President
mzarthar@astros.com

Mark Zarthar joined the Astros organization in February of 2018. As President of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Mark oversees all business and baseball operations.

Prior to joining the Astros, Mark was employed by Anheuser-Busch.  As the Global Head of Sports Marketing, Mark oversaw global sports partnerships and sponsorship strategy.  Before joining the global office, he held multiple positions in US brand management. Before joining Anheuser-Busch, Mark gained valuable experience in the commercial real estate industry.

Mark received his bachelor's degree in finance from the University of Richmond and an MBA in Business Administration from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. Mark was born and raised in the Greater Boston area.

General Manager
dlane@astros.com

David is enjoying his thirteenth season with the Houston Astros organization. In his current role he manages the day-to-day operations of the club including stadium construction and ticket operations. David started with the Astros in 2006 serving as Assistant General Manager before being promoted to General Manager.

In 2010, David was named the Appalachian League Executive of the Year for the second consecutive season. In 2007, 2008 and 2009, David was named the recipient of the Appalachian League's Promotional Award of Excellence.

An undergraduate at Clemson University, David interned with the Class A Charleston RiverDogs of the South Atlantic League. Upon graduation he accepted a full-time position with the RiverDogs in Food and Beverage before moving to the Class A Greenville Bombers in Greenville, SC to become Director of Food and Beverage.

David serves on the board of directors for both the Greater Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce and the Cool Springs Downtown District. He and his wife, Lindsey, reside in Fayetteville and enjoy spending time with his two children, Olivia and Deacon.

Vice President, Sales & Marketing
aschwartz@astros.com

Austin Schwartz joined the Astros organization in July of 2018. As Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Austin and his team work closely with key corporate partners to develop innovative advertising and marketing solutions, specifically focusing on how corporations can activate their brands most effectively. Austin also leads all marketing, merchandising, media, and communications functions as well as the development of special events.

Prior to joining the Astros, Austin completed his MBA in Economics at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. While at the University of Chicago, Austin worked at McMaster-Carr Supply Company in a variety of technology, supply chain, and operations management roles. Prior to McMaster, Austin worked in Private Wealth Management at Rockefeller Financial in New York City.

Austin received his bachelor's degree in Political Science from Colgate University and held internships in Hong Kong and Geneva, Switzerland. Austin was born and raised in Tampa, Florida.

Director, Sales

cdawson@astros.com

Chaz Dawson joined the Astros organization in September of 2018. As the Director of Sales, Chaz oversees the sponsorship, tickets and events sales teams. 

Prior to joining the Astros, Chaz was employed by Campbell University. As the Marketing and Recruiting Coordinator, Chaz oversaw the marketing and advertising strategy for the Ft. Bragg & Pope campus. Before joining Campbell, Chaz worked in the sports and fitness industry in New York City.

Chaz received his bachelor's degree in business from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University and a master's in marketing from Durham University (England, United Kingdom). Chaz is a native of Fayetteville and an E.E. Smith High School alum. 

Manager, Marketing & Communications
bjhughes@astros.com

Ben Hughes joined the Astros organization in August of 2018. As Manager of Marketing and Communications for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Ben is responsible for the Woodpeckers brand and public visibility.

Prior to joining the Astros, Ben was employed by the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce in Massachusetts. As the Creative Economy Projects Manager he oversaw marketing and promotion for artists and cultural organizations, and also directed grant-funded initiatives to infuse local art within communities regionally. Ben previously worked for the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod as a project manager, as well as a variety of service industry positions.

Ben studied at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Savannah, Georgia as an Advertising Design major. In his spare time Ben enjoys playing with his two dogs and three cats, and exploring the world with his husband Bryan.

Manager, Retail
btschida@astros.com

Brittany Tschida joined the Fayetteville Woodpeckers in August of 2018, as Retail Manager.

A native of Fayetteville, Brittany is no stranger to the area nor baseball. Before joining the Astros, Brittany worked with the Fayetteville SwampDogs. As Assistant General Manager, Brittany oversaw summer employment, operations, and sales. Before taking the full time position, Brittany completed multiple internships with the SwampDogs and the Chowan University Athletic Department, gaining valuable experience in the world of sports.

