U.S. SOCCER CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER AND CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER PINKY RAINA NAMED TO SPORTS BUSINESS JOURNAL’S “GAME CHANGERS: WOMEN IN SPORTS BUSINESS” CLASS OF 2022
12th Annual Class of SBJ Game Changers Recognizes Women in Sports Who Are Leaders and Mentors in Their Industry; Raina Has Been a Catalyst in Finance, Human Resources, and IT Functions at U.S. Soccer Since Joining in 2019
CHICAGO (Aug. 8, 2022) – U.S. Soccer Federation Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer Pinky Raina has been named one of Sports Business Journal’s 2022 Game Changers. The Game Changers program highlights women in executive roles who have brought new approaches and ideas to sports business, have been leaders on significant projects and programs, and who are leaders and mentors to other women in sports business.
The “Game Changers: Women in Sports Business” conference will take place on October 26 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Since its inception in 2013, the conference has provided inspiration, motivation, and education to anyone passionate about elevating women in sports. The day also includes ample opportunities for networking and a high-energy ceremony recognizing the Game Changers honorees.
"I’m so proud and happy to congratulate Pinky on this well-deserved honor,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Pinky is such a bright star. She has not only been invaluable as a CFO and leader at U.S. Soccer, but she has also stepped in to fill various roles and succeeded every time. She is creative, strategic, and puts people first. She excels at change management, even up against unprecedented circumstances. We welcome this Game Changers recognition for a leader who has had an immeasurable impact on U.S. Soccer, and brings integrity, authenticity, and good humor to work every day.”
As one of the highest-ranking leaders at U.S. Soccer, Raina’s impact on the Federation has been multifaceted and transformational since joining in January 2019. She has built the Federation’s capabilities in Finance, Operations, IT, HR, and more. She effectively navigated the Federation through the COVID-19 global pandemic by strategically and systematically approaching complex financial and operational challenges the Federation faced. She drives a culture of accountability and has repeatedly demonstrated an uncanny ability to drive change quickly and decisively. In 2021, she was both a “Chicago CFO of the Year” and “Chicago CIO of the Year” finalist.
Raina is an outspoken champion of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) internally and externally. Internally, she is known for her high energy and people-first approach as she mentors and empowers staff in every conversation. She sponsored U.S. Soccer’s rollout of “Principles & Values”, “Day of Service” and “Mentorship” program. Externally, Raina has been an unparalleled leader in U.S. Soccer’s efforts to champion DEIB. She engaged with University of Illinois Chicago and Break Through Tech to hire female students from UIC for tech internships at U.S. Soccer. The goal of the internship is to provide opportunities to women in technology. She also assisted in the creation of Game Changers United (GCU), an external advisory board of the Federation. The mission of GCU is to create a place where every individual is welcomed, respected, and valued
