Big day in the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) front office, as five executives have been promoted to executive director roles with the team.
Joe Bialek has been promoted to Executive Director of Sales from his role as Director of Sales where he will continue to oversee the Fightins’ corporate sales efforts through signage, electronic advertising, and additional marketing opportunities. Heading into his 17th season with the club, Bialek is a Reading High graduate as well as a Slippery Rock alum. He currently resides in Spring Township.
“Being a Reading native it’s a very humbling and exciting experience to be named to a leadership role in this organization that has been such a big part of our community for so many generations,” said Bialek. “The people leading this organization during my time here are some of the best Minor League Baseball operators in the country. I look forward to taking the tools I’ve acquired from these mentors and continuing the tradition community and industry leadership from the Reading Fightin Phils Front Office.”
Twenty-year front office member Kevin Sklenarik has been named Executive Director of Baseball Operations and Merchandise. In his new role, Sklenarik will continue to work alongside the Phillies in processing roster moves and managing team travel. He will also oversee the team’s merchandising and team store. Sklenarik is a Connecticut native, but graduated from Alvernia University. He lives in Spring Township.
“As an Executive Director, I am eager to develop my leadership skills to help make this organization the best it can be,” said Sklenarik about his new role. “I look forward to continuing to strengthen my association with the Phillies and our developing players during the 2015 season.”
Matt Jackson will lead the team’s creative efforts as the Executive Director of Graphic Arts and Game Entertainment. He will remain responsible for designing signage and other marketing materials while developing innovative between-inning entertainment. A 17-year front office veteran, Jackson is a Reading High graduate and Slippery Rock alum. He currently lives in West Reading.
After a one-season hiatus away from the team, Mike Becker returned to the club in October as the team’s Executive Director of Tickets. Previously, Becker spent 16 seasons in the front office as Director of Ticket Operations following an internship with the team in 1998. The Conrad Weiser and Millersville alum is currently a resident of Spring Township.
“I’m excited to be back with the team and look forward to getting reacquainted with the fans,” said Becker.
Over the course of his 13 seasons with the team, Mike Robinson has worn many hats with the Fightins — from group sales to customer service. In his current role as Executive Director of Community & Fan Relations, the Reading High and Bloomsburg alum will continue ambassador for the Fightins brand in the Greater Reading area and at FirstEnergy Stadium. Robinson resides in Sinking Spring.
“With my experience and leadership abilities, I am grateful for the opportunity to enhance the community awareness and the fan experience at FirstEnergy Stadium,” said Robinson. “I am looking forward to an exciting 2015 season.”