Suns' Gehr is top Woman Executive of 2008

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Carol Gehr, Director of Business Operations for the Hagerstown Suns, has been named by Minor League Baseball as this year's recipient of the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award. Gehr, along with other major award winners, will be honored during the December 8-11 Baseball Winter Meetings™ to be held at the Las Vegas Hilton.

Gehr, born and raised in Hagerstown, Md., began working for the Suns on a part-time basis as a temporary game-day employee in 1985. After a few months, she was offered a full-time position. Five ownership changes, several general managers and 24 seasons later, Carol is seen by many as the face of the organization and the glue that holds it together.

"I am so proud and honored to be named Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year," remarked Gehr. "I know that there were many other deserving women working in baseball nominated for this honor. I have so many people and coworkers to thank for nominating me."

Gehr's official title is Director, Business Operations, but she does far more than handle the club's finances. This year's Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year is affectionately called "Momma" by players, coworkers, fans and business partners and for good reason.

Carol treats everyone as family and views her fellow Hagerstown staff members as her kids. She is the one to speak with whenever advice and guidance on anything involving the club's operations is needed. Gehr is described by colleagues and former coworkers as loyal, dedicated, invaluable, well-organized, inspirational and trustworthy.