We have personnel news to report from the Danville Braves (Rookie; Appalachian League) and the Gary SouthShore RailCats (independent; American Association).
In Danville, the Braves have announced that Stephen Brunson will assume the role as assistant general manager effective immediately.
“The Braves are an organization that I love and want to continue to grow my career with,” said Brunson. “I have loved my time in Danville and I’m excited to work with Brandon [Bennett, general manager] to create the best family-friendly entertainment in the city.”
Brunson joined the club in 2018 as the media relations trainee and following the completion of the season was offered to join the staff in a full-time role as the sales and marketing manager. For the past 15 months, Brunson has been assisting the club in sponsorship and ticket sales, social media and digital marketing efforts.
“Stephen has proven himself to be hardworking and quick to learn and adapt to a variety of roles,” said D-Braves general manager, Brandon Bennett. “He has a great rapport with our staff and fans. The two of us work well together and I look forward to working together as we prepare for the 2020 season.”
The Wichita, Kansas graduated from Kansas State University with a degree in Public Relations. His time as a Wildcat included experience working at K-State Athletics with the Athletics Communications department and the Junction City Brigade, a summer collegiate baseball team.
Brunson is also well involved in the Danville community and serves in several roles at North Main Baptist Church.
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In Gary, the RailCats have announced several staff additions and promotions for the 2020 season.
Michael Dortch joins the RailCats as Director of Food & Beverage. He brings over 20 years of experience in the hospitality/F&B industry. He was born and raised in Chicago, IL and graduated from Concordia University with a B.A. in Organizational Management, where he played on the Cougars football team.
Matthew Santiago joins the RailCats for the 2020 season as Account Executive. Prior to joining the team, he began his hand at B2B relations in different capacities from sales to marketing. He is a 2018 alumnus of Columbia College Chicago and has achieved his Bachelor of Arts in Video Game Design.
Two familiar faces have been promoted into full time roles this season. Ashley Nylen returns to the RailCats as Manager of Marketing & Promotions after having served the 2017 season as the Marketing/Promotions Intern, the 2018 season as the Marketing/Promotions Assistant and the 2019 season and Community & Promotions Coordinator. Nylen, a Schererville native, graduated from Lake Central High School and Ball State University.
Hisham Abad returns for his second season with the RailCats as the Director of Ticket Operations, spending the 2019 season as Box Office Manager. He joined the RailCats after spending the prior two seasons with the Lake County Captains (Low A; Midwest League) as Stadium Operations Intern and Ticket Sales Account Executive & Catering Coordinator. Abad also has experience with Bowling Green State University as the Graduate Assistant for the BGSU Athletic Ticket Office.
“We are thrilled about the new faces we’ve added this season, and proud of the returning staff who grew professionally,” said RailCats General Manager Brian Flenner. “The Region can expect FANastic Family Fun at a new level in the ballpark during 2020 when we open the gates.”