We have some personnel news to report from the Madison Mallards (summer collegiate; Northwoods League) and the Vermont Lake Monsters (Short Season A; NY-Penn League).
In Madison, Jake Serwe has been named the Mallards Assistant General Manger. Serwe has spent the past six seasons with the Mallards sister team, the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters.
“The Mallards can’t wait to have Jake get started in his new position with the team,” said Mallards General Manager Tyler Isham. “In his six seasons in Wisconsin Rapids, Jake proved that he could handle all aspects of our business, and we are excited to have his knowledge and expertise in Madison. Jake will be a great addition to our team.”
Serwe has held a variety of positions with the Rafters as he has advanced in the company. He began his career with the Rafters as an operations intern and head groundskeeper in 2012 before joining the staff full-time, working in inside and outside sales as well as operations. He has served as the Assistant General Manager in Rapids for the last two seasons. Serwe will continue in a similar role with the Mallards, overseeing the Mallards inside sales staff as well as servicing clients in the Dane County community.
“It has been an absolute pleasure working in Wisconsin Rapids. Being a part of such a great community and helping bring the 2016 World Series Championship to Wisconsin Rapids was one of the highlights of my career in Wisconsin Rapids. I’m looking forward to my new opportunity to join the Mallards staff and can’t wait for Opening Day at the Duck Pond in 2018,” stated Serwe.
Serwe began his career in baseball as an intern with the Omaha Storm Chasers (Class AAA; Pacific Coast League) in 2011. He received his bachelor’s degree in Sport Management from UW-Parkside in December of 2012.
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In Vermont, the Lake Monsters have announced several staffing changes. The former Director of Community Relations and Promotions, Maria Valentyn, will become the Director of Marketing and Promotions, while the former Box Office Manager, Frank Fanning, will become the Director of Team Operations and Community Outreach.
After leading a very successful promotional season, Maria Valentyn will continue to focus on improving and enhancing on-field promotions and game day events. She will take on a bigger role moving forward in the marketing efforts of the organization, focusing on growing the Lake Monsters brand in both the local and national markets.
During the 2017 season, Frank Fanning demonstrated positive communication and public relation skills. To highlight and expand on these skills, Frank has been moved into a new role with the Lake Monsters organization that will focus on team operations, allowing him to work closely with the Oakland Athletics. He will continue to manage certain fundraising efforts, and will have a bigger presence in the Vermont community alongside CHAMP, the team’s loveable mascot.