Minor League Baseball Office Staff

Thornton leads human resources initiatives for the Minor League Baseball office by planning, designing, developing and evaluating human resources-related projects that support MiLB's organizational strategic goals. She works closely with MiLB department leaders to develop and maintain a culture that fosters employee engagement and is a partner to both management and staff in resolving day-to-day human resources issues.

Thornton joined Minor League Baseball in 2017 with more than 10 years of experience in the human resources management field. She serves on the MiLB Employee Volunteer Committee and is currently an adjunct faculty member at the University of Tampa where she teaches an undergraduate management course.

A native of Long Island, New York, Thornton earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of South Florida and a Master of Business Administration from Arizona State University. She then returned to USF and earned a second master's degree in management, focused on leading sustainable organizations. She currently resides in Valrico, Florida, with her husband, CD, their daughter, Emma, stepson, Connor, and their dog, Happy.

Montgomery serves as the main advocate and champion for Minor League Baseball's diversity initiative through education, programming and strategy implementation. She works closely with MiLB departments and supports member clubs in driving awareness and engagement to increase holistic league diversity by monitoring industry workforce, fan and partnership trends.

Montgomery began her career at Minor League Baseball in 2016 as a Marketing Research and Strategy resident and was hired full-time as an Analytics Specialist in 2017. She was promoted to Manager of Data and Business Processes in 2018 before transitioning into the diversity & inclusion department in 2019. Prior to joining MiLB, Montgomery held marketing roles at USF Athletics and H&R Block.

Montgomery received a Bachelor of Science in marketing with a minor in accounting from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) and obtained both her Master of Business Administration and Master of Sport and Entertainment Management from the University of South Florida. Montgomery is a native of Birmingham, Alabama, and currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Pendleton joined Minor League Baseball in 2019 and serves as the point of contact for office building, equipment, and basic technology maintenance and assists the baseball & business operations team with schedules and training material preparation, record retention and reporting. 

Pendleton grew up in Bowling Green, Kentucky. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Transylvania University and a Masters in Sports Administration from Eastern Kentucky University. She spent the next six years working in college athletics at Transylvania University as an athletic administrator and coach. Prior to joining Minor League Baseball, Pendleton served as a detective with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office and also started a local pet sitting business, Pendleton Pet Care. She has three dogs of her own, Cooper, Kona and Kai

Brunswick oversees all baseball-related aspects for Minor League Baseball, serving as the primary contact for Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) compliance, Player Development Contract (PDC) compliance and facility standards compliance. Brunswick oversees the Gulf Coast League, the Dominican Summer League and Minor League Baseball's Umpire Development program, as well as site selection for the annual Baseball Winter Meetings and building operations for the Minor League Baseball offices.

Brunswick joined Minor League Baseball in 1990 and was promoted to Coordinator of Facilities in 1991. He was named Assistant Director of Operations in 1996, Director of Operations in 1997 and Executive Director in 2008. He was named Vice President of Baseball and Business Operations in 2011.

Brunswick earned a degree in business and sports administration from Florida Southern College. He and his wife, Charlene, reside in Riverview, Florida.

Shultz manages a number of facets of baseball operations, including Professional Baseball Agreement (PBA) compliance, day-to-day operations of the Gulf Coast League, facility standards and the on-field uniform program. Shultz assists with the administration of the Dominican Summer League and serves as the administrator for the MiLB Umpire Training Academy. In addition, he manages the day-to-day building operations and facilities of the Minor League Baseball offices.

Shultz joined Minor League Baseball in 2007 as a Field Evaluator/Instructor with Minor League Baseball Umpire Development (previously Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation) before transitioning into the baseball operations department in 2010. He began his career in Minor League Baseball as an umpire from 1996-2003, working in the Gulf Coast, Midwest, Carolina, Eastern and International Leagues, along with offseason assignments in the Florida Instructional League, International Baseball League Australia, Dominican Winter League and Arizona Fall League.

