Jacksonville's Evatt cited by Southern League

MARIETTA, Ga. -- The Southern League of Professional Baseball Clubs is pleased to announce that Jacksonville Suns director of ticket operations Karlie Evatt has been named the Woman of Excellence, as voted upon by the league's general managers. Evatt also is the Southern League's nominee for the Rawlings Woman Executive of the Year Award, which is presented by Minor League Baseball at the Winter Meetings.

Evatt, who majored in sports management while attending the University of Georgia, has exhibited tremendous customer service skills since joining the Suns as an intern in 2002. She assumed her current role in time for the unveiling of the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville in 2003, and the Suns have boasted the highest annual attendance in the Southern League ever since.

Handling the rigors of her position with grace and an endearing personality, Evatt has developed a great rapport with Suns season ticket holders. In addition to being dedicated to her job, Evatt is devoted to her husband Anthony and their young children, Ty and Tristan.

"We couldn't be prouder of Karlie for receiving this award," Suns general manager Kirk Goodman said. "She has been an invaluable member of the Suns front office for six seasons, and has done incredible work running our entire ticket operation. She has succeeded in balancing her demanding job with the Suns and her even more demanding job at home.

"Karlie is very deserving of this award and we thank all the members of the Southern League who voted for her to receive this honor."

Evatt is the fourth recipient of the Woman of the Year Award. She joins Lori Webb of the Southern League, Betty Adams of the Mobile BayBears and Marla Terranova of the Montgomery Biscuits on the list of honorees.