Charlotte Knights
324 South Mint Street
Charlotte, North Carolina 28202
Main: (704) 274-8300
Ticket Office: (704) 274-8282
Group Sales: (704) 274-8332
Season Memberships: (704) 274-8331
Team Store: (704) 274-8199
Email: [email protected]
Front Office
Dan Rajkowski, Chief Operating Officer
On November, 30, 2012, Dan Rajkowski was named as the Charlotte Knights Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, after spending seven years as the club's Vice President and General Manager. Under Rajkowski's guidance, over two million fans passed through the gates at Knights Stadium. His Knights played their final game at Knights Stadium on September 2, 2013.
Due to his tireless efforts, Rajkowski played an influential role in moving the Knights from Fort Mill, SC to Charlotte, NC. BB&T Ballpark opened to a capacity crowd on Friday. April 11, 2014. Rajkowski led the Knights to 687,715 fans in their first season -- tops in all of Minor League Baseball. For his efforts, he was named as the International League's Executive of the Year on September 23, 2014.
A 30+ year veteran of the baseball business, Rajkowski has operated clubs at all classifications of Minor League Baseball and has been honored with numerous awards over his career. He was named the Southern League Executive of the Year in 1997.
Dan has worked for owner Don Beaver for over 20 years, managing three of his teams. Besides the Charlotte Knights, he also ran teams in Knoxville, TN and New Orleans, LA. Rajkowski is an active member in numerous community organizations. He currently sits on the boards of the Charlotte Regional Sports Commission and the Charlotte Regional Partnership. In addition, he is a member of the Charlotte Rotary and is active in the Greater Charlotte Hospitality and Tourism Alliance.
Did you know?
In 2000, he was the recipient of the highly coveted Larry McPhail Promotional Award for Minor League Baseball and was elected to the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame. One year later, he received the Bobby Mattick Award for dedication and excellence in the field of player development while he was with the Toronto Blue Jays organization.
Rob Egan, General Manager
Rob Egan joined the Knights on October 3, 2016, after guiding the Altoona Curve (Double-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates) as their general manager for eight seasons.
A native of Grand Blanc, Michigan, Egan worked in the Altoona Curve front office for 14 seasons, including the last eight as the team's general manager (2009-2016). In 2014, he earned the Eastern League Executive of the Year Award.
Before becoming general manager, Egan spent his first six seasons (1999-2004) as the first radio broadcaster in Curve franchise history. Prior to 1999, Egan worked for minor league teams in Charleston, S.C. (1997-98), Johnstown (1996), and Salinas, Calif. (1995). In addition to his broadcasting responsibilities, Egan was extensively involved in the marketing, promotions, and sponsorship sales of all the teams for which he previously worked.
Did you know?
Egan created and hosted the daily sports talk show, "Front & Center," on the ESPN Radio affiliates in Altoona and State College in 2006, hosting it for three years.
Grace Eng Harper, Vice President / Assistant General Manager, Events & Entertainment
Grace joined the Knights in 2019 and is responsible for all non-game, public & private special events at the ballpark 365 days a year. She has created and executed an array of events but most notably the annual Light the Knights Holiday Festival every December and the 2024 AHL Charlotte Checkers Outdoor Classic Game.
Grace has worked in baseball since 2015 after she graduated from Elon University with a degree in strategic communications and played Division 1 softball. She resides in Christmastown, NC where just like Light the Knights she loves to decorate her home with her husband, daughter and pup.
704-274-8216
[email protected]
Jon Clemmons, Vice President of Sales/Assistant General Manager
Jon Clemmons joined the Knights in October 2024 after leading the Down East Wood Ducks (Single A affiliate of the Texas Rangers) as their general manager for three seasons. With the Knights, Jon is responsible for overseeing the tickets and sponsorship departments.
A native of Swansboro, North Carolina, Clemmons spent previous years with the Carolina Mudcats (2007-2010), Asheville Tourists (2010-2016), and the Down East Wood Ducks (2016-2024).
With 19 years of minor league baseball experience, he looks forward to sharing his passion for the game and entertainment with Knights fans on a nightly basis.
Did you know: Clemmons brings a champions mindset to the Charlotte Knights organization after winning three minor league championship rings?(Asheville 2012, Asheville 2014 and Down East 2017) and one World Series ring (2023 Texas Rangers)
Sara Maple, Chief Financial Officer
Sara is from Waxhaw and earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of South Carolina, with a minor in Sports and Entertainment Management. During her time at the University of South Carolina, Sara interned with the Charlotte Knights in 2016 as a Game Day Associate. Three years later, Sara wound up joining the Charlotte Knights as the Finance and Human Resources Manager.
