The Penn Stater Magazine

Christine Godleski Joins WNBA Front Office

January 25, 2010 at 6:40 pm Lori Shontz 1 comment

Add another Penn State alum to the growing number of women who are making their way into the management of professional sports. The WNBA announced today that Christine Godleski ’86 will become its chief operating officer.

The league hasn’t had a COO since 2005, according to this article in the Sports Business Journal (which you can read if you have a subscription or want a free trial), but is expanding its local sponsorship and ticket sales programs. It’s likely that Godleski, who majored in accounting, will be involved with that, and she’ll be in charge of day-to-day business operations for the entire 12-team league.

Godleski previously worked at the Walt Disney Company and ESPN, most recently as vice president/general manager of ESPN Outdoors. She’s been working as a consultant since 2006.

And while her resume doesn’t include any on-court basketball time, she’s got an array of fascinating accomplishments, including volunteering as a teacher in Tanzania and reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Lori Shontz, senior editor

Entry filed under: Penn State alumni. Tags: Christine Godleski, ESPN, Mt. Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, WNBA.