After 12 Years at the Helm, College World Series of Omaha, Inc. Executive Director Set to Retire in September
Kathryn Morrissey, the first-ever executive director of College World Series of Omaha, Inc. (CWS Inc.), the local organizing committee for the NCAA Men’s College World Series (MCWS), has announced today her plans to retire in September.
Having begun her work with the Men’s College World Series in 1988, Morrissey has spent 34 years shaping the event. In that time, total attendance per year has nearly tripled, the venue moved from Rosenblatt to Charles Schwab Field and the COVID-19 pandemic caused the first-ever canceled MCWS.
In 2008, the NCAA and CWS Inc. signed an agreement to keep the MCWS in Omaha through 2036. With this long-term commitment, the CWS Inc. board of directors decided it was time to hire a full-time staff. Morrissey became the first executive director in 2010.
“The Men’s College World Series is a nationally recognized, bucket-list event for student-athletes and fans alike, and that is a direct result of the passion and commitment that Kathryn has brought as executive director,” said Jack Diesing, Jr., chairman of the CWS Inc. board of directors. “We are grateful for Kathryn’s leadership and the impact she has made on this event and in our community.”
With the impending retirement of Morrissey, CWS Inc. has named Amy Hornocker to be the next executive director. Hornocker has been serving as marketing and community programs manager at CWS Inc. since 2017. Before joining CWS Inc., Hornocker served as events director for the Omaha Sports Commission for 10 years, managing more than 30 sporting events, including three U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials, USA Volleyball and USA Baseball events, as well as the 2010 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships.
“Amy has been an invaluable member of the team for the past five years and we are confident that she will continue to build on Kathryn’s successes as executive director and help lead us into the future,” said Diesing.