MLB PR - Major League Baseball today announced the promotions of three individuals who will oversee the important areas of diversity, inclusion and social responsibility.
Billy Bean has been promoted to Vice President and Special Assistant to the Commissioner. In this newly created position, Bean will be a senior advisor to Commissioner Robert D. Manfred, Jr. on human rights issues, with a particular focus on LGBT and anti-bullying efforts. He will continue to communicate important values to all players, coaches, managers, umpires, employees and stakeholders throughout the game to ensure an equitable, inclusive and supportive workplace. Since Bean joined MLB in 2014 as its first Ambassador for Inclusion, he has made more than 100 appearances across the 30 Clubs and addressed players and stakeholders at Baseball's Winter Meetings, the joint Rookie Career Development Program and other League-supported events. Bean, a six-year Major League outfielder from 1987-1989 and 1993-1995, has also led efforts for Baseball's support of Spirit Day, a worldwide effort to take a stand against bullying, in partnership with Twitter and GLAAD. Bean will report to Patrick Courtney, MLB's Chief Communications Officer.
Renée Tirado, who had served as Senior Director of Recruitment since January 2016, has been promoted to Vice President of Talent Acquisition and Diversity & Inclusion. Tirado will continue to direct the implementation of recruitment plans and procedures to support MLB's staffing objectives. She will oversee the Diversity Pipeline Program, which was established last January, and will be responsible for the development, communication and coordination of MLB's overall diversity and inclusion strategy, which includes managing internal Business Resource Groups and diverse business practices. Tirado will advise senior MLB leadership and brief the Ownership Diversity Committee on all matters related to talent acquisition, diversity and inclusion initiatives, as well as oversee MLB staff handling these areas. Tirado will report to Dan Halem, MLB's Chief Legal Officer.
Melanie LeGrande, who has served as MLB's Director of Community Affairs since 2015, has been promoted to Vice President of Social Responsibility. In an expanded role, she will develop and enhance the initiatives that support MLB's position in the community as well as collaborate with internal departments and key external stakeholders to integrate social and environmental considerations in all core decision-making and planning. LeGrande will also provide oversight for MLB's community investments, nonprofit/non-governmental organization partnerships, large-scale disaster relief efforts and employee volunteer engagement. She also will report directly to Courtney.
Commissioner Manfred said: "As the sport of Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente, we have a responsibility to uphold and honor their legacies, especially in ensuring that our sport and business practices are as inclusive, diverse and socially-conscious as possible. The promotions of Billy, Renée and Melanie reflect our commitment to have strong, innovative leadership in place that aligns our industry objectives with a desire to be effective corporate citizens."