Shultz is a native of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He currently resides in Clearwater, Florida, with his wife, Katie.

Davison is responsible for developing Minor League Baseball's digital strategy, establishing business goals and building the league's digital media platforms. This position oversees Minor League Baseball's digital company, Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO), and the league's interactive media partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM).

Davison joins Minor League Baseball from Learfield, where she oversaw digital product, operations and marketing as Vice President, Digital Media. She was instrumental in developing and growing all aspects of the company's digital practice. Davison joined Learfield in 2012 bringing brand and team experience from Madison Square Garden's sports, media and interactive divisions as well as rich experience within the technology space, serving at boutique digital firms in both New York and San Antonio, Texas.

Originally from Oregon, Davison graduated from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas. She currently lives with her husband John, and son, Peyton, in Dallas, and will be relocating to the Tampa Bay area.

Roberts is responsible for creating and distributing digital marketing support for Minor League Baseball's key digital platforms, including e-commerce, online ticket sales, digital advertising and partnerships, the streaming subscription platform and many others. Areas of support include marketing best practices, analytics and communicating new digital initiatives.

Roberts joined Minor League Baseball in February 2018 with over seven years of digital and media experience in sports with NCAA.com (Turner Broadcasting), the Houston Astros and Learfield.

A native of Waco, Texas, Roberts received her Bachelor of Arts from Texas A&M University with a degree in communications and a minor in journalism. She resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Albano joined Minor League Baseball in May 2019 and collaborates with the digital and business development & media teams to achieve revenue goals and long-term value creation for both current and future Minor League Baseball partners.

Albano grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida. She graduated from University of Central Florida in May 2009 with a bachelor's degree in hospitality management. She previously worked for Time Inc. in New York City doing both print and digital work. Prior to joining Minor League Baseball, Albano worked for Hearst Digital in Orlando, Florida, helping to create impactful digital strategies across all verticals.

Kristi and her husband recently welcomed a son, Hudson, in December 2018.

In addition to overseeing the communications department, Lantz oversees Minor League Baseball's external communications efforts, coordinating the distribution of Minor League Baseball press releases and newsletters, and produces the annual Minor League Baseball Information Guide. He assists league presidents, general managers and media relations personnel on various projects, conducts club surveys and oversees the Minor League Baseball Player of the Month Award selection process. He also oversees Minor League Baseball's archives and historical information.

Prior to joining Minor League Baseball in 2014, Lantz spent seven years as the Manager of Media Relations for the Baltimore Orioles. He began his career working in professional baseball in 1997, spending 11 years with the Iowa Cubs, with the last eight of those years spent in public relations.

The Iowa City, Iowa native has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications with an emphasis in public relations from Iowa State University. Jeff, and his wife, Jessica, reside in Safety Harbor, Florida.

Dispanet oversees the day-to-day accounting functions for Minor League Baseball. He also serves as the point of contact for Minor League Baseball leagues and member clubs for financial reporting. His duties include monitoring and analyzing the general ledger, financial reporting, budgeting and treasury functions.

Prior to joining the staff in 2008, Dispanet was an accountant for 11 years in Virginia.

Born in Harrisonburg, Virginia, Dispanet grew up in Lost City, West Virginia. He is a graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance and business law with a minor in economics.

Heystek is responsible for the maintenance of the accounting records for Minor League Baseball.

Prior to joining Minor League Baseball, Heystek worked as a bookkeeper for 15 years. She also served in the military as a Navy reservist, Petty Officer.

The Kalamazoo, Michigan native has a Bachelor of Science in business from the University of South Florida.

Colamarino is responsible for the application of available and emerging technologies with the strategic goals and direction of senior management. Colamarino serves as the point of contact for all outside information technology vendors including phone systems, copier equipment, building security and fire monitoring services and provides technical helpdesk support to all staff members.

Prior to joining Minor League Baseball in 2002, Colamarino spent four years as Manager of Information Systems for NuMed Home Health Care, Inc. of Tampa.

