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Personnel moves in Tennessee, Reading, Charleston

Tennessee SmokiesWe have some changes in the front offices of the Tennessee Smokies (Class AA; Southern League), the Reading Fightin Phils (Class AA; Eastern League) and the West Virginia Power (Low Class A; Sally League).

First: the Power announced the hiring of Ken Fogel as executive vice president.

Fogel most recently served as assistant general manager of the Akron Aeros (Class AA; Eastern League) from 2008-2012. Other stops during his 16-year career include various positions with the Lake County Captains (Low Class A; Sally League), the Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High Class A; California League) and the Australian Baseball Federation.

“Ken’s depth of experience in all facets of baseball operations makes him the perfect person to lead our staff,” said Power Managing Partner Tim Wilcox.

As executive vice president, Ken will be responsible for overseeing every aspect of the team’s operation.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of continuing to improve the fan experience at Appalachian Power Park and making sure that this remains a destination for the community each summer,” said Fogel.

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Multiple hires for the Tennessee Smokies to report.

Craig Jenkins joins the Smokies as Senior Director of Corporate Marketing. This marks a return to the area for Craig who has previously attended the University of Tennessee. Craig possesses over 25 years of experience working in professional sports, most recently serving as Senior Director of Live Events with TNA Wrestling. “Craig’s unparalleled experience in this field, combined with his passion for sports and his knowledge of the area made him the ideal man to take the helm of our marketing campaign.” said Smokies Vice President Chris Allen. “We can’t wait for him to bring his energy and abilities back to this community”

Jeremy Boler comes to the Smokies after spending the last three years as general manager of the Forest City Owls (summer collegiate; Coastal Plains League). While with Forest City Jeremy led the Owls into the top 11 nationally in attendance numbers in each of his years with the club. Jeremy will be the Smokies’ new Director of Corporate Sales. “Jeremy is a fantastic addition for the Smokies.” Said Allen. “Having served as a General Manager he knows the baseball industry inside and out and has a lot of great ideas for how to strengthen and grow our corporate partnerships across the area.”

The Smokies Corporate Sales team will also add Rey Regenstreif-Harms as its newest Sales Executive. Rey has spent the previous five seasons with the Smokies as a Concessions Assistant, Group Sales Account Executive and Group Sales Manager. As Group Sales Manager, Rey oversaw increases in both group ticket sales and revenue. “Rey has done a fine job for us in Group Sales for the last few years,” said Smokies Assistant General Manager Jeff Shoaf, “and we are very excited to see him take the next step in his career.”

Tim Volk returns to the Smokies after a three-year absence to serve as Director of Ticket and Group Sales. Tim previously worked as an Operations Assistant and Group Sales Representative with the Smokies. Before his return to the Smokies, Tim worked at IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions at the University of Tennessee, where he is an alumnus. “We’re thrilled that Tim has come back to the Smokies.” said Allen. “We think he has a strong vision for our ticket department for 2014 and for the future.”

Taking over leadership of the Group Sales Department will be Jason Moody. Jason spent the last two seasons with the Smokies as a Ticket Assistant and Account Executive respectively. During the 2013 season Jason had the best sales year of any Smokies Account Executive since 2008 and has earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from his clients.

Joining Jason in the Group Sales Department will be two new Account Executives. Brad Putch and Tyler Castro are both recent graduates of the University of Tennessee where Tyler worked with Tim Volk at IMG Learfield Ticket Solutions. Tim said of the new hires,  “We are extremely excited and fortunate to have Tyler and Brad be a part of the sales staff going forward. Their experience and skill set will enhance our efforts and bring a great amount of positivity to our excellent fan base.”

“With Randy and Jenny Boyd taking over our ownership and the continued leadership of our President, Doug Kirchhofer, we are confident that this is going to be a tremendous year at Smokies Park.” said Allen. “The chance to revitalize our staff and bring in this many exciting new faces will allow us to re-engage and re-energize our fans and the entire East Tennessee community.”

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The Reading Fightin Phils announced the promotion of Tim McGee to Director of Ticket Operations and Jon Muldowney to Director of Group Sales.

“Tim and Jon bring along great deal of ticket sales experience that make them the perfect guys to lead our ticket and group sales department,” said Fightin Phils General Manager Scott Hunsicker. “In 14 years of working in the Reading market, Tim has a great relationship with many of our fans and season ticket holders. His knowledge of our product is second-to-none. Jon’s enthusiasm for working in Minor League Baseball will carry over to his new role in group sales with the club. He’s always crafting new and exciting ways for groups to have an entertaining night out at America’s Classic Ballpark.”

McGee brings nearly 14 years of ticket sales experience with him as he moves up to lead the Fightin Phils Ticket Department. Under his new position, the 36-year old will manage season tickets and mini-plans, ticket books, and single-game ticket sales while working alongside the group department.

Upon completing an internship with Reading in 2000, McGee worked in the ticket department at the Reading Royals (ECHL) where he was named ECHL Ticket Executive of the Year in 2003 as the Director of Ticket Operations. He re-joined the franchise for the 2007 season as a Group Sales Manager through 2009. He also held the position of Assistant Director of Ticket Operations in 2010-12 and Assistant Director of Group Outings in 2013.

McGee graduated from Daniel Boone High School in 1997 and holds a B.S. in Sports Management/Business from DeSales University where he also played basketball. He currently lives in Exeter with his wife Jamie.

Muldowney will oversee the Fightin Phils Group Sales department that includes three group buffet areas and reserved group seating in his new role with the organization. Prior to heading the team’s group operations, the 27-year old spent the 2013 season as Assistant Director of Group Outings and 2010-12 as a Client Relationship Manager following a season with Lakewood BlueClaws as Ticket Sales Manager in 2009. He originally came on board with the team in 2008 as a full-time intern.

A 2004 graduate of Nativity High School, Muldowney received his degree in Leisure and Sports Studies from Kutztown University in 2008 where he was also played football as a defensive back. The Pottsville native currently resides in Reading with his wife Michelle and daughter Madison.

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