Pete Laven enters his first season as Vice President and General Manager for the M-Braves in 2019. He joins the Braves after spending the 2018 baseball season as Director of Corporate Partnerships for the Chicago Dogs (American Association). Prior to this past season, he spent five years as President of Salvi Sports Enterprises, overseeing Pat and Lindy Salvi owned franchises made up of the Schaumburg Boomers (Frontier League), Gary SouthShore RailCats (American Association), North Shore Navigators (Futures Collegiate Baseball League) and the Martha's Vineyard Sharks (FCBL). Laven was charged with handling the day-to-day operations of the Boomers since February 2015. Laven was also charged with managing the day-to-day operations of the Boomers as General Manager from 2015-17. 

Laven spent 13 seasons with the Arkansas Travelers, Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels. Following the 2006 season, the Travelers final season at Ray Winder Field, which also featured the Texas League All-Star Game, Laven was recognized as the 2006 Texas League Executive of the Year. In September 2006 he received the first-ever "Closer Award" as the top salesperson in Minor League Baseball. After three years as the club's Assistant General manager (2004-06), Laven was promoted to General Manager by the team's Executive Committee in 2007 and served as the Travs' GM for six seasons. Laven ascended through the organization, beginning as a Stadium Operations Intern in 1992 and returned as the Director of Stadium Operations in 1993. 

Between two stints in Arkansas, Laven spent one season as Account Executive for the Kane County Cougars (1994), one season as Assistant General Manager for the Albany Polecats (1995) and four seasons as Director of Food and Beverage and Director of Sales with the Piedmont (NC) Boll Weevils (1996-99). His second stint with the Travelers began in 2000, taking on responsibilities such as planning promotions, advertising, ticket sales, and public relations until being named Assistant General Manager in 2004.

A native of LaGrange, Illinois, Laven graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1991. He and his wife, Holly, have one daughter, Kellan.

Q & A with Pete: 
Favorite ballpark food? Fried Pearl Onions (found only at Trustmark Park)
Favorite baseball player growing up? Dave Kingman
Favorite TV show? Ray Donovan
Favorite movie? Reservoir Dogs
Why I enjoy my job? If I'm having a tough day I can remind myself that I work for the same organization as Hank Aaron
My 12-year-old self would tell me? It's always ok to double-wrap rubber bands around baseball cards

Tim enters his first year with the Mississippi Braves as Assistant General Manager and 24th year in minor league baseball. Prior to joining the Braves, Tim served as the General Manager of the West Virginia Power and VP/GM of the Kannapolis Intimidators.

In Tim's role as AGM, he will assist the GM and staff in all team and stadium operations with an emphasis on creating strong partnerships in the community.

Tim is a graduate of Methodist College, where he earned a BS degree in Physical Education and was a member of their NCAA III football team. Tim attended Ocala (FL) Vanguard High School where he played football and baseball, was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta and was an Anchor Sweetheart.   Fun Fact - longtime NFL quarterback Daunte Culpepper was a freshman and scout team quarterback during Tim's senior year at Vanguard.

Tim is a longtime Rotarian and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Tim will be an active member with his Church, volunteers in schools and has volunteered with and/or served on a variety of community and charitable boards including Chambers of Commerce, Convention and Visitor's Bureaus and JDRF to name a few and looks forward to doing the same here.

In Tim's spare time, he enjoys being on or around water, working in the yard, watching football (Go Pack Go), hitting the weight room and playing with his dog Lags.

Tim was born in Beaver Dam, WI and currently resides in Brandon.

Q & A with Tim:
Favorite ballpark food? A Brat with Ballpark Mustard
Favorite baseball player growing up? Robin Yount and Dale Murphy
Favorite TV show? Vikings
Favorite movie? Anything Star Wars
Why I enjoy my job? I go to work each day at a ballpark.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? To slow down a bit and watch more cartoons

Christy enters her 15th year with the Mississippi Braves and second as Director of Community Relations & Office Manager. She served as receptionist for the M-Braves during their inaugural campaign before accepting a full-time position in late 2005 as Office Manager.

