Minor League Baseball reveals promotions

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Minor League Baseball announced today a series of promotions and one addition to the Minor League Baseball executive staff.

Brian Earle has been promoted to Chief Operating Officer of Minor League Baseball. In his new role, he assumes oversight responsibilities of day-to-day business operations and strategic planning for the organization. Earle, who has worked for Minor League Baseball since 1995, most recently served as Vice President, Baseball Internet Rights Company (BIRCO) and Business Services. In his previous role, Earle lead the successful 2008 launch of its BIRCO digital initiative in partnership with Major League Baseball Advanced Media (MLBAM), and supervised the communications, information technology and licensing departments.

Sean Brown has been promoted to Vice President of Finance for Minor League Baseball. Brown oversees all accounting and financial functions and is responsible for the development and implementation of Minor League Baseball's financial strategy. Brown has served the organization as Director of Finance and Accounting since 2012 when he joined the staff.

Dusty Dellinger, who has served as Interim Director of Minor League Baseball's Professional Baseball Umpire Corporation (PBUC), has been named Director, PBUC, removing the interim tag. Dellinger assumed the role of Interim Director in February 2014 following the departure of Justin Klemm, who accepted a position with Major League Baseball as Director of Instant Replay. Dellinger oversees the development of Minor League Baseball umpires and is responsible for all personnel moves among the 225 minor league umpires. Dellinger also serves as Director of The Umpire School.

Mary Marandi has been promoted to Assistant Director, Corporate Communications. Marandi, who has served as Senior Manager, Corporate Communications since 2013, is responsible for marketing and business communications, social media strategies and developing opportunities for national media exposure. Prior to moving into a communications role with the organization, Marandi spent seven years in marketing working on national sponsorship outreach, account managing and was the department's coordinator for public relations aspects of promotions. Marandi joined Minor League Baseball in 2006.

Minor League Baseball also announced the hiring of Jeff Lantz as Director, Communications. Lantz will oversee all of Minor League Baseball's communication activities including media requests, publications, and outreach efforts. Lantz brings a wealth of experience to the organization, most recently serving as Manager, Media Relations with the Baltimore Orioles for the past seven seasons. Prior to his role with the Orioles, Lantz spent the previous eight years in a similar capacity with the Triple-A Iowa Cubs of the Pacific Coast League.