JoAnn Neale has been with MLS since 1998, when she joined the league as general counsel. While she has a wide range of actions and involvements to her credit, it’s her efforts in diversity and with MLS W.O.R.K.S., the league’s social responsibility platform she created in 2007, that make her most proud. “Of all our policies, I believe our diversity programs have had the most impact,” Neale said. “We are committed to diversity on and off the field. Our programs address an important issue in this country.”
Neale leads the league’s administration department and manages the strategic and legal oversight of MLS’s human resources staff. As for MLS W.O.R.K.S. — which focuses on charitable giving, health and wellness, education, and environmental issues — Neale has developed the program into one of sports’ most effective community outreach initiatives.
The combined efforts have enabled Neale to have an effect both inside and outside the league office.
“JoAnn is smart, talented and possesses a strategic mindset that influences many key issues within our organization,” said MLS Commissioner Don Garber. “I deeply value her counsel and appreciate her passion and dedication to our company.”
— Christopher Botta