Did you know?
Sara has a bucket list goal of visiting every arena/stadium for each baseball, hockey, and football team.
Corporate Partnerships
Daniel Hayes, Business Development Executive
Daniel joined the Charlotte Knights in January of 2024 after spending multiple seasons with the Cleveland Monsters (Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group). He got his start in sports at the Kentucky Speedway after graduating from and playing baseball at Wilmington College (OH). He is originally from Beavercreek, Ohio.
Jordan Toler, Premium & Ticketing Services Coordinator
Grace Patton, Partnership Services Coordinator
Grace joined the Charlotte Knights in February of 2024 after graduating with her master’s degree in Sports Leadership from the CSL program at Virginia Commonwealth University. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Sports Management from NC State University.
Previously, Grace was a Graduate Assistant at the Richmond Flying Squirrels in their Corporate Sales Department and a Promotions & Community Relations Assistant at the Carolina Mudcats.
Tickets
Scott Whitlock, Senior Director, New Business Development
With a long & storied career in sales, Scott landed his dream job – to invite people to Truist Field & enjoy the hometown baseball club.
Scott is an Eagle Scout & has a rich family history with Scouting. When not doing yard work with his wife Elyse or walking the 3 dogs, Scott loves to read – knocking out a book a week.
Scott lives in Mount Holly, has 3 grown sons and 2 grandkids.
Cooper Kinsey, Hospitality Sales Manager
As a native of Charlotte, I remember going to Charlotte Knights games as a kid in Fort Mill, and it has become a dream come true to work for the best team in Minor League Baseball. I am passionate about everything I do, and I aim to ensure all of our fans have the same great experiences I had growing up with the Knights. I am a proud graduate of East Carolina University, where I graduated in 2018. I enjoy golfing, taking trips to the beach, and spending quality time with my family and friends during my free time.
704-274-8262
[email protected]
Leighton Foster, Ticket Operations Manager
Leighton joined the Knights in July 2021. Previously, Leighton has worked for El Paso Chihuahuas, Palm Beach Cardinals, Jupiter Hammerheads, and High Point Rockers. He graduated from North Carolina State University in 2014 with a degree in Sport Management.
Did you know?
Leighton has bowled a perfect 300 game!
704-274-8282
[email protected]
Bradley Fabian, Hospitality Sales Account Manager
Having played baseball and lived in Charlotte my entire life, I found a passion for providing the same enjoyment I experienced when attending Knights games dating back to the games in Fort Mill. I found this passion by studying Sports Management at Georgia Southern University and coaching a club baseball team soon after graduating in 2022.
I enjoy anything and everything baseball, spending time with friends and family, and the occasional golf round now that my baseball swing doesn't hinder my performance!
Madison Jones, Group Sales Account Executive
Michael Magnanti, Group Sales Account Executive
Raised in Huntersville, North Carolina, Michael Magnanti graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington in December 2022. Prior to joining the Knights in November 2023, he worked with the Wilmington Sharks, a premier team within the Coastal Plain League. Michael served as both a Ticket Sales Intern during the summer of 2021, and as the Director of Ticket Sales in the summer of 2022. In his free time, Michael enjoys spending time with his friends and family, and watching New York Knicks and UNCW men’s basketball games.
Dee Wilson, Group Sales Account Executive
I was born and raised in Lynchburg, Virginia. Growing up, I played many different sports, and that’s where I found my drive and determination. I moved to Charlotte for college, where I attended Johnson & Wales in 2015. I graduated with my bachelor's in Sports / Entertainment / Events Management in 2019. While studying there, I found my passion for the front office in the sports industry. If you’re not trying to be the best, then why try?
In my spare time, I play video games, watch anime, and enjoy spending time with friends.
Mike Wilson, Group Sales Account Executive
Special Events
Troy Rodrigues, Director of Special Events
Troy joins the Charlotte Knights after two years as the Equipment Manager at Assumption University. In this role, he oversaw all equipment and apparel operations for 24 varsity sports while also assisting in facility operations and event management.
Before Assumption, Troy worked in Minor League Baseball as an Events Assistant for the Pawtucket Red Sox. He helped plan and execute all non-game day events for the organization.
