December 17, 2024 witnessed a significant event as Prodigy Search, a renowned boutique recruiting firm dedicated to meeting the talent demands of media, sports, and entertainment organizations, successfully placed Oriana Korin in the crucial role of the new chief communications officer of the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA). This appointment is set to propel the association's strategic communications endeavors forward, ensuring a seamless alignment with its mission of advancing players' rights and interests through collective bargaining and representation.

Executive's Perspective on Oriana's Appointment

Tony Clark, the executive director, expressed great enthusiasm about Oriana's appointment, stating, "Ori's appointment as chief communications officer represents an exciting step forward for the MLBPA that will build upon the incredible work our communications team has done to date. She brings a wealth of experience and passion that will strengthen our ability to advocate for players, enhance engagement with key stakeholders, and ensure our communications align with the MLBPA's long-term strategic goals."Mr. Clark further added, "We are thrilled to welcome Ori to the MLBPA team. Her expertise and leadership will be instrumental as we continue to champion the rights of players and strengthen the voice of our membership."

Oriana Korin's Extensive Experience

With an impressive tenure of over 20 years in strategic communications, labor advocacy, and organizational management, Ms. Korin has a proven track record of championing workers' rights and delivering impactful messaging. She has previously held significant positions such as senior director of communications for the American Federation of Teachers, communications director at the Transport Workers Union, press secretary and manager of external affairs for Jobs with Justice, and Communications Associate at Change to Win. Her background encompasses crafting messaging for high-profile campaigns, deftly managing crisis communications, forging relationships with diverse audiences, and possessing valuable political, campaign, and legislative experience.In her newly created role as the chief communications officer of the MLBPA, Ms. Korin will take charge of the association's comprehensive communications strategy. This includes overseeing internal communications, facilitating player engagement, managing media relations, and spearheading content development. She will also play a pivotal role in enhancing the MLBPA's public presence and advancing its advocacy initiatives.

The Major League Baseball Players Association

The Major League Baseball Players Association serves as the union representing players on the 40-man rosters of the 30 Major League baseball teams. It also oversees MLB Players Inc., which exclusively manages the group's commercial and licensing activities involving active players.In 2022, the MLBPA utilized Prodigy Search to recruit Carlos Barron as the director of security. In this capacity, Mr. Barron is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating programs related to the protection, safeguarding, and security of company assets, employees, players, and invitees. He previously served as the director of security and transportation for the Houston Dynamo/Houston Dash/BBVA Stadium and is also the founder of Salus Security Services.

Prodigy Search's Expertise in Sports and Entertainment

Prodigy Search, which has been actively involved in the sports and entertainment business for years, stands as one of the leading boutiques in the sector. The firm has successfully placed hundreds of candidates in a wide variety of functions and roles. It represents all disciplines, including senior management, sales, marketing, operations, and administration.Prodigy's client roster is a veritable "Who's Who" of the sports world. It includes prominent names such as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers, TD Garden/Boston Bruins, AEG Worldwide, Liverpool Football Club, United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee, Oak View Group, Live Nation, PGA TOUR, Legends, the TGR (Tiger Woods) Foundation, and Endeavor.Aside from the traditional sports space, Prodigy Search has expanded its reach by bringing its expertise from the traditional sports business to the "non-traditional" sports space. The firm has worked across the ever-expanding esports industry, the sports technology industry, and the education and non-profit sectors. Today, the firm's senior partner involvement, high level of service, and transparency of process have opened up new opportunities for expansion beyond sports and entertainment.Scott Carmichael, an industry veteran with nearly 40 years' experience in a wide array of disciplines within the sports and entertainment business, founded Prodigy Search in 2007. Prior to founding the firm, he served as the head of the National Hockey League's club marketing department for nearly 10 years.