Colamarino has a bachelor's degree in information systems management from the University of South Florida. He is a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but grew up in the Tampa Bay area.

Poley is the Senior Vice President of Legal Affairs & General Counsel for the entities that comprise Minor League Baseball. Poley's responsibilities include reviewing and advising leagues and clubs on ownership transactions, club relocations, trademark, licensing, digital and social media and other intellectual property matters, while providing counsel to the President of Minor League Baseball and its Board of Trustees.

Poley has a background in labor and employment law and has participated in the negotiation of the initial and successor contracts between Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation and the Association of Minor League Umpires. He also works with leagues and clubs on a wide variety of baseball industry matters. In addition, Poley works with representatives of Major League Baseball and the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball on matters of common concern.

Originally from Tecumseh, Michigan, Poley has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Michigan, where he graduated with honors, and a Juris Doctor Order of the Coif from the University of Cincinnati College of Law.

Finucane provides legal services and advice to The National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues, Inc., its subsidiaries, and internal MiLB departments. She works closely with league offices and individual club staff and counsel on a range of matters relating to baseball governing documents. This includes processing club transactions, trademark and other intellectual property matters, general corporate matters, contract drafting and general rules compliance issues.

Finucane joined Minor League Baseball as a legal intern in spring 2017 while completing her last semester of law school. She was hired as Associate Counsel in 2017 following graduation and completion of the Florida Bar.

A native of Cortland, New York, Finucane has a Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Amherst College, where she graduated cum laude, and holds a Juris Doctor from Stetson University College of Law. Finucane was a four-year starter for the Amherst women's basketball teams that won the 2011 National Championship and made the Final Four in 2009, 2010 and 2012. Finucane holds the NCAA Division III games played record for a women's DIII basketball player.

Earle oversees the day-to-day business operations and strategic planning for Minor League Baseball, where he works closely with senior management to create operational strategies and policies, fostering employee alignment with corporate goals.

Earle joined Minor League Baseball in 1995 and served as the Licensing Director from 1998-2007. He then took the position of Executive Director, Branded Properties, from 2008-10. He most recently served as Vice President, Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO) and Business Services. In his previous role, Earle lead the successful 2008 launch of its BIRCO digital initiative in partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM), and supervised the communications, information technology and licensing departments.

Earle is a native of St. Petersburg, Florida, and has a Bachelor of Arts in criminology from the University of South Florida.

Adams provides day-to-day operational support to various Licensing Department programs. She coordinates quality control for licensed products, administers the annual club name and logo change process and manages the mascot and historic team logo trademark style guides.

Prior to joining Minor League Baseball in 2008, Adams spent nine years as a Merchandise and Special Events Coordinator for the Philadelphia Phillies Florida Operations and the Clearwater Threshers.

Raised in Clearwater, Florida, Adams graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in recreation and leisure services administration.

Kent is responsible for managing and executing strategic programs for Minor League Baseball's national partners. He is focused on driving commercial value by leveraging property-specific assets and national ownership platforms, while collaborating with member clubs to ensure success.

Prior to joining the MiLB team in April 2017, Kent worked with Ticketmaster, Wasserman and others in a marketing capacity.

Kent received his Bachelor of Arts in marketing from Texas State University in 2010, and his Master of Business Administration and Master of Sport Business Management from the University of Central Florida's DeVos Sport Business Management Program in 2014. A native of San Antonio, Texas, Kent currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Machitar joined Minor League Baseball in 2019 and is responsible for creating and managing new business leads for Minor League Baseball. She supports the strategic outreach efforts to elevate MiLB's commercial profile and success in the marketplace. She was previously a partnerships manager for Women's Tennis Association and prior to that worked for the Gwinnett Stripers as a partnership services coordinator.

Machitar completed her undergraduate degree in sport management from the University of Georgia. She is a native of the suburbs of Atlanta, Georgia, and currently resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Madson is responsible for managing and executing strategic Minor League Baseball partnership programs. Ester focuses on driving commercial value for each MiLB partner by leveraging property specific assets and ownership platforms, collaborating with membership clubs to ensure success of the national programs.