A Massachusetts native, Troy graduated with a degree in Exercise and Sports Science – Sports Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In Chapel Hill, he spent three years as a student manager for the baseball program, including 2018 when the team made it to the College World Series in Omaha.
Terin Sims, Special Event Sales Manager
Originally from Greenville, SC, Terin earned a Marketing, Hospitality, and Tourism Management degree from the College of Charleston. While at The College of Charleston, Terin worked in the athletic department, where she started in sports. She then obtained a Master’s Degree in Sports Management with a Graduate Certificate in Sports Event Management from the University of Florida.
Before joining the Knights in September 2023, Terin worked as the Event Manager for the Charleston RiverDogs. There, she oversaw and managed all aspects of every non-game day event at Joseph P. Riley Jr. Park.
Marketing
Matt DuBois, Vice President of Marketing
Matt DuBois joins the Charlotte Knights as Marketing Director after 20 plus years working in radio in a similar role. Starting off in Buffalo, NY, then spending 5 years in Florida before arriving in Charlotte, NC, where he built strong relationships with members of the media, event businesses and city officials. Matt worked in partnership with the Charlotte Knights for over 10 years, spanning back to their days in Fort Mill. With a strong background in Marketing and Events, it was a natural fit to join the team.
Bill Walker, Creative & IT Director
Kendall Smith, Game Day Host & Social Media Coordinator
Jaidyn Haswell, Graphic Design & Website Assistant
Jaidyn is originally from Fuquay-Varina, NC and joined the Charlotte Knights in January 2024. She graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Communication and a concentration in media studies. While attending East Carolina University, Jaidyn interned with the ECU Athletics Creative Media team and a digital marketing agency.
Alyssa Scercy, Field Marketing Coordinator
Alyssa is from Charlotte, NC and joined the Knights after spending two years working with the promotions team. She graduated from Belmont Abbey College majoring in Business Management with a minor in economics and sports management. She also played on the college’s softball team throughout her four years. Alyssa is a passionate baseball fan, especially for the Atlanta Braves!
Communications
Tommy Viola, Vice President of Communications
The 2024 season will mark the 18th for Viola working in a professional baseball front office and 13th overall with the Charlotte Knights. In 2018, Viola was promoted from Director of PR/Media Relations to the team's Vice President of Communications.
As a member of the Charlotte Knights front office, Viola handles all PR for the team, including all media requests and press releases. Viola also handles all of the team's social media platforms, as well as content on the team's official website. Throughout each season, Viola works with the Chicago White Sox Media Relations Department on all roster-related announcements. He can also be seen on "Knights TV" conducting interviews.
Viola, 42, spent two seasons (2010-11) as the Director of PR/Media Relations for the Reading Phillies, the Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies.
From 2008-09, Viola was the Media Relations Assistant/Radio Studio Host for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Brooklyn, NY native also handled pre- and post-game radio duties during Lehigh Valley's inaugural season. In all, Viola spent four seasons in the Phillies organization.
A 2003 graduate of Penn State University, Viola received his start in Minor League Baseball in 2004 as a Photography Intern for the Altoona Curve. He credits his two grandfathers, father, and Gary Carter for his love of baseball.
Did you Know?
Viola struck-out 15 batters and tossed a one-hitter in a Little League game. The only hit he allowed was a bunt single -- to one of his best friends!
Matt Swierad, Director of Broadcasting & Team Travel
Since 1998, Swierad has been the "Voice of the Charlotte Knights." In 2017 -- the Knights named their home radio broadcast booth at Truist Field "The Matt Swierad Home Radio Booth." Swierad, a seasoned veteran, will embark on his 24th campaign with the Knights in 2022. He is the longest-running broadcaster in team history and has called over 3,000 Knights games and over 3,200 in a professional career spanning 25+ seasons.
Before joining the Knights for the 1998 season, Swierad spent seven years in the Class-A South Atlantic League with the Hickory Crawdads (1994-97), Hagerstown Suns (1993), and Gastonia Rangers (1991-92). In addition to his work with the Knights, Swierad serves as the radio play-by-play Voice of Charlotte 49ers Basketball and Football. He also hosts the school's Basketball and Football Radio Coaches Shows. Over the course of his career, he has also handled television play-by-play duties for the Charlotte 49ers, UT Chattanooga, Jacksonville University, University of South Florida, the Southern Conference, the Sun Belt Conference, C-USA, the Big South Conference, SportsChannel Florida, Fox Sports Net, and ESPN Regional Television.