Brittany earned her bachelor's degree in Sport Management with a concentration in Business Administration from Chowan University.

Account Executive, Ticketing
ladams@astros.com

Liz Adams joined the Astros organization in September of 2018. As an Account Executive of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Liz will facilitate all ticket sales.

Before joining the Astros, Liz was employed by The Tampa Bay Rays. As the Ticket Sales Representative, Liz oversaw large group nights and focused on ticket sales and new business development. Before joining the Tampa Bay Rays, Liz worked for the Daytona Tortugas, where she gained valuable experience in Minor League Baseball.

Liz received her bachelor's degree in Sports Management from Stetson University. Liz was born and raised in Orlando Florida. During her free time, Liz can be seen at the beach with her dog Hermes, playing Tennis and going to see live music.

Manager, Ballpark Entertainment
psubsara@astros.com

Pete joined the Astros' organization in November of 2018. As the Manager of Ballpark Entertainment, Pete's day-to-day responsibilities include managing the production room and creating fun, fresh, and unique content to entertain the fans. He also oversees the creation and execution of the promotional calendar.

Prior to joining the Astros, Pete worked for the Rockford IceHogs of the American Hockey League. As the Game Operations & Community Relations Coordinator for two years, he handled all game-entertainment and worked closely with non-profits in the Rockford community. Before joining the IceHogs, Pete served as the Director of Promotions & Community Relations with the Hickory Crawdads for three seasons.

Pete received his bachelor's degree in Sport Management from SUNY Brockport in 2011. He was born and raised in Buffalo, New York.

Manager, Corporate Partnerships
ssuggs@astros.com

Sarah Suggs joined the Astros organization in December 2018. As Corporate Partnerships Manager of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Sarah works with every department to ensure all aspects of sponsorship run seamlessly.

Prior to joining the Astros, Sarah was employed by the Fayetteville Dogwood Festival. As the Marketing and Events Coordinator, she worked to plan, promote, and produce the largest community events in Fayetteville.

Sarah graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a Bachelor's Degree in Communication Studies and a minor in English with a Professional Writing Certificate. In her free time, Sarah enjoys relaxing with her dogs, spending time with her family, attending local events, and trying new delicious restaurants. Sarah grew up in Fayetteville and enjoys being a part of the revitalization of her community.

Manager, Community & Media Relations
vhuggins@astros.com

Victoria Huggins joined the Astros organization in January of 2019. As the Community and Media Relations Manager of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Victoria manages community presence and partnerships, serves as the Director of the Community Leaders Program (Fayetteville Woodpeckers official team charity), and coordinates media requests.

Prior to joining the Astros, Victoria served as Miss North Carolina 2017-18. As a state ambassador for the Miss America Organization, Victoria traveled 37 thousand miles, making over 300 scheduled appearances, and earning $30,000 in scholarships. During her year of service she passionately advocated state-wide for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and the Alzheimer's Association, raising more than $50,000. Prior to the job of Miss North Carolina, Victoria was the Morning News Producer for WECT/WSFX in Wilmington.

Victoria received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mass Communication from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke and is currently pursuing her Master's in Strategic Communication with a concentration in Government through Johns Hopkins University online. Victoria is originally from Saint Pauls, North Carolina and is the proud daughter of three generations of NC National Guardsmen stationed at Fort Bragg.

Director, Stadium Operations
ccominse@astros.com

Chris Cominse joined the Astros organization in November of 2016. As the Stadium Operations Director, Chris oversees all game day staffing, customer service, security, janitorial, maintenance and general upkeep of the facility.

Prior to joining the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Chris helped open the Houston Astros Spring Training facility in West Palm Beach Florida, where he spent two years as a Stadium Operations Assistant. Before joining the Astros organization, he held multiple positions in sales, marketing and stadium operations with Roger Dean Stadium, ESPN West Palm, The Miami Dolphins and The Palm Beach County Sports Commission.

Chris received his bachelor's degree in Sport Management from Lynn University and an MBA in Sport Management from Florida Atlantic University. Chris was born and raised in West Palm Beach, FL.

