Laurie Schlender is the new Assistant General Manager of Business Operations for the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League). She becomes the highest-ranking female employee in the 43-year history of the organization dating back to 1969.
“Laurie has been an integral part of nearly all major decisions involving the franchise since I became GM,” said Martie Cordaro, currently the club’s President and General Manager. “It’s always great to recognize performance, loyalty and dedication, and this is a well-deserved opportunity to credit Laurie for her commitment to the organization over the past dozen years.”
Schlender, a native of Quimby, Iowa, has lived in Omaha for more than 25 years. She began her career as a CPA for Arthur Andersen, before starting a consulting practice with non-profit clients in the Omaha area. She worked on a part-time basis for six-and-a-half years with Completely Kids (formerly Camp Fire USA-Midlands), while also providing part-time accounting assistance for the then-Omaha Royals in the team’s business office.
In March 2008, the newly minted GM Cordaro offered Schlender an opportunity to move into a full-time role with the baseball franchise, and she quickly became a central figure in the team’s office management, information technology, risk management and community relations efforts. During the move to Werner Park at the tail end of 2010, Schlender spearheaded the implementation of an updated IT solution, put together security procedures for the new facility and was involved in every capital expenditure.
“Fans of the Storm Chasers may not know this, but Laurie’s input led to the creation of each of the amenities they see throughout Werner Park,” Cordaro said.
In the community, the Midland Lutheran College graduate has been actively involved with St. Andrew’s Church since it began more than 15 years ago. Schlender has also volunteered extensively in the Millard Public Schools system and is currently involved with the Millard North Band Boosters and Millard North Show Choirs. She resides in Omaha with her husband, Greg, and their three children.
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