A host of personnel changes in front offices to report today: Jim Pfander is the new executive VP/COO of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League), Matt Leite is the new media relations manager for the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (Class AA; Eastern League) and Josh Olerud is the new general manager of the Potomac Nationals (High Class A; Carolina League).
Pfander has been assistant general manager of the Charleston RiverDogs (Low Class A; Sally League) for the past six years, where he oversaw the noteworthy promotions for the frachise.
“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 (independent; Can-Am Association) 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.”
In Manchester, Leite joins the team after serving as the director of media relations and play-by-play announcer for the Pittsfield Colonials (independent; Can-Am Association). While with the Colonials he managed the everyday operations of the press areas and served as the team’s liaison with the local media and league office. Leite also served as the main sales representative for the Colonials.
“We are very happy to welcome Matt to the Fisher Cats organization,” said Fisher Cats President/General Manager Rick Brenner. “He has a lot of experience and passion and we are confident that he is going to help the Fisher Cats maintain and further improve our relationships throughout the region.”
“I am extremely proud to have this opportunity with the Fisher Cats,” said Leite. “Being able to work for such a great organization and group of people is a privilege. I’m excited to be back in Manchester and working in a city that loves its baseball.”
Leite will serve as the Fisher Cats’ primary media and press box liaison and will handle a variety of matters including, establishing and maintaining relations and communications with local media outlets, composing team press releases, and assisting in sales.
It’s not yet been formally announced by either side, but we’re told Olerud is the choice to replace Jonathan Griffith, who left for a job with the Pensacola Pelicans (independent; American Association), as general manager of the Potomacs. He has been serving as general manager of the Rockford RiverHawks (independent; Northern League).
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