Charlotte Knights
324 South Mint Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Main: (704) 274-8300
Ticket Office: (704) 274-8282
Group Sales: (704) 274-8332
Season Memberships: (704) 274-1976
Team Store: (704) 274-8199
Email: [email protected]
Front Office
Dan Rajkowski, Chief Operating Officer
On November, 30, 2012, Dan Rajkowski was named as the Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, after spending seven years as the club's Vice President and General Manager. Under Rajkowski's guidance, over two million fans passed through the gates at Knights Stadium. His Knights played their final game at Knights Stadium on September 2, 2013.
Due to his tireless efforts, Rajkowski played an influential role in moving the Knights from Fort Mill, SC to Charlotte, NC. BB&T Ballpark opened to a capacity crowd on Friday. April 11, 2014. Rajkowski led the Knights to 687,715 fans in their first season -- tops in all of Minor League Baseball. For his efforts, he was named as the International League's Executive of the Year on September 23, 2014.
A 30+ year veteran of the baseball business, Rajkowski has operated clubs at all classifications of Minor League Baseball and has been honored with numerous awards over his career. He was named the Southern League Executive of the Year in 1997.
Dan has worked for owner Don Beaver for over 20 years, managing three of his teams. Besides the Charlotte Knights, he also ran teams in Knoxville, TN and New Orleans, LA. Rajkowski is an active member in numerous community organizations. He currently sits on the boards of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission and the Charlotte Regional Partnership. In addition, he is a member of the Charlotte Rotary and is active in the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance.
Did you know?
In 2000, he was the recipient of the highly coveted Larry McPhail Promotional Award for Minor League Baseball and was elected to the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. One year later, he received the Bobby Mattick Award for dedication and excellence in the field of player development while he was with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
Rob Egan, General Manager
Rob Egan joined the Knights on October 3, 2016, after guiding the Altoona Curve (Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) as their general manager for eight seasons. The 2022 season marks Rob's fifth as general manager of the Charlotte Knights.
A native of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Egan worked in the Altoona Curve front office for 14 seasons, including the last eight as the team's general manager (2009-2016). In 2014, he earned the Eastern League Executive of the Year Award.
Prior to taking over as general manager, Egan spent his first six seasons (1999-2004) as the first radio broadcaster in Curve franchise history. Prior to 1999, Egan worked for minor league teams in Charleston, S.C. (1997-98), Johnstown (1996), and Salinas, Calif. (1995). In addition to his broadcasting responsibilities, Egan was extensively involved in the marketing, promotions, and sponsorship sales of all the teams for which he previously worked.
Did you know?
Egan created and hosted the daily sports talk show, "Front & Center," on the ESPN Radio affiliates in Altoona and State College in 2006, hosting it for three years.
Julie Clark, Director of Special Projects
Julie Clark finished her 13th season with the Knights in 2019. During her time with the team, Julie has led several special projects in conjunction with the construction of BB&T Ballpark. Julie has a background in the hospitality industry having previously worked for Hyatt Hotels and as a National Sales Manager with the Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau.
As the Knights Director of Special Projects, Julie is in charge of several events including the annual Postseason Party. Clark also assists Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer Dan Rajkowski.
Did you know?
Julie graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in Hotel Management.
Finance
Sara Maple, Finance & Human Resources Manager
Sara is from Waxhaw and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of South Carolina, with a minor in Sports and Entertainment Management. During her time at the University of South Carolina, Sara interned with the Charlotte Knights in 2016 as a Game Day Associate. Three years later, Sara wound up joining the Charlotte Knights as the Finance and Human Resources Manager.
Sara is responsible for tracking and accounting for the day-to-day business operations, as well as the human resource responsibilities for all full-time and part-time employees for the Charlotte Knights.
Did you know?
Sara has a bucket list goal of visiting every arena/stadium for each baseball, hockey, and football team.
Corporate Partnerships
Marty Steele, Vice President of Partnership Sales
Marty has an extensive minor league baseball background. Marty has been a General Manager with the Greensboro Hornets [now Grasshoppers], Hickory Crawdads, and Charlotte Knights, receiving the South Atlantic League Executive of the Year award twice with the Hickory Crawdads. He also served in different capacities with the Columbus Mudcats, Knoxville Smokies, New Orleans Zephyrs, Winston-Salem Warthogs, and Richmond Flying Squirrels. Marty graduated from the University of Illinois and the University of San Diego School of Law.
704-274-8214
[email protected]
Taylor Fike, Director of Partnership Services
Taylor Fike joined the Charlotte Knights in January 2021 after spending four years in college sports with Learfield IMG College. Taylor relocated to Charlotte from Dallas, Texas, where she handled sponsorship activation for the Big 12 Conference. A native of Chattanooga and a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Taylor also managed sponsorship activation for Chattanooga Athletics for over three years.
