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.

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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 2021 season marks Rob's fourth 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.

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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.

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Sara is from Waxhaw, NC 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.

As the Finance/HR 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.

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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!

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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 University of San Diego School of Law. His son, Tyler, graduated from the University of North Carolina – Wilmington and is currently pursuing his doctorate in Physical Therapy at Western Carolina University. His daughter, Madison, graduated from Appalachian State University, and is currently working in Boone, N.C.

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Corey Bass joined the Charlotte Knights organization in November 2019 marking a return to professional sports after a number of stops in college athletics and residential real estate sales. Beginning his career in Minor League Baseball with the Carolina Mudcats, Bass has also held a number of roles in intercollegiate athletics including – Marketing Assistant (Elon ISP Sports Network), Director of Football Operations (Elon University), Assistant Athletic Director for Football Operations (Ball State University), Senior Account Executive (IMG College – ECU), Business Development Manager (Learfield Sports – UNC), and Associate Athletic Director for Development (High Point University).

Bass was a letter winner on the East Carolina football team while receiving his B.S. in Communications (’07) and then moving on to earn his M.S. in Exercise and Sports Sciences in the Spring of 2009.

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Jack is entering his second full year with the Knights, after spending a couple seasons with both the Carolina Mudcats and Normal CornBelters. Jack was recently promoted to Business Development Manager from his ticket sales position at the end of the 2019 season.

Jack graduated from Toccoa Falls College in 2017 with a degree in Sports Management.

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Yogi was promoted to Director of Ticket Sales for the 2021 season. Previously, Brewington has worked for the Carolina Mudcats, Jacksonville Suns, Jupiter Hammerheads, and Palm Beach Cardinals. He is a 2012 graduate from North Carolina State University with a degree in Sport Management.

Did you know?
Despite working in and loving the game of baseball, his real passion is for Pittsburgh Steelers football and can often be heard saying "I work in baseball so I can watch Steelers football!"

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Jonathan completed his seventh season with the Charlotte Knights in 2019 and has been promoted to Director of Ticket Operations for the 2019 season. He graduated from North Carolina State University in May of 2012 with a degree in Sport Management.

Did you know?
Jonathan is an avid musician and plays a Fender P-Bass.

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(704) 274-8282

Carter was with the Charlotte Knights for one season, before returning to the Knights in September of 2020 as a Senior Account Executive. Previously, Buffkin has worked in ticket sales for Charlotte Motor Speedway, Texas Motor Speedway, South Carolina Stingrays, and Mercer University Athletics.

Did you know?
Carter is an avid sports fan, and travels the country to watch his favorite teams, as well as racing events.

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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.

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The 2019 season will mark the 13th 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, 38, 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!

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Since 1998, Swierad has been the "Voice of the Charlotte Knights". Most recently -- in 2017 -- the Knights named their home radio broadcast booth at BB&T Ballpark, "The Matt Swierad Home Radio Booth". Swierad, a seasoned veteran will embark on his 22nd campaign with the Knights in 2019. 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.

Prior to 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.

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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.

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David Ruckman recently completed his fifth season with the Charlotte Knights in 2018 after joining the club in October of 2013 as the team's first-ever Director of Video Production. Overall, Ruckman has completed 11 seasons in professional baseball. Previously, Ruckman served as the Director of Marketing for the Montgomery Biscuits (2013) and Video Production Manager with the Tulsa Drillers (2010 to 2012).

With the Drillers, Ruckman helped open ONEOK Field in downtown Tulsa, directing 215 game productions including exhibition games against the Colorado Rockies and Oklahoma City Redhawks (2011) as well as the 2012 Texas League All-Star Game. He also helped organize and host three Texas League Video Board Operator Seminars and shoot a one-hour National Baseball Hall of Fame Fundraiser featuring keynote speaker Ozzie Smith.

Ruckman graduated in 2006 from Bradley University. While there, he began his Minor League Baseball career as a Production Intern with the Peoria Chiefs (2006). His love for Chicago Cubs baseball and Harry Caray fueled his passion for the sport.

Did You Know?
Ruckman was in attendance when Mark Buehrle threw his first no-hitter at U.S. Cellular Field on April 18, 2007. He also watched Victor Mateo throw the first no-hitter in Riverwalk Stadium history on August 24, 2013 - on his mother's 60th birthday.

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Nick Farmer is originally from South Florida and along with earning his Bachelor's of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Florida, he also lettered as part of the spirit team. Following his time at UF, Nick spent a year with the Carolina Mudcats before joining the Charlotte Knights.

As Entertainment Coordinator, he oversees the educational school programs, Homer the Dragon, and aspects of the in-game entertainment, among other things. Nick always says the reason he does this job is to put smiles on people's faces and create positive memories for fans. Nick's ultimate goal is to honor the Lord and represent Christ in a way that brings joy to others and glory to God.

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Originally from Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, Elijah is in his second season with the Charlotte Knights. Before joining the Knights, Elijah worked for DC United. In his spare time, he runs his own fly fishing guide business.

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Tom Gorter is the Charlotte Knights Director of Stadium Operations. He will be entering his 12th season with the team in 2019.

Did You Know?
Tom is a native of Canada.

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Braun completed his sixth season with the Knights in 2018 and is currently in his seventh with the Knights in 2019. Previously, the Drake University graduate spent the 2012 season as a Stadium Operations Intern with the Joliet Slammers.

Did You Know?
Nick grew up on the South Side of Chicago and is a huge Chicago sports fan. He can be spotted around the office sporting a hat of his favorite Chicago teams -- the White Sox, Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks. Go Chicago!

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A native of Boone, NC, Parrott recently completed his third season as heads groundskeeper for the Charlotte Knights in 2018. For his efforts, he was named as the 2018 International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year -- for the second consecutive season. Last 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 as 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.

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