As Office Manager, some of her duties include preparing/processing various reports for the club, processing paperwork for seasonal employees, maintaining the payroll clock system, and hiring and managing the in-season game money audit staff.

Originally from Lexington, MS, Shaw is a graduate of Central Holmes Academy, Holmes Community College and also attended Hinds Community College. She is a fan of the Atlanta Braves, loves horses, enjoys softball, football, fishing and spending time with her family and friends.

Jeff, a Mississippi native, and product of the University of Southern Mississippi enters his fifth season with the Mississippi Braves and his second as the Ticket Manager. Olson served the 2015-16 seasons as a Ticket/Sales Trainee to begin his professional career. After his second term as a trainee ended, he accepted the position of Sales Associate in November of 2016. In November 2017, Olson was promoted to Ticket Manager and today he is responsible for the day to day operations of the M-Braves Box Office

Olson holds both a Masters and Bachelors of Science degrees in Sports Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi. Olson served as a student assistant for both USM Sports Marketing and USM Facility and Events Management during his Undergraduate and Graduate tenures respectively.

Olson has been involved in sports most of his life. While playing sports during his youth (baseball and soccer), he did not develop a strong identity to sports until he attended the 1991 World Series. From that point on, he became a Braves fan for life. He is also a passionate fan of both the Miami Dolphins (NFL) and the Miami Heat (NBA). Olson, now a resident of Brandon, likes to spend his spare time with his family and friends. While he enjoys watching movies and listening to music, he especially loves to follow and cheer on his favorite sports teams year-round; especially the Braves!

Q & A with Jeff:
Favorite ballpark food? Loaded hotdog
Favorite baseball player growing up? David Justice/Chipper Jones
Favorite TV show? Whatever HULU recommends
Favorite movie? Don't get me started…
Why I enjoy my job? I love sports, especially baseball, and I can share that with the community
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Catch a foul ball for me!

Darius enters his second year with the Mississippi Braves as an Account Executive and third year in minor league baseball. Darius previously served as a trainee where he performed group sales, stadium, and food & beverage operations

In Darius' role as an account executive, he specializes in sponsorship, group, and mini-plan sales.  

Darius is a 2017 graduate of Mississippi College where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business administration. Darius attended Benton High School (Benton, LA) where he participated in Football and Track & Field.

In Darius' spare time, he enjoys watching LSU Football and North Carolina Basketball. Along with spending with family and friends. Darius' was born in Misawa, Japan and currently resides in Ridgeland, MS.

Q & A with Darius:
Favorite ballpark food? Philly Cheesesteak
Favorite baseball player growing up? Cal Ripken Jr.
Favorite TV show? Scooby- Doo
Favorite movie? Space jam
Why I enjoy my job? Because I work in a family friendly atmosphere
My 12-year-old self would tell me? It doesn't hurt to get hit by a baseball

Daylin enters his first year with the Mississippi Braves as Account Executive and second year in minor league baseball. Daylin previously served as Ticket Office Trainee where he assisted with ticket office operations.

In Daylin's role as Account Executive, he specializes in Group Ticket Sales. Wheeling and dealing to get the ink being the top priority.

Daylin is a 2017 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Daylin attended Florence High School where he participated in anything that required a ball and an official ruining the game.

Daylin is a coach Brandon Futbol Club and helps develop young talent, and passion for the sport of soccer. This is a continuation from his soccer career that sadly ended after finishing two years as a student-athlete at Jones College.

In Daylin's spare time, he enjoys keeping track of his, oh so dominate, favorite sports teams: Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, and Duke basketball. For physical activities, Daylin enjoys keeping up with his dog, Leon, and playing adult indoor soccer leagues. Daylin was born in Jackson, MS and currently resides in Florence, MS.

Q & A with Daylin:
Favorite ballpark food? Philly cheesesteak
Favorite baseball player growing up? Dustin Pedroia
Favorite TV show? Game of Thrones
Favorite movie? Anchorman
Why I enjoy my job? I get to share the joy of baseball with everyone else
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Go to the doctor after you fracture your leg

Jacob enters his seventh season with the Mississippi Braves but begins his first season as a full-time staff member. In January 2013, Jacob joined the M-Braves as a part-time game-day employee. In April of 2015, he was promoted to the position of assistant clubhouse manager which he held until December 2017. In January 2018, he began his professional career as a ticket operations/sales trainee. Jacob then accepted the position of Account Executive in January of 2019 where he specializes in group and ticket sales.