Ryan Meagher, Director of Business Development
Ryan enters his 6th year in MiLB and joined the Charlotte Knights in early 2022 after four years with the Pawtucket/Worcester Red Sox in premium ticket sales. In his previous role, Ryan led the ticket team in sales and assisted in tasks pertaining to the relocation of the team and the opening of their new ballpark in 2021.
Originally from Rhode Island, Ryan earned two bachelor's degrees, one in Music (from Rhode Island College) and another in Sports Management (Nichols College). In his current role, he works to foster and maintain relationships with clients and deliver value through venue assets.
Ryan's greatest passions include playing basketball and golf, New England Sports, and 90's television sitcom Seinfeld.
Ryan Sorrow, Business Development Executive
Ryan joined the Charlotte Knights as a Group Sales Executive in January of 2022 before moving to Corporate Partnerships following the 2022 season. He is originally from Simpsonville, South Carolina, and graduated with a Sport and Entertainment Management degree from the University of South Carolina. He is currently pursuing his master's degree from the University of Florida.
Jacelyn Shepherd, Partnerships Services Coordinator
Tickets
Matt Harper, Vice President of Ticket Sales
Originally from Warsaw, VA, Matt earned Bachelor's Degree from Old Dominion University and a Master's Degree from Florida State University.
Before joining the Knights, Matt served as the Vice President of Ticket Sales with the Pawtucket Red Sox (now Worcester Red Sox), overseeing ticket sales, service, and operations and opening their new park, Polar Park, in 2021. Before working in Minor League Baseball, Matt worked in college athletics, where he developed and implemented ticket sales departments at Seattle University, San Jose State University, and the University of Oregon.
704-274-8215
[email protected]
Alex Michel, Director of Ticket Sales
Alex joined the Charlotte Knights in January 2021 after spending four seasons with the Salem Red Sox. He is from Trenton, New Jersey, and graduated from York College of Pennsylvania in 2016 with a degree in Sport Management.
704-274-8263
[email protected]
Leighton Foster, Ticket Operations Manager
Leighton joined the Knights in July 2021. Previously, Leighton has worked for El Paso Chihuahuas, Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter Hammerheads, and High Point Rockers. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 2014 with a degree in Sport Management.
Did you know?
Leighton has bowled a perfect 300 game!
704-274-8282
[email protected]
Cooper Kinsey, Hospitality Sales Manager
As a native of Charlotte, I remember going to Charlotte Knights games as a kid in Fort Mill, and it has become a dream come true to work for the best team in Minor League Baseball. I am passionate about everything I do, and I aim to ensure all of our fans have the same great experiences I had growing up with the Knights. I am a proud graduate of East Carolina University, where I graduated in 2018. I enjoy golfing, taking trips to the beach, and spending quality time with my family and friends during my free time.
704-274-8262
[email protected]
T.J. King, Group Sales Manager
T.J. joined the Charlotte Knights in July 2021. He is originally from Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and graduated with a degree in Sport Management from James Madison University. Previously, T.J. has worked in the Cape Cod Baseball League as well as the Pawtucket Red Sox.
Jack Doran, Ticket Sales & Service Representative
Jack joined the Charlotte Knights in April 2021. He was previously with the Charlotte Checkers and has also worked for Rutgers University Athletic Department and the New York Jets. He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 2017 with a degree in Marketing and Public Relations.
704-274-8282
[email protected]
Victoria Liefert, Group Sales Account Executive
Originally from Concord, Victoria moved to the coast to attend the University of North Carolina Wilmington. She studied Hospitality and Sport Management in college while gaining experience with UNCW Athletics. Victoria is scuba certified and loves to travel in her free time.
Kelsey Kandil, Group Sales Account Executive
Kelsey is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and joined the Charlotte Knights in 2022. Kelsey attended and played soccer at both the University of Southern Indiana and the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Kelsey most recently worked as a corporate partnerships intern at the Cincinnati Reds. She graduated in the winter of 2021 with a sport management degree and a minor in business.
Bradley Fabian, Ticket Sales Account Executive
Special Events
Grace Eng, Vice President of Special Events
Grace joins the Charlotte Knights in her fifth year of minor league baseball, after she interned for a summer and then led the creation and successful development of the non-game day, special events department for the Pawtucket Red Sox. Prior to that she was involved in game-day operations in the NECBL (New England Collegiate Baseball League) with both the Newport Gulls and the Plymouth Pilgrims for several summers.
Grace graduated from Elon University in 2015 with a degree in strategic communications, where she also competed as a Division 1 softball player and captain. Originally from Rhode Island, Grace always knew the south had a place in her heart after college so she’s happy to be back!
704-274-8216
[email protected]
Troy Rodrigues, Director of Special Events
Troy joins the Charlotte Knights after two years as the Equipment Manager at Assumption University. In this role, he oversaw all equipment and apparel operations for 24 varsity sports while also assisting in facility operations and event management.
Before Assumption, Troy worked in Minor League Baseball as an Events Assistant for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He helped plan and execute all non-game day events for the organization.
A Massachusetts native, Troy graduated with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science – Sports Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In Chapel Hill, he spent three years as a student manager for the baseball program, including 2018 when the team made it to the College World Series in Omaha.
Team Store
Ryan Echerd, Director of Merchandise / Retail Operations
Ryan joined the Charlotte Knights in May 2022 after spending time with the Charlotte Hornets, Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Browns, and Columbus Blue Jackets. Ryan worked as a store associate with the Charlotte Knights in 2018 before returning in 2022. He is from Taylorsville and graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2020 with a degree in Philosophy.
Ryan has a passion for sports. His favorite teams are the Charlotte Hornets, Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Braves, and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Fun Fact: World Series Champion and received a ring working with the Atlanta Braves in 2021!
Marketing
Matt DuBois, Vice President of Marketing
Matt DuBois joins the Charlotte Knights as Marketing Director after 20 plus years working in radio in a similar role. Starting off in Buffalo, NY, then spending 5 years in Florida before arriving in Charlotte, NC, where he built strong relationships with members of the media, event businesses and city officials. Matt worked in partnership with the Charlotte Knights for over 10 years, spanning back to their days in Fort Mill. With a strong background in Marketing and Events, it was a natural fit to join the team.
Bill Walker, Creative & IT Director
Chris Dillon, Promotions Manager
Originally from New Rochelle, NY, Chris graduated from Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN, in 2015 as a double major in Exercise Science and Sports Management. Chris broke into Minor League Baseball in 2016 with the Corpus Christi Hooks as a promo team member. Before joining the Knights, he spent three seasons with the Hickory Crawdads, managing promotions and community relations.
Did you know?
Chris loves to travel in his free time and is a huge New York sports fan (Yankees, Giants, Knicks, and Syracuse basketball.)
Jason Furst, Digital Media & Graphics Manager
Kelly Teseny, Graphics & Social Media Assistant
Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Kelly has spent her entire childhood around Triple-A Baseball. She earned her journalism degree from the University of South Carolina in 2021 with a major in Visual Communications and joined the Charlotte Knights in early 2022. Kelly loves to spend her time behind the camera, rooting on the gamecocks, and creating all kinds of sports media content.
Communications
Tommy Viola, Vice President of Communications
The 2022 season will mark the 16th for Viola working in a professional baseball front office and eighth overall with the Charlotte Knights. In 2018, Viola was promoted from Director of PR/Media Relations to the team's Vice President of Communications.
As a member of the Charlotte Knights front office, Viola handles all PR for the team, including all media requests and press releases. Viola also handles all of the team's social media platforms, as well as content on the team's official website. Throughout each season, Viola works with the Chicago White Sox Media Relations Department on all roster-related announcements. He can also be seen on "Knights TV" conducting interviews.
Viola, 41, spent two seasons (2010-11) as the Director of PR/Media Relations for the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
From 2008-09, Viola was the Media Relations Assistant/Radio Studio Host for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Brooklyn, NY native also handled pre- and post-game radio duties during Lehigh Valley's inaugural season. In all, Viola spent four seasons in the Phillies organization.
A 2003 graduate of Penn State University, Viola received his start in Minor League Baseball in 2004 as a Photography Intern for the Altoona Curve. He credits his two grandfathers, father, and Gary Carter for his love of baseball.
Did you Know?
Viola struck-out 15 batters and tossed a one-hitter in a Little League game. The only hit he allowed was a bunt single -- to one of his best friends!
Matt Swierad, Director of Broadcasting & Team Travel
Since 1998, Swierad has been the "Voice of the Charlotte Knights." In 2017 -- the Knights named their home radio broadcast booth at Truist Field "The Matt Swierad Home Radio Booth." Swierad, a seasoned veteran, will embark on his 24th campaign with the Knights in 2022. He is the longest-running broadcaster in team history and has called over 3,000 Knights games and over 3,200 in a professional career spanning 25+ seasons.
Before joining the Knights for the 1998 season, Swierad spent seven years in the Class-A South Atlantic League with the Hickory Crawdads (1994-97), Hagerstown Suns (1993), and Gastonia Rangers (1991-92). In addition to his work with the Knights, Swierad serves as the radio play-by-play Voice of Charlotte 49ers Basketball and Football. He also hosts the school's Basketball and Football Radio Coaches Shows. Over the course of his career, he has also handled television play-by-play duties for the Charlotte 49ers, UT Chattanooga, Jacksonville University, University of South Florida, the Southern Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, C-USA, the Big South Conference, SportsChannel Florida, Fox Sports Net, and ESPN Regional Television.