Manager, Baseball Operations
mmontesino@astros.com

Michael "Magic" Montesino joined the Astros organization in June of 2015. As Manager of Baseball Operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Mike oversees all clubhouse operations and baseball operations.

Prior to joining the Astros, Magic was employed by his alma mater, Florida International University, where he worked in facility and event management. In this position Mike assisted in putting together various events. Before coming on board in this role, he was a manager for the FIU Men's basketball team. Mike also worked at the former Astros Rookie affiliate in Greeneville, Tennessee, as well as the Class A affiliate in Davenport, Iowa.

Mike received his bachelor's degree in Recreation/Sports Management from Florida International University. He was born and raised in Miami, Florida.

Manager, Ticket Operations
gevans@astros.com

Gabriel Evans joined the Astros organization in August of 2018. As Manager of Ticket Operations of the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Gabriel oversees all ticketing operations. 
Prior to joining the Astros, Gabriel was employed by Campbell University in the athletic department. As the Director of Equipment, Gabriel oversaw the athletic departments equipment operation from purchasing and delivering to various sports on campus. Before becoming that Gabriel was an intern in Athletic Game Operations where he gained valuable experienced in athletics. 
Gabriel received his bachelor's degree in Sports management from Catawba College and is currently pursuing his MS in Sports Administration. Gabriel was born and raised in Fayetteville, NC. 

Manager, Events
rcsmith@astros.com

Rachel joined the Astros organization in October 2018. As Manager of Events, Rachel will oversee all events held when baseball is not being played at the park.

Prior to joining the Woodpeckers, Rachel was employed by the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. As a Business Development Specialist and Game Presentation Coordinator, she was responsible for hosting group outings, hospitality events, and non-game day events as well as coordinating game presentation and promotions for the team.

Rachel received her bachelor's degree in marketing from Pennsylvania State University where she held an internship with the Marketing Department for Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics. Rachel was born and raised in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. In her free time, Rachel enjoys hiking with her husband Hunter and their two dogs Reagan and Harrison and riding her horse Kirby.

Director of Finance
jcarpenter@astros.com

Jennifer Carpenter is originally from Arlington, Texas and joined the Houston Astros organization in January 2013 as an intern for the Finance Department. She was hired full-time after three weeks and primarily worked as Accounts Receivable for the team.
Previously she has worked for the City of Arlington as a 911 Operator/Police Dispatcher, supervisor of the vault at Six Flags Over Texas and a volunteer at the White House. 
Jennifer has a Bachelors in Biology from the University of Texas, Arlington and a Bachelors in Accounting Control Systems from the University of North Texas.

Director, Food & Beverage
apunzel@prosportscatering.com

Austin Punzel joins the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as part of Professional Sports Catering, the team's concessionaire. As Director of Food & Beverage, Austin oversees all areas of the operation pertaining to food & beverage.

Prior to joining the Woodpeckers, Austin worked for the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes of the California League as their Director of Food & Beverage. Before Rancho Cucamonga, Austin spent time in baseball working for the Peoria Chiefs, Erie SeaWolves and Madison Mallards in various food & beverage positions. Austin is very excited to bring his 10 years of experience in Minor League Baseball to Fayetteville.

Austin received his bachelor's degree in Sport Management from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse with a minor in Business Administration. Born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin, he now lives in Fayetteville with his wife Mollie and two dogs, Lily and Archie.

Manager, Concessions
nbray@prosportscatering.com

Nick joins the Fayetteville Woodpeckers as part of Professional Sports Catering, the team's concessionaire. As the Concessions Manager, Nick oversees all concessions and staffing.

Prior to joining the Woodpeckers, Nick was the Concessions Manager with the Gwinnett Stripers. As the Concessions Manager, he also became the Non-Profit Coordinator and assisted in recruiting, purchasing and operations. Nick also held multiple positions within the Minor League front office. He was the Promotions Assistant in 2015 and Stadium Operations Assistant for 2017 with the Asheville Tourists. In 2016, he was Group Sales Assistant with the El Paso Chihuahuas.

Nick attended Montreat College where he played 5 years of Collegiate Baseball. While at Montreat he received his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, followed most recently by his Master's degree in December 2018. Nick was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia.