Rich Levine, who has spent the past two years as Executive Vice President of Marketing and Operations of the Women's Pro Softball League, has been named President and CEO of the WPSL, it was announced Monday by Jay Cowles, Chairman of the WPSL. Levine replaces CEO and Commissioner John Carroll, who sited health problems as the primary reason for stepping down.
"The WPSL has benefited enormously from John Carroll's leadership over the past four years, particularly in the areas of strategic relationships and staff development," Cowles said. "As the WPSL prepares to conclude a restructuring in the next 60-90 days, which will lay the groundwork for a league relaunch in 2003, John and the Cowles family concluded that this was the right time to make a transition in leadership." "Leading the WPSL for the past four years has been one of the greatest highlights of my professional career of 32 years," Carroll said. "I am grateful to the Cowles family for the opportunity, and continue to be enthusiastic about the future for the game of women’s fastpitch softball. I have been seeking time to focus on my serious health problems and other personal interests. This is the perfect time for me to make a transition. I am delighted that Rich Levine has agreed to take the reins." "Under John Carroll's leadership, the WPSL has undertaken a new strategic direction which will propel us forward as a truly national league in eight markets in 2003," said Levine. "The WPSL has great prospects for giving fastpitch athletes, coaches and fans the chance to enjoy the highest quality play, year-in and year-out. I'm proud to be a part of that." "Rich Levine has demonstrated during his past two years of executive leadership at WPSL that he has all the ingredients to be a great leader as we relaunch the league," said Cowles. "He has had responsibility in virtually all areas of our operations, and has done a tremendous job bringing together a new group of team operators and investors in the league." The WPSL canceled league play for 2002, but plans to relaunch the league with teams in eight markets in 2003. The individual owner/operator franchises are expected to be announced in early 2002.
