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Bernstine, Merrick, Vera join MiLB staff

Fountain, Shultz receive new titles, responsibilities
January 15, 2014

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball® announced today that Cory Bernstine, Jessica Merrick and Jess Vera have joined its staff on a full-time basis. Two other staff members, Robert Fountain and Andy Shultz, have new titles, reflecting the additional responsibilities each has assumed.

As the Marketing Research Coordinator for MiLB™ Enterprises, a subsidiary of MiLB, Bernstine is the main point of contact on research-driven initiatives and also enhances the relationships with MiLB research partners Luker on Trends/ESPN Sports Poll, Turnkey and Scarborough. He recently received a Masters Degree in Business Administration & Sports Business Management from the University of Central Florida's DeVos Sports Business Management Program. Bernstine also has a B.A. in Business Administration from Florida Tech University.

Prior to joining MiLB, Bernstine, a native of Orlando, Fla., worked on statistical modeling for the Washington Nationals Florida Operations team, played an integral role in the research findings/report cards surrounding MLB and NCAA basketball on racial and gender balances for The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sports (TIDES) and supported marketing efforts of the MLB Diversity Business Summit.

Merrick fills the role of Marketing Coordinator. She worked as a legal intern in the MiLB office from January through July last year. She then transitioned to the marketing department as an assistant for the rest of 2013. The Rochester, N.Y., native is responsible for supporting sales material development for new prospects, assisting in the management of the sales pipeline and coordinating team inventory needs and initial contractual development.

She has a B.A. in Government and World Affairs from the University of Tampa (Fla.) and a J.D. from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, Calif.

As the Coordinator of Trademarks & Intellectual Property, Vera works closely with clubs, leagues and MiLB staff on the clearance, filing and registration of club names, logos and other marks.

In addition, the Miami, Fla., native assists on other intellectual property matters and works with the licensing department, Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO) and Major League Baseball Properties on trademark issues related to licensing and merchandising. Vera has a B.A. and a M.S. in Sports Administration from St. Thomas (Fla.) University.

Fountain, whose previous title was Special Assistant to the President, Legal Affairs, is now Associate Counsel. In addition to his current duties, Fountain will have added responsibility in the areas of trademarks, corporate governance and intellectual property. Fountain, a graduate of Brigham Young University and Stetson College of Law, is a member of the Florida Bar.

Shultz, formerly Assistant, Baseball Operations, is now Manager, Baseball & Business Operations, in recognition of his expanded role within the department.