SEATTLE — Mariners president of business operations Catie Griggs, who became the first woman in franchise history to hold that title, resigned from her position Friday, the club announced. She will take a new position to be closer to her family on the East Coast.
Griggs will continue in his current role in Seattle through the end of the month, and following his departure, Mariners president and general partner John Stanton will take over his responsibilities on an interim basis until a new president of business operations is named.
“I truly felt a mix of emotions as I made the incredibly difficult decision to step down as president of business operations,” Griggs said in a statement. “After careful consideration, I have decided to prioritize our family and return to the East Coast to be closer to both of us.” [my husband] Justin and my aging parents.
“My time in Seattle, where I got to experience this community and work with so many talented people at T-Mobile Park and beyond, will always be incredibly special to me. I can’t wait to see what incredible things lie ahead for the Mariners.”
Stanton added in a statement: “I know this was a difficult decision for Catie, and I appreciate her professionalism in working with me throughout this process.”
Griggs’ new position was not immediately disclosed.
A North Carolina native, Griggs was hired in July 2021 to replace team president and general manager Kevin Mather, who resigned in February of that year. During that transition, the Mariners also restructured their leadership, creating a balanced split between business operations and baseball operations, with the latter overseen by Jerry Dipoto.
Her hiring came after a lengthy process involving a 12-person committee, and after four successful years as president of business operations for Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United. But her career journey began long before that, when she enrolled in college at just 14 and went on to graduate from Dartmouth College.
In Seattle, Griggs was instrumental in hosting the 2023 All-Star Game and the 2023 NHL Winter Game at T-Mobile Park, among many other accomplishments driven by his passion for the fan experience.
“I want to thank Catie for all of her hard work and leadership over the past three years,” Stanton’s statement read. “The Mariners have grown as an organization and accomplished great things. … In speaking with her as she struggled with this decision to return to the East Coast, it was clear how much she valued the people who make our organization and team special. But finding an opportunity for Catie and her husband, Justin, to be closer to their extended family was too important to pass up.”
Upon her hiring, Griggs became the only active female president of an MLB front office, a distinction the Marlins’ Caroline O’Connor also shared after she was promoted to Miami in 2022. Griggs’ departure from the Mariners leaves O’Connor as the only female president in MLB.
