The Miami Marlins becomes first team to hire women in two senior roles; O’Connor and Ng

The Miami Marlins have become the first major U.S. sports franchise to have women as both their president and general manager.

On Monday, the team announced Caroline O’Connor as president of business operations, a move that comes two years after the Marlins made history when they named Kim Ng as Major League Baseball’s first female general manager.

Speaking of team owner Bruce Sherman, O’Connor said in a report that “we’re a really special organization. Sherman has put a lot of trust in us, and he really looked at merit and who can do the job.”

“I’m really excited about it. I think it makes our organization unique and stand out, and shows what women can do and the roles that they can hold.”

O’Connor’s new role includes overseeing sales, partnerships, marketing, human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion among other responsibilities.

Two women bosses, one goal

O’Connor is the second woman to serve as president of a Major League Baseball team, after last year’s hiring of Catie Griggs by the Seattle Mariners.

“We are fortunate to have someone with Caroline’s business acumen and vision leading our day-to-day business operations,” Sherman said in a statement. “Her passion and drive for success is unmatched in our game and the South Florida market.

“Her leadership will continue to guide the Marlins organization toward our goal of sustained success while strategizing additional new ventures to grow our business and enhance our brand recognition.”