Swierad is a native of North Smithfield, RI, and a 1990 graduate of Jacksonville University. He resides in Statesville, NC, with his wife Amanda, their triplet daughters, Chapel, Isla, and Maty, and their son Hobbs.
Did You Know?
During the 2005 season, Swierad reached the major leagues for the first time, being selected from over 150 applicants nationally to broadcast for the San Diego Padres. He sat-in for the legendary Friars broadcaster Jerry Coleman the last weekend in July while Coleman was inducted into the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Community Relations
Megan Smithers, Director of Community Relations
A native of Framingham, MA, Megan wrapped up her fourth season with the Knights in 2018. She moved to the Charlotte area in May of 2014 after graduating from The University of Massachusetts Amherst with a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management.
Megan interned with the Boston Celtics in 2013 as a fan relations intern. She is a big Boston Red Sox fan!
Did you Know?
Megan loves to travel. She studied abroad in Australia and has also been to Haiti and India for community service trips.
Jules D'Aiello, Community Relations & Promotions Coordinator
Jules joined the Charlotte Knights in November 2022 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Sports Management.
Previously, Jules interned with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach.
Currently, Jules is pursuing an MBA in Marketing from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Shelby Reasor, Front Desk Receptionist & Administrative Assistant
Entertainment
Tommy Bean, Senior Director of Entertainment & Creative Services
Bean begins his first full season with the Knights in 2023 as Senior Director of Entertainment and Creative Services after joining the team in August of 2022. This is his seventh season in Minor League Baseball. Bean spent three seasons as an intern with the Akron RubberDucks before leaving to attend Full Sail University, where he graduated Valedictorian and the Advanced Achievement Award winner. After college, Bean worked with the Orlando Magic, the Detroit Tigers at their Spring Training Facility, and the Frisco RoughRiders before moving to Charlotte.
Bean was born in Boston but grew up in Altoona, Pennsylvania, and was introduced to Minor League Baseball by his Grandparents, Tom and Bonnie Knouse, attending Altoona Curve (Double-A, Pirates) games.
In his spare time, Bean is a Shriner and enjoys raising money for Shriners Hospitals for Children.
Cameron Moist, Director of Video Production
A native of Rockledge, FL, Moist joins the Charlotte Knights in 2021 after serving as Video Production Manager for 4 years with the Salem Red Sox. He is also a proud alumnus of Oklahoma State University and is always cheering on his Cowboys from Stillwater! He loves to attend concerts, go hiking, spending time at the beach, and playing sports. Moist is very excited to be a part of the Charlotte Knights and the Chicago White Sox organization! Go Knights and Go Pokes!
Phillip Potter, Mascot Coordinator
Phillip began his time with the Knights in December of 2022. Before joining the Knights, he studied at Liberty University, where he was the Mascot Coordinator for two years. During his time at Liberty, the mascot program qualified for UCA Nationals three years in a row, placing 3rd in the nation in 2021. After graduation and before meeting Homer the Dragon and the two becoming best friends, Phillip worked one season with the Lynchburg Hillcats in 2022.
At the Knights, Phillip is responsible for all things Homer. From Homer's gameday antics to his presence in the Charlotte community, Phillip makes sure Homer is always at the top of his game.
Ballpark Operations
Tom Gorter, Vice President of Stadium Operations
Matt Parrott, Director of Field Operations
A native of Boone, NC, Parrott recently completed his fifth season as heads groundskeeper for the Charlotte Knights in 2021. He was named the 2018 International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year -- for the second consecutive season. Parrott was also named as the 2017 Triple-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year, an award that he received at Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL in December (2017).
Before joining the Knights in 2016, Parrott spent 13 seasons with the Bowie Baysox of the Eastern League (Double-A). During his time in Bowie, MD, he earned the Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award three times (2011 and 2014-15). In 2011, he was also named the STMA (Sports Turf Managers Association) Double-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year.
Parrott received his BSBA undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and an AAS Turfgrass Management degree from North Carolina State University.
Matt Fischer, Operations Manager
Nick Verzal, Manager of Field Operations
Julian Brown, Assistant Groundskeeper
Corbin Balzer, Assistant Manager of Clubhouse / Ballpark Operations
Pro Sports Catering
Kevin Hill, Regional Director of Operations
Kyle McCleary, Director of Food & Beverage Operations
Kyle Van Hess, Executive Chef
Michael Moore, Catering Manager
Jody Marihugh, Premium Services Manager
Dan Ryan, Concessions Manager
Aaron Wilson, Concessions Operations Manager
Maddie Brotzki, HR Generalist
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