Madson joined Minor League Baseball in May 2016. She has previous account representative experience with the Aberdeen IronBirds and has held positions with the Hudson Valley Renegades and the Princeton Rays.

Madson holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trine University and resides in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Mauro joined Minor League Baseball in 2019 and provides administrative support and assists commercial business units in strategic partner management, business development prospecting and national marketing platform development.

Mauro grew up in Tampa, Florida. She graduated from Florida State University in April 2016 with a bachelor's degree in sport and entertainment management and earned a Master of Business Administration and a Master of Science in sports and entertainment management from the University of South Florida in 2019.

Mauro previously worked for Tampa Bay Sports and Entertainment, the National Hockey League, the Tampa Bay Lightning and USA Baseball.

Dellinger guides a staff of nine umpire field evaluators and a medical coordinator while ensuring qualified Minor League umpires are in place for all 16 domestic leagues. He works closely with Major League Baseball's Umpiring Department on a variety of issues including mechanics, rule interpretations, Arizona Fall League assignments and new hires. Dellinger is responsible for all personnel moves including hiring, leave of absences and releases for all Minor League Baseball umpires. He coordinates all operational umpire meetings and deals directly with the Association of Minor League Umpires (AMLU) on articles and policies contained within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Dellinger joined Minor League Baseball Umpire Development in 2008 as a Field Evaluator/Instructor, and was named Director of Umpire Development in 2014. After graduating from umpire school, Dellinger spent 11 seasons as an umpire in the International, Southern, Carolina, South Atlantic and New York-Penn Leagues. During his five years at the Triple-A level, he was awarded two Arizona Fall League invites, and worked part time at the Major League level. Dellinger spent two offseasons umpiring in the Puerto Rico Winter League, and he was selected to umpire the Inaugural World Baseball Classic.

Dellinger is a native of Charlotte, North Carolina, and currently resides in China Grove, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in business management from Catawba College.

Schneider coordinates administrative functions for Minor League Baseball Umpire Development, including all immigration compliance requirements, benefits enrollment and questions, manages all insurance billing, maintains employee database and files, and coordinates Minor League Baseball Extended Spring Training and Instructional League.

Schneider joined Minor League Baseball in 2014 as the Trademarks and Intellectual Properties Coordinator where she worked closely with clubs, leagues and Minor League Baseball staff on the clearance, filing, registration and renewal of club names, logos and other intellectual property with the United States Patent and Trademark Office. Jess worked for the Toronto Blue Jays as a player development intern before joining Minor League Baseball.

The Miami native resides in Clearwater, Florida, with her husband, John, and son, Gunner. She has a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Science in Sports Administration from St. Thomas University.

Honec manages instruction and evaluation technologies in support of umpire evaluators and assists in the development of umpire video and technology resources. He serves to progress Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system.

Prior to joining the Umpire Development staff in 2017, Honec umpired in the International, Eastern, California, Midwest, Appalachian, and Gulf Coast Leagues. He also worked in the Dominican Winter League, Hawaii Winter Baseball and also earned an invitation to Major League Baseball's Arizona Fall League. 

Honec has worked as an Information Technology consultant and in Managed Network Operations for over sixteen years including time at Harris Corporation and Rosetta Stone. Honec received his bachelor's degree in integrated science and technology and his master's in business administration from James Madison University. Tom resides in Sterling, Virginia, with his wife and two children.

Stubblefield coordinates the preventive care and injury treatment of umpires throughout the Minor League Baseball system. This role works under the supervision of the Medical Consultant for Umpire Development to properly utilize current technologies, best practices and proactive approaches to increase safety awareness, reducing missed time and benefit premium costs.

Stubblefield joined Minor League Baseball in 2011 after a 10-year career as a certified athletic trainer with both the Cincinnati Reds and Kansas City Royals.