Jacob graduated from Mississippi College in the spring of 2018 with a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. Jacob is also a recent graduate of Hinds Community College with an Associate in Arts degree. Before college, Jacob attended Richland High School in Richland, Mississippi.

Jacob, during his time at Mississippi College, was inducted into Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society which recognizes academic excellence in ACBSP schools. At Hinds, Jacob was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society and Alpha Beta Gamma International Business Honor Society where he is an active member to this day. Jacob also received the 3E Award - Emphasis on Excellence and Enrichment - which is one of the highest student achievement recognition award by Hinds Community College.

Jacob, recently engaged to his fiancé Sarah, enjoys spending time with his family, trying to better himself in Fortnite, and mildly obsessing over the Atlanta Braves, Florida State Seminoles, New Orleans Pelicans, and New Orleans Saints (#WeWereRobbed2019) in his spare time. Jacob was born in Flowood, Mississippi and now currently resides in Brandon, Mississippi.

Q & A with Jacob:
Favorite ballpark food? Philly cheesesteak
Favorite baseball player growing up? Chipper Jones
Favorite TV show? The Office
Favorite movie? Cast Away
Why I enjoy my job? There is a baseball diamond right outside of my office.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Sell your car and buy a Jeep.

Zach enters his fifth year with the Mississippi Braves and first as Director of Stadium Operations. He previously served as Concessions and Stadium Operations Manager as well as working in a number of departments as a trainee.

In Zach's role as Director of Stadium Operations, he manages all day to day operations at Trustmark Park, all clubhouse operations, and creates and manages new and existing sales accounts.

Zach is a graduate of Mississippi College, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management and was a 3-year starter for the Choctaw baseball team. Zach attended Taylorsville High School where he was actively involved in Baseball, Football, FCA, BETA Club, Drug-Free Teen Counsel, South Mississippi Red Cross, and HOBY.

Zach is a member of the Pearl Kiwanis Club, an organization dedicated to serving children in local communities and around the globe, and The American Red Cross.

In Zach's spare time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Shannon, deer & duck hunting, watching baseball, playing softball, and cheering on the Ole Miss Rebels. However, the most important thing to Zach is his faith in God, his family, and his friends. Zach currently resides in Brandon, MS.

Q & A with Zach:
Favorite ballpark food? Philly Cheesesteak Nachos
Favorite baseball player growing up? Mark McGwire
Favorite TV show? The Office
Favorite movie? Warrior
Why I enjoy my job? Seeing the smile on a kid's face when they get their first autograph or catching their first foul ball makes all the hours and tarp pulls worthwhile.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Don't forget to smile and have fun.

Sam enters his first year with the Mississippi Braves as Head Groundskeeper and third year in minor league baseball. Sam previously served as Head Groundskeeper for the Chicago Dogs in Rosemont, Illinois. In Sam's role as Head Groundskeeper, he maintains the playing surface of Trustmark Park for the Mississippi Braves.

Sam attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying turfgrass management. Sam attended Hume-Fogg Academic High School in Nashville, Tennessee where he played lacrosse and hockey.

Sam is an active member of the Sports Turf Managers Association which keeps groundskeepers in touch with new trends in the industry and keeps people connected through conferences and social media.

In Sam's spare time, he enjoys cheering on the Tennessee Volunteers, Minnesota Vikings, and Nashville Predators. Sam was born in Nashville, Tennessee and currently resides in Flowood, Mississippi.

Q & A with Sam:
Favorite ballpark food? Popcorn
Favorite baseball player growing up? Sammy Sosa
Favorite TV show? Shameless
Favorite movie? Almost Famous
Why I enjoy my job? I enjoy being outside rather than in an office setting. It is also very rewarding to see all of the hard work pay off.
My 12-year-old self would tell me?  Enjoy what you do and you'll never work a day in your life! 

