The Daytona Tortugas (High A; Florida State League) have made several personnel moves in anticipation of the 2020 season, including promotions and additions within their front office.
“We’re in the memory-making business and that starts with developing and cultivating talented individuals. We have been blessed to have some great people within our organization and unbelievably proud of the growth that these individuals have shown over the past several years,” said Tortugas president Ryan Keur. “I’m excited to see our entire staff continue to grow and learn within their new roles.”
Austin Scher has been promoted to assistant general manager. Scher, a Durham, N.C. native, has spent the previous two seasons as the team’s director of corporate partnerships. Scher has led the team’s corporate partnerships efforts and guided the team to record-high revenues in both 2018 and 2019. In the Wisconsin graduates’ new role, he will continue to be heavily involved in the Tortugas’ sales management, but will also have day-to-day supervision on the organization’s game-day staff. Prior to joining the Tortugas, Scher spent two seasons with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low A; Sally League) and a campaign with the Burlington Royals (Rookie; Appalachian League).
Anderson Rathbun has been promoted to the team’s director of corporate partnerships. Rathbun has played an integral part in Daytona’s last two record-breaking seasons as the team’s business development manager. Rathbun joined the team in 2017 following his graduation from Clemson University. Rathbun has been heavily involved in securing new strategic partners, as well as the transition to digital assets within Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Amy Cecil has been promoted to partnership fulfillment and promotions manager. Amy joined the Tortugas prior to the 2019 season as the club’s partnership fulfillment coordinator. As a part of the brand new role for the franchise, Amy assisted with the growth of the department and constantly focused on providing a first-class experience for all of the Tortugas partners. In Cecil’s new role, she will continue to elevate partner and fan experience in addition to overseeing the day-to-day in-park atmosphere at Jackie Robinson Ballpark.
Thomas Vickers has been promoted to director of stadium operations and events. Vickers joined the Tortugas prior to the 2019 season as the team’s stadium operations manager. As part of his new position, the New Hampshire native will oversee all events that take place in Jackie Robinson Ballpark. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also the host to Bethune-Cookman University’s baseball team and presents roughly 225 events annually. Vickers joined the Tortugas after stints with Stetson University in DeLand, Fla. in addition to the Clearwater Threshers (High A; Florida State League).
The Tortugas have also added two new staff members. Josh McCann has been brought aboard as the team’s new community relations and outside events manager. He joins the club after spending this past summer with the Quad Cities River Bandits (Low A; Midwest League). Josh will continue to elevate the presence that the Tortugas have in the community while expanding upon existing community programs. Bella Crispino has joined the Tortugas from the Detroit Tigers’ organization as the team’s newly appointed creative services and marketing manager. Her new role will enable the franchise to strengthen its already popular social and digital content. Crispino will oversee all of the club’s social media platforms.
“We have constantly grown our staff over the past several years to reflect the growing nature of our business,” Keur stated. “I cannot think of a better team to lead us into this All-Star Season.”