Stubblefield received a bachelor's degree in athletic training from Indiana State University and a master's degree from California University of Pennsylvania. The Kansas City, Missouri native is a member of the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers Society (PBATS) and the National Athletic Trainers Association (NATA).

Felt develops Minor League Baseball umpires by observing, instructing and evaluating in accordance with the established Umpire Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). This position serves to progress the Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system. Felt serves as a senior team member, providing guidance to other staff members while coordinating umpire assignments for Minor League Baseball Spring Training, Extended Spring Training and Instructional League.

Felt spent nine seasons as an umpire in the American Association, Eastern, Midwest and Gulf Coast Leagues. Since 1988, he has traveled around the country observing, instructing and evaluating Minor League Baseball umpires.

Felt currently resides in North Port, Florida.

Bauza develops Minor League Baseball umpires by observing, instructing and evaluating in accordance with the established Umpire Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Bauza serves to progress the Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system.

Bauza joined Minor League Baseball Umpire Development in 2002.

After attending the Brinkman Baseball School, Bauza spent nine seasons as an umpire in the International, Eastern, Florida State, South Atlantic and Gulf Coast Leagues. He also umpired in Puerto Rico and in the Caribbean World Series. Bauza is native of Puerto Rico.

Spagnardi develops Minor League Baseball umpires by observing, instructing and evaluating in accordance with the established Umpire Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Spagnardi serves to progress the Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system.

Spagnardi joined Minor League Baseball Umpire Development on a part-time basis in 2010 and was hired full time later that year. Prior to joining Umpire Development, Spagnardi umpired in the Gulf Coast, New York-Penn, South Atlantic, Carolina, Southern and International Leagues from 1996 to 2004. He also umpired part time in the Major Leagues during his four years at the Triple-A level, and worked in the Arizona Fall League and the Venezuelan Winter League.

Spagnardi is a native of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and currently resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. In addition to his professional experience, Spagnardi also currently umpires on the staff of several NCAA conferences.

Funneman develops Minor League Baseball umpires by observing, instructing and evaluating in accordance with the established Umpire Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). He serves to progress the Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system.

Funneman joined Minor League Baseball Umpire Development on a part-time basis in 2012 and was hired full time later that year. Prior to joining Umpire Development, Funneman umpired in the New York-Penn, Midwest, Florida State, Texas, Pacific Coast and Venezuela Winter Leagues. He made his Major League debut in 2011 at Dodger Stadium. He also earned invitations from Major League Baseball to work in the Arizona Fall League and Major League Baseball Spring Training.

Funneman currently resides in Grayslake, Illinois.

Sinclair develops Minor League Baseball umpires by observing, instructing and evaluating in accordance with the established Umpire Manuals and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Sinclair serves to progress the Minor League Baseball umpires by refining their technical skill sets by continuously providing feedback so they may serve our member clubs well while assisting in the potential advancement into the Major League Baseball umpire system.

Sinclair joined Minor League Baseball Umpire Development on a part-time basis in 2013 and was hired full time in 2014. Prior to joining Umpire Development, Sinclair umpired in the Pacific Coast, Texas, Florida State, South Atlantic, Northwest and Arizona Leagues. He also worked in the Venezuelan Winter League, Arizona and Florida Instructional Leagues and also earned an invitation to Major League Baseball Spring Training.

The Lakewood, Colorado native attended the University of Wyoming, where he studied communication. He currently resides in San Antonio, Texas.

Jay joined MiLB Umpire Development in 2014 to observe, instruct and evaluate Minor League Baseball umpires. Prior to joining MiLB Umpire Development as a Field Evaluator/Instructor, Jay umpired the Gulf Coast, Appalachian, South Atlantic, Carolina, Eastern, and Southern Leagues. Jay has served as a professional umpire school instructor as well as instructing at various umpire camps and clinics throughout the country.

Jay attended Young Harris College where he studied history and recreation. He currently resides in Monroe, Georgia, with his wife, Lindsey.