Tony enters his fourth season with the M-Braves in 2019 and second as Assistant Stadium Operations Manager. Tony started as a Sales Trainee in 2016 and was later promoted to Sales Associate in 2017.

Tony is a 2015 graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Economics. Tony was inducted in the Omicron Delta Epsilon International Honor Society for Economics. Tony attended West Jones High School in Soso, MS.

In Tony's spare time, he enjoys traveling, spending time with family & friends, and cheering on the Atlanta Braves, New Orleans Saints and Pelicans. Tony currently resides in Flowood, MS.

Q & A with Tony:

Favorite ballpark food? Chili Cheese Nachos

Favorite baseball player growing up? Derek Jeter

Favorite TV show? Shark Tank

Favorite movie? Rush Hour

Why I enjoy my job? I enjoy meeting and interacting with fans each and every game.

My 12-year-old self would tell me? To hit more dingers.

Chris enters his 11th season in minor league baseball and second with the M-Braves as Director of Communications and "Voice of the Mississippi Braves".

The two-time Southern League Broadcaster of the Year (2013 and 2017) served the past three years as the Director of Media Relations and Broadcasting for the Southern League's Biloxi Shuckers. Before moving to Biloxi in 2015, Harris served as Manager of Media Relations and Broadcasting and eventually Vice President of Communications for the Jackson Generals from 2009-2014, earning his first Southern League Broadcaster of the Year award in 2013.

Harris led the public relations efforts for Biloxi's move into MGM Park after a 54-game road trip in 2015 and oversaw the national coverage of the historical beginning of the franchise. Harris was once again recognized by the league in 2017, being awarded the Southern League Broadcaster of the Year award for the second time.

His career as a play-by-play broadcaster has led him to appearances on Seattle Mariners spring training and regular season broadcasts, the 2011 Southern League Home Run Derby and All-Star Game, 2015 exhibition game between the Biloxi Shuckers and Milwaukee Brewers and over 1,400 minor league games.

Harris graduated from Bethel University (TN), where he also played baseball, with a business management degree in 2007. Harris also still ranks second in Tennessee state history in high school home runs (48) and RBI's (208). Harris now resides in Flowood. When not broadcasting sports, he enjoys rooting for the University of Memphis Tigers and Memphis Grizzlies.

Q & A with Chris: 
Favorite Ballpark Food? Nachos & Cheese with Jalapeno Peppers 
Favorite baseball player growing up? Ozzie Smith 
Favorite TV show? Saved by the Bell 
Favorite Movie? Happy Gilmore/The Natural 
Why I enjoy my job? I get to talk about baseball for a living 
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Say "That's a Winner" like Jack Buck 

Ali enters her first year with the Mississippi Braves as Promotions and Entertainment Manager and fourth year in minor league baseball. Ali previously served as Production Assistant for the State College Spikes in 2016, Production and Creative Service Manager for the Quad Cities Riverbandits in 2017 and Multimedia Specialist with the Reno Aces/Reno 1868 FC in 2018 where she was responsible for creating and executing all game entertainment and a video board content. In addition to working in minor league baseball, Ali has also worked several years in the Cactus League for the Texas Rangers, Kansas City Royals and the Chicago Cubs as well as for MLB's Arizona Fall League.

Ali also has a background in radio where she has been the technical director for various play-by-play broadcasts including Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Cardinals, Phoenix Suns, and ASU athletics. She also was an intern for the Minnesota Twins in 2013 as a broadcasting assistant for the Twins Radio Network.

In Ali's role as Promotions and Entertainment Manager, she will provide Mississippi Braves fans with fun, friendly entertainment to enjoy!

Ali is a 2012 graduate of Northern Arizona University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in Media Production. During her time at NAU, Ali was actively involved with her school's radio station KJACK radio as well as the local news station NAZ Today. Ali attended Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ where she participated in soccer and softball.

Ali helps raise proceeds for the Phoenix Children's Hospital that helps treat sick and injured children and provide financial support for their families.

In Ali's spare time, she enjoys spending time with her friends and family, traveling, watching movies and cheering on all her professional Arizona teams. Ali was born in Chandler, Arizona and currently resides in Mississippi.

