Gene Orza was the Associate General Counsel of the Association from 1984 until 2004 when he was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. He has played a major role in the 1985, 1990, 1994 and 2002 Basic Agreement negotiations, as well as in the handling of player grievances, salary arbitrations and agent relations. He also handles scheduling issues, and discussions about rule changes, umpires, and realignment.

He is the Association's representative on the Health Policy Advisory Council, which deals, on a confidential basis, with substance abuse matters and other medical issues concerning Players. Gene came to the Association from the NLRB, where he held a number of senior positions, including Chief Counsel to one of its five Board Members.

Born in New York City, Gene has degrees from Fordham (B.A.), St. John's (J.D.) and Georgetown (LL.M, Labor Law). He serves on the Board of a number of charitable foundations, including the Jackie Robinson Foundation.