Fisher Cats Announce Front Office Promotions

Manchester, N.H. - The New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, today announced the promotion of seven front office staff members, including Danielle Matteau to the position of Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs and Erik Lesniak to the position of Executive Director of Ticket Sales.

Below is a complete list of all promoted Fisher Cats staff members:

*Danielle Matteau - Executive Director of Marketing and Public Affairs

*Erik Lesniak - Executive Director of Ticket Sales

*Matt Moore - Director of Stadium Operations

*Joel Leroy - Director of Ticket Sales

*Tim Hough - Director of Box Office Operations

*Josh Hubbard - Director of Group Sales

*Liam Roberge - Assistant Director of Marketing and Sales

The series of promotions comes shortly after the Fisher Cats organization was recognized with such honors as Minor League Baseball's 2010 Larry MacPhail Award for demonstrating the best promotional effort and community involvement, and Baseball America's 2009 Bob Freitas Award recognizing the club as an outstanding franchise that has achieved long-term success in Minor League Baseball.

"There are many people who have been vital to the continuing success of our front office," said Fisher Cats Owner Art Solomon.  "These men and women have performed to the tune of excellence and are constantly working to improve the quality of our product for our fans and partners.  Congratulations to them all on their deserved promotions."

Matteau, a Claremont, NH, native, has been dubbed the Eastern League's Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year in 2008, 2009 and 2010.  The Bates College graduate joined the Fisher Cats front office in 2004 as a Corporate Sales Representative. Within two years Matteau was promoted to Community Relations Manager and after several further advances in rank, in 2007 she was promoted to Director of Public Affairs.

"I am extremely grateful to both Art and Rick for this opportunity," said Matteau.  "I look forward to the challenges and responsibility involved with this role.  I have learned so much in the past six years, and I feel very fortunate to work with such a great group of people."

Lesniak, a member of the Fisher Cats since the club's inception, has served as the team's Director of Group Sales since his initial hire in 2003.  The South Hadley, MA, native has been a key contributor to the Fisher Cats' perennial success in attendance totals, which have finished within the top five of the Eastern League standings in each of the last four seasons.  Lesniak is a committed member of the local community, serving as a member of the Manchester Lions Club, Manchester Kiwanis Club and the Manchester Chapter of the Ancient order of Hibernians.

"I am very excited to move into this new position and continue to provide our fans with the very best opportunities for their companies and families," said Lesniak.  "We have the greatest season and mini-ticket holders, groups and fans in baseball and I am truly blessed with the opportunity that the organization has given me."

"We are fortunate to have so many talented individuals here that work diligently to provide our fans and partners with the utmost quality and service," said Fisher Cats President Rick Brenner.  "The special relationships they have built with the community make great things possible.  We are very proud of them and their achievements."

Moore, a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler, began his career in professional baseball with the Fisher Cats in 2007 as an intern and was quickly elevated to the position of Stadium Operations Assistant following that season. Most recently, the Grand Prairie, TX, native had served as the club's Stadium Operations Manager. 

"I'd like to thank Art Solomon, Rick Brenner, Tim Restall and the Fisher Cats for this promotion," said Moore.  "It's been a pleasure to work and grow professionally with this great organization and I look forward to my future with the team."

Leroy began his career in professional baseball in 2007 and has been a member of the Fisher Cats' staff since 2008 when he joined the team as a Ticket Sales Account Executive. The Erie, PA, native held internships with the Reading Phillies (Double-A/Eastern League) and Erie SeaWolves (Double-A/Eastern League) prior to joining New Hampshire.

"I would like to thank the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for giving me this wonderful opportunity as the Director of Ticket Sales," said Leroy.  "I look forward to starting my new role and further contributing to the success of the organization."

Hough joined the Fisher Cats as the Media Relations Intern in 2007 before being hired as the Media Relations Assistant in 2008.  The following season, the Barnstead, NH, native took on a full-time role with the club as the Media Relations Assistant/Ticket Account Executive before being promoted to the position of Box Office Manager.  Hough has earned an Associate's Degree from New Hampshire Technical Institute and also owns a Bachelor's Degree in Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University.

"I have had a great time growing with the Fisher Cats," said Hough. "I look forward to this new opportunity."

Hubbard, a 2009 graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, joined the Fisher Cats in 2008 after successfully completing the team's internship and assistantship program.  He was later hired in a full-time capacity as a Ticket Sales Account Executive and has been prominent in the club's group and individual ticket sales efforts throughout his tenure.

"I would like to thank the Fisher Cats organization for this great opportunity," said Hubbard.  "It has been a great experience learning from the best and growing as a person and a professional.  I look forward to continuing that growth."

Roberge began his career with the Fisher Cats as an intern in 2008 before taking on a full-time role within the marketing department later that year.  The Manchester, NH, resident continued his ascent through the ranks when he was promoted to the position of Marketing Manager in the autumn of 2008.  Roberge owns a Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Management from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst.

"I can't speak enough about the opportunities I have been given while with the Fisher Cats," said Roberge.  "It's a privilege to work for such a high caliber organization and I am excited for what the future brings."

New Hampshire Fisher Cats Full- and Half-Season Tickets for the 2011 All-Star Season, including Opening Day on April 7^thand the 2011 Northeast Delta Dental Eastern League All-Star Game on July 13 at Merchantsauto.com Stadium, are on sale now.  Mini-Ticket Plans for the 2011 season are also available by calling (603) 641-2005 or by visiting www.nhfishercats.com.