Pfander headed to Akron

CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Charleston RiverDogs assistant general manager Jim Pfander, who has handled the club's wacky and wild promotions for the past six years, has accepted a position as the executive vice president & chief operating officer of the Akron Aeros, the Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

"I thank [RiverDogs president] Mike Veeck, [owner] Marv Goldklang, [general manager] Dave Echols and the rest of the Charleston staff for affording me this opportunity to return home and lead the Akron Aeros," said Pfander. "The RiverDogs' organization is a class act and I look forward to infusing the fun and excitement at Riley Park to Canal Park in Akron. My family and I will miss Charleston and the RiverDogs family of fans, season ticket holders and sponsors, but we look forward to the opportunities ahead."

It will be a homecoming of sorts for Pfander, an Akron, Ohio, native, who originally joined the RiverDogs' organization as director of promotions in 2005, before his promotion to assistant general manager prior to the 2007 season. "Jim has been a valuable member of the RiverDogs staff since his arrival, and his work ethic and track record speak for themselves," said Echols, who also worked with Pfander during his stint with the Brockton Rox of the independent Can-Am League from 2003-04. "He has worked hard and is definitely deserving of taking this step in his career, and while he'll certainly be missed here, he will be an immediate asset to the Akron organization and community."

A 1996 graduate of Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron, Pfander attended Ohio University, earning his degree in broadcast journalism in 2000.

For the past 11 seasons, Pfander has immersed himself in the world of professional baseball, serving in a bevy of capacities. He was the broadcasting and special events intern for his beloved Cleveland Indians before pinning down his first full-time position as the director of promotions & sponsorships with the Spokane Indians of the Northwest League in 2001.

Pfander then moved on to Brockton in 2003 as the team's director of promotions & merchandise, where he honed his craft upon coming to Charleston.

The Akron Aeros play in the Eastern League and have captured league championships in 2003, 2005 and 2009.

Echols indicated that a national search for a replacement is underway.