Brenna Peterson '06 Dedicates her career to helping manage the activities of the Red Sox organization

Though she’ll tell you it was never on her radar to work for the Boston Red Sox, it’s really the only career Brenna Peterson '06 has ever known.

Peterson arrived at Western New England in 2002, “in awe of the beautiful campus and facilities,” she explained. But even before then, she found a way to get her foot in the door with a baseball organization, then struggling with an 80 year old curse. “While in high school, I chose to apply for a concessions job at the Pawtucket Red Sox. I needed a summer job and my parents always enjoyed going to McCoy Stadium,” Peterson explained. She added that at the time she didn’t know anybody in the organization, but over time became friendly with Pawtucket’s front office staff. By 2005, she was an intern with the minor league affiliate, and the next summer she would return as an Office Assistant. But by this time of course, she was also a Golden Bear.

“I knew I would be overwhelmed by attending a larger university, so the size of Western New England, the sense of community and smaller class size was really appealing,” Peterson said, thinking back on her decision to attend the University.

The Sport Management student wasted no time getting involved, contributing to events with the Sport Management Association, and throwing herself into efforts as a Resident Advisor and member of the Residence Hall Association (RHA). “As a Resident Advisor, I could make new students feel welcome and be a small part of their college experience,” Brenna explained. Peterson added that she always enjoyed those opportunities when RHA had the opportunity to travel to other campuses for a chance to see how Western New England could enhance their residence halls.

In 2006, Peterson graduated with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, and returned to Pawtucket as an Office Assistant. But soon, she would get a chance at moving onto “the show.” “My mentor at the PawSox then told me his colleagues at Fenway are seeking an intern in the Media Relations department. I applied for that position and started working at Fenway Park,” Peterson recalled.

Peterson was busy for the next year or so, working long and hard hours in the department, sending out daily news clips, engaging with the Boston media, distributing press credentials and attending press conferences. And, on top of that, she was enjoying the sweet success of Boston’s second World Series Championship, just three years after breaking that 86 year old curse.

Beginning in November 2007, Peterson joined the Red Sox Front Office as Receptionist, a role she has enjoyed (along with a couple of more World Series titles) for the last decade. “Working for the Red Sox was never on my radar. I didn’t even know it could be a possibility in my life, but now that I’m here I can say it has been an incredible experience,” Peterson said.

Brenna is the first person in the office to interact with members of the organization as well as members of the fan base affectionately nicknamed “Red Sox Nation.” Taking calls from ticket holders, ordering stationery, and working on human resources-related projects, Peterson certainly stays busy in her Jersey Street office at Fenway – which she says is so well blended into the ballpark, the casual passerby will probably never notice them.

In her career dedicated to helping manage the activities of the Red Sox, Peterson has been able to celebrate championships in Denver and St. Louis, take rides through Boston on a Duck Boat, and yes, even party with David Ortiz at the office one holiday season. 

“Sometimes I don’t even believe that this is my reality,” Peterson said fondly.

The receptionist was sidelined due to a medical issue during the most recent World Series run for the Red Sox, but said she is thankful for the love and support of her colleagues who helped her make it through that period of time. “It was truly heartwarming during a difficult time in my life. It has been a privilege to work beside wonderful people at the Red Sox and PawSox,” Peterson added.

Today, working full time with two young boys, a husband, and a dog at home, Peterson is happy with where her career has taken her. In trying to balance it all, Peterson says she’s taking life “one step at a time,” and hopefully snagging another World Series ring along the way.