Q & A with Ali: 
Favorite ballpark food? Hotdog w/ mustard & a Coke
Favorite baseball player growing up? Kirby Puckett
Favorite TV show? Parks & Recreation
Favorite movie? Dumb & Dumber
Why I enjoy my job? Being able to make fans happy with the videos, music, and atmosphere that I can provide from game entertainment.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Take all the naps you can get

Garrett enters his first year with the Mississippi Braves as the Graphic Design Manager and first year in minor league baseball. Garrett previously served as a Social Media Intern at New Hampshire Motor Speedway where he ran the track's social media platforms as well as contributed with Graphic Design and Media Relations.

In Garrett's role as the Graphic Design Manager, he creates everything from season ticket books to programs, flyers to social media graphics, and much more.

Garrett is a 2018 graduate of St. John Fisher College, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Sport Management and played for the volleyball team. Garrett attended Eden Jr. Sr. High School where he participated in soccer, swimming, and baseball.

In college, Garrett was a member of the Teddi Committee which helped generate hundreds of thousands of dollars for kids with cancer.

In Garrett's spare time, he enjoys playing sports and watching baseball, hockey, football, and basketball. He was born in Buffalo, NY and currently resides in Ridgeland, MS.

Q & A with Garrett:
Favorite ballpark food? Nachos and cheese
Favorite baseball player growing up? Derek Jeter
Favorite TV show? The Office
Favorite movie? The entire Fast and Furious series.
Why I enjoy my job? I enjoy my job because it allows me to insert my own creativity and personal preferences into the sports industry
My 12-year-old self would tell me? Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone, it'll pay off in the long-run

Sarah begins her 15th year with the Mississippi Braves as the Merchandise Manager.

In her role as the Merchandise manager, she oversees the day to day operation of our Retail store here at Trustmark Park and manages our online store.

She graduated from Arkansas (now Lyon) College In 1987 with a BA in Elementary Education. She finds she uses her degree well in her day to day interactions with co-workers. She graduated from The Hutchison School for girls in 1980. She was active in the Mixed choir and the theater program. She was the light and sound lead on all school productions from 1978-1980.

Sarah is the VP of the PTSO for Richland High School and has been for the past 3 years. She loves to go to the high school baseball field to watch her son Luke play baseball. Luke is a senior this year and is the only returning starting pitcher for his team. Luke was only 4 years old when Sarah started her job with the Braves.

Q & A with Sarah:
Favorite Ballpark Food? Hot dogs and popcorn
Favorite baseball player?  Luke Banta
Favorite TV show? Grace and Frankie
Favorite Movie?  Steel Magnolias/Space Cowboys
Why I enjoy my job?-Getting to meet the players and their families each year.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? You have a cool job!

Felica enters her ninth year with the Mississippi Braves as Director of Food and Beverage. Felicia previously served as concessions manager and commissary manager where she oversaw the day-to-day operations of the concession stands and commissary.

In Felicia's role as Director of Food and Beverage, she is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of all Food and Beverage areas, ordering food and beverage for the entire stadium and managing a staff of over 100 part-time employees.

Felicia is a graduate of Tougaloo College, where she earned a degree in Health and Recreation with an emphasis on Community Health. Felicia attended Crystal Springs High School where she participated in Beta Club, Track and Field, Cheerleading and Basketball.

Felicia is a member of the Crystal Springs Chamber of Commerce and board president of Crystal Springs Main Street which is a non-profit that promotes and celebrates downtown Crystal Springs through the preservation of historic resources and through projects, events, and activities. 

In Felicia's spare time, she enjoys traveling the country, reading, working at her bridal shop and spending time with her fur babies Kendall, Brownie, and Kelala. Felicia was born in Clarksdale, MS and currently resides in Crystal Springs, MS.

Q & A with Felicia:
Favorite ballpark food? Crawfish PoBoy
Favorite baseball player growing up? Ken Griffey Jr.
Favorite TV show? Live PD
Favorite movie?
Why I enjoy my job? It allows me to meet a diverse group of young people and offer many of them a first-time opportunity to be a part of the workforce.
My 12-year-old self would tell me? My 12-year-old self would tell me to be involved without breaking a sweat.