MLS
Jennifer Carroll
Senior Vice President, Talent and Culture, Major League Soccer
Born: Suffern, N.Y.
Education: University of Delaware, B.A., psychology
A self-described “people person,” Jennifer Carroll is one of the chief figures responsible for stewarding MLS return-to-play efforts amid the coronavirus pandemic, namely determining how the league and its 26 clubs would regularly test players, staffers and essential personnel.
“That’s kind of consumed my life,” said Carroll, who is the league’s senior vice president of talent and culture.
Before Carroll joined MLS in May 2013, she spent 12-plus years at educational company Kaplan, moving from an initial recruiting role to being more of a generalist in human resources. Over time, she became particularly interested in career and talent development of employees, fostering culture and finding solutions in the workplace.
Carroll said she didn’t want to be pigeonholed into education and naturally thought about what was next. The sports and entertainment world was particularly intriguing, especially MLS.
“It was a young, growing organization,” said Carroll, a soccer enthusiast. “It seemed like it had tons of potential.”
In recent months, Carroll has spearheaded new companywide initiatives due to employee feedback, including the launch of MLS University earlier this summer, a platform designed to provide more online learning and career development training for staff.
An emphasis on talent development, enhanced career leadership workshops and developing a more diverse pipeline of candidates have all been key areas of focus, too. — Mark J. Burns
More about Jennifer
Biggest work/life adjustment in quarantine: Working remotely, getting used to Zooms … and then trying to balance home schooling with the kids.
Guilty pleasures: Pizza, wine and marathons of any Bravo show.
Advice to my younger self: Be more confident and manage work/life better.
Attributes I look for when hiring: Someone who is hardworking and has integrity.
Proudest professional achievement in current post: Creating talent development function at MLS with a focus on leadership development and spearheading the COVID-19 testing program for the MLS is Back Tournament — a critical component needed to ensure the health and safety of everyone involved.
Woman in sports business I’d most like to meet: Serena Williams continues to amaze me. She has dominated her profession for the past two decades. She's a great female role model and best in the field.
