Q & A with Marci Doyle Baker

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October 22nd, 2014

Meet Marci Doyle Baker, the Chief Operating Officer for The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard at Bay Hill in Orlando and the newest TPGF Advisor.

Marci is a Florida Gator who is on a fantastic career path with work in the sports/event marketing /media industry including stops at DWA,  Wunderman, Golf Channel and currently The Arnold Palmer Invitational Presented by MasterCard.

She lives with her husband in Orlando and recently spent some time with us talking about her work, her family and her belief in ‘Pay it Forward’

Question:  What a great career you have had so far – Including having an office next door to Arnold Palmer ! You are a Florida Gator but how did you get started in your sports career?

I started my career out of college interning with a fantastic sports marketing agency, DelWilber + Associates, who took a chance on me and hired me full time (thank you, Del!) to work on their 7 LPGA tournaments, as well as assist managing a number of sports sponsorships (NHL, PGA TOUR, college basketball, etc)

Question: You grew up in a Major League Baseball family (Dad Denny Doyle (full disclosure Denny was my roommate for 3 seasons in the Minor Leagues and my best baseball friend, Uncles Brian Doyle and Blake Doyle) – what was that like? 

My Dad was outnumbered from the beginning with 3 daughters (he claims he has all the boys he ever needs via his Baseball School now)!  Growing up, we were at the stadium every chance we got, and it was a true blessing, not to mention the life lessons learned – like how to sit still for 9 innings as a child, to be careful what you say about the other team, as you never know who’s family is sitting around you, etc.

My Mom is one of the strongest women I know, balancing and juggling the baseball life (living all over the country, never knowing where you’d be sent next, etc), along with her own teaching career and 3 girls!  Dad was such a great example of strong work ethic as well – his philosophy was he may not be the most talented on the field, but he was the first one to arrive and last one to leave at the stadium every game – no one was going to out-work him!  Not to mention what a strong Christian example and mentor both my parents are for our family as well as for so many others – baseball was just a great platform for them to do so!

We still have a friendly family rivalry with my Dad having played for the Red Sox and Uncle Brian played for the Yankees.  But now we ALL cheer for the Colorado Rockies, as my Uncle Blake is currently their hitting coach and living out his dream job!

Question: You have worked on the sports marketing agency side, the media side (with Golf Channel) and currently on the PGA Tour Golf Tournament side – what lessons would you pass on to those who aspire to a career path like yours?

I highly recommend gaining experience in as many different sports areas as possible within the industry (team, league, venue, broadcast, agency, client/corporate).  Whether it be via internships, volunteering, part-time position, commission-only – whatever you’re able to give of your time, the exposure to different sides of the business helps you determine where you want to contribute long-term, while at the same time showing off your abilities and providing networking opportunities for your career path.

Question: Recently you were promoted to Chief Operating Officer at The Arnold Palmer Invitational sponsored by MasterCard –  what challenges come with these new responsibilities? 

I am honored to be representing and working with arguably one of the greatest brands in sports, Mr. Arnold Palmer, and I don’t take that lightly.  Our biggest challenge is to maintain and build upon the Arnold Palmer legacy and standards of his tournament, within the golf industry, as well as in the business and philanthropic communities – and I love the challenge!

Question: As a woman with a very important job in sports what advice might you pass on to other young women looking to make their way in the sports business?

My advice would be that you not make it a male/female thing – ask questions of others who are in a position you would like to be in, find opportunities to continue learning in the industry (training, shadowing, reading), and remember to always GIVE BACK/Pay It Forward  (your time, your knowledge, your gifts)

Question: How do you balance your work life and personal life? What advice would you pass along regarding this important issue?

I recommend that you find a significant other that is understanding and supportive of your career.  If they don’t understand your passion, your need to spend the extra hours, etc. in the beginning, it will not get easier.  I also recommend to find time for yourself to do something unrelated to your day-to-day career life (charity, exercise, etc) – easier said than done, but important no matter what industry you are in, especially in one as demanding as sports.

Question: We’ve been told that in addition to everything else you are a very accomplished singer – possibly even singing the National Anthem at sports events? Is that true ? Tell us about that ?

Ha! Ha!  You’re funny, Del! J

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