We have personnel news today from the West Virginia Power (Low A; Sally League), Frederick Keys (High A; Carolina League) and the San Diego Padres.
The West Virginia Power announced the hiring of six additional staff members.
“We are thrilled to added this group of talented and energetic individuals to our core staff,” said Ken Fogel, Executive Vice-President of the West Virginia Power. “These new employees bring a diverse skill set to our front office and will help improve our operations and customer service throughout the park.”
Aaron Simmons is the club’s new Director of Food and Beverage. He is a Kanawha Valley native and received his degree in business from West Virginia State University. In 2002, Simmons was honored as the Small Business Administration’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year and was later tabbed as one of the State Journal’s Top 40 Under 40.
Hannah Frenchick takes over as the Power’s Box Office Manager for the 2016 season. Frenchick graduated from the University of Southern Maine and most recently worked in the Portland Sea Dogs (Class AA; Eastern League) box office.
Jenna Plummer is the team’s new Merchandise Manager. Plummer graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College and most recently worked for the Kokomo Jackrabbits (summer collegiate; Prospect League).
Haley Townsend has been added to the Power staff as the Client Services Manager. Townsend graduated from Georgia Southern University with a degree in Sport Management and was an intern with the Hickory Crawdads during the 2015 season.
Steven Unser joins the staff as an Account Executive. Unser, an Orlando, Florida native, spent three seasons working for the Jacksonville Suns (Class AA; Southern League) before joining the Power.
Garrett Weller is a graduate of Minnesota State University- Mankato and will be the Game Day Entertainment and Production Manager for West Virginia. Weller has interned for several teams over the last three years, including the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League).
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After two seasons with the Frederick Keys, Head Groundskeeper Mike Soper has been called up to the Major Leagues. The reigning Carolina League Sports Turf Manager of the Year will join the San Diego Padres as an Assistant Groundskeeper for the 2016 season.
“It was always a goal of mine to get to the Major Leagues as a groundskeeper,” said Soper. “Luckily the San Diego Padres have given me that opportunity. I look forward to the challenge, and want to thank the Keys and General Manager Dave Ziedelis for the opportunity to work here in Frederick.”
Soper, 28, was named the Carolina League Sports Turf Manager of the Year in September, an award voted on by league managers and umpires. It was the first time Soper had received the honor, while he was recognized for his accomplishment prior to an Orioles game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
“We are extremely pleased and excited for Mike’s opportunity to reach our highest level-the show,” said Ziedelis. “The Keys organization develops players and staff for advancement in the industry and this is definitely a testimony to Mike’s award-winning hard work and dedication.”
A 2011 graduate of UMass, Soper joined the Keys in January 2014 after working as the Assistant Groundskeeper for the Bowie Baysox (Class AA; Eastern League). Additionally, he has worked for the Buffalo Bisons (Class AAA; International League) and the Lake Elsinore Storm (High A; California League). Soper was a member of the Storm grounds crew that won the California League Field of the Year Award in 2012.