business Operations. Thus, becoming the highest ranking woman executive in Major League Baseball history. She’s the right person for the job, her resume, her pedigree, everything about her says, she’s the one. Atlanta holds the top 10 attendance records in the MLS with nine of those marks clearing 70,000 fans.
The sports executive universe recognizes Griggs as a creative and tenacious executive. With a pension for doing the job better than anyone else. In fact, there literally isn’t a comparison you can make to anyone else in the business.
The Resume
Griggs got her MBA from one of the top business schools in the United States. The prestigious Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. In 2010, Turner Sports, the Atlanta based affiliate of the Turner Broadcasting System (TBS) hired Griggs. After that, moving to TBS as Senior Director, Business Operations & Strategic Partnerships. Subsequently, Griggs left TBS in 2015 to become the General Manager of Futures Sport + Entertainment. Her LinkedIn profile states that she was responsible for growing the client base from 2 to 33. Including many blue chip brands.
With Atlanta United FC, Griggs signed on as the CBO. She was with the organization for four years. Ending her time with the MLS club in July 2021. Her credits include, launching Mercedes-Benz stadium, hoisting the MLS Cup, setting attendance records, and so many more accolades.
Seattle Mariner are the Perfect Fit for Griggs
She doesn’t have to hit a home run with the Mariners. However, she does have to clean up a culture where the executives look at the Mariners as an expensive hobby. Compared to a legitimate title contender every year. Griggs won’t be responsible for talent acquisition, but she will be a huge part of the culture. A culture that needs to turn so many lemons into lemonade.
Catie Griggs the new President of Business Operations for the Seattle Mariners listens to chairman and managing partner John Stanton during a news conference, Wednesday, July 28, 2021 in Seattle. 217760 (Ken Lambert / The Seattle Times)
Joe Swenson is a lifelong Seattle sports fan and contributes to many different writing and artistic genres.