WNBA hires former ESPN exec Christine Godleski to fill COO role

The WNBA announced Monday the hiring of Christine Godleski as Chief Operating Officer. Godleski will manage the day-to-day operations of the league, overseeing the execution of league events and strategic planning initiatives. She will also support league and team revenue-generating opportunities.

From the league’s press release:

Godleski joins the WNBA after spending 12 years with ESPN and The Walt Disney Company, where she worked in various roles for ESPN Outdoors, ESPN The Magazine and Disney Consumer Products. Most recently Godleski served as VP/General Manager of ESPN Outdoors, leading a team of 150 staffers to develop and operate all aspects of the division.

"We are very pleased to add Christine to our WNBA executive leadership team," said WNBA President Donna Orender. "Her experience in finance and strategic planning will help us capitalize on opportunities while continuing to improve the efficiency of our business operations."

Godleski boasts nearly 25 years of experience in finance, budgeting, and operations. Her professional career spans a wide array of corporate assignments, including CG Consulting, Viacom, and Deloitte and Touche. A graduate of Penn State University, Godleski has volunteered time teaching elementary school students in Tanzania, in addition to fundraising for World Team Sports, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Godleski has also served as Chairperson for the International Council of Orphans International and summitted Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.