Swierad is a native of North Smithfield, RI, and a 1990 graduate of Jacksonville University. He resides in Statesville, NC, with his wife Amanda, their triplet daughters, Chapel, Isla, and Maty, and their son Hobbs.
Did You Know?
During the 2005 season, Swierad reached the major leagues for the first time, being selected from over 150 applicants nationally to broadcast for the San Diego Padres. He sat-in for the legendary Friars broadcaster Jerry Coleman the last weekend in July while Coleman was inducted into the broadcasting wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY.
Promotions & Community
Chris Dillon, Director of Community Relations & Promotions
Originally from New Rochelle, NY, Chris graduated from Tusculum College in Greeneville, TN, in 2015 as a double major in Exercise Science and Sports Management. Chris broke into Minor League Baseball in 2016 with the Corpus Christi Hooks as a promo team member. Before joining the Knights, he spent three seasons with the Hickory Crawdads, managing promotions and community relations.
Did you know?
Chris loves to travel in his free time and is a HUGE New York sports fan (Mets, Jets, Nets, and St. Bonaventure Bonnies basketball.)
Jules D'Aiello, Promotions Manager
Jules joined the Charlotte Knights in November 2022 after graduating from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Communications and a minor in Sports Management.
Previously, Jules interned with the Myrtle Beach Pelicans and the Ripken Experience Myrtle Beach.
Currently, Jules is pursuing an MBA in Marketing from the University of North Carolina Charlotte.
Alyssa Robinson, Community & Guest Relations Manager
Alyssa is originally from Gaithersburg, MD, and joined the Charlotte Knights in April 2023. She graduated from the University of South Carolina with a major in Sport & Entertainment Management and minor in Advertising & Public Relations. Previously, Alyssa interned with RCX Sports on their Special Events Team and the Carolina Panthers in their Community Relations Department.
Entertainment
Chris Poindexter, Director of Game Presentation and Production
Poindexter joined the Charlotte Knights in March of 2023 as the Director of Video Production. This is his third season in Minor League Baseball. Before he joined the Knights, Poindexter spent a year as the Video Production and Social Media Manager for the Bowling Green Hot Rods, the High-A Affiliate for the Tampa Bay Rays. Previously, he was the Video Graduate Assistant for the ESPN Affiliate at Indiana State University and spent three years with REX Baseball, a summer collegiate wood-bat league team, as the media intern and then as the Director of Communications and the Social Media Coordinator. He was also the lead of the Indiana State Sport Management Social Media team. Poindexter has a Master’s Degree in Sport Management from Indiana State University as well.
Poindexter is an Indiana native, but has spent time living in Indiana, Virginia, Kentucky, Costa Rica and now North Carolina. He is an avid Indiana Pacers and Indianapolis Colts fan and is a Marvel, Star Wars and Taylor Swift enthusiast.
In his spare time, Poindexter likes to hike, hang out with his dog and cat, disc golf and volunteer at Humane Societies.
Marie Zamora, Game Presentation & Production Technical Manager
Marie joined the Charlotte Knights in February 2024 from working collegiate athletics ESPN+ broadcasts with schools such as High Point, Wake Forest, Clemson and Charlotte. She also has experience as a broadcast director at Queen City news FOX46. Marie started in the industry with the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers, Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, as a camera operator. She is from Reno, NV and graduated from UNC Charlotte in 2022 with a degree in Communications Mass Media.
Marie has a passion for sports broadcast production. Her favorite teams are the Yankees, Mariners, Seahawks, Liverpool, and the NY Rangers.
Fun fact: Avid fan of James Brown and got to meet him at 7 years old. She will happily show you a picture of the moment!
Favorite quote: Clear eyes Full hearts Can't lose - Friday Night lights
Phillip Potter, Mascot Coordinator
Phillip began his time with the Knights in December of 2022. Before joining the Knights, he studied at Liberty University, where he was the Mascot Coordinator for two years. During his time at Liberty, the mascot program qualified for UCA Nationals three years in a row, placing 3rd in the nation in 2021. After graduation and before meeting Homer the Dragon and the two becoming best friends, Phillip worked one season with the Lynchburg Hillcats in 2022.
At the Knights, Phillip is responsible for all things Homer. From Homer's gameday antics to his presence in the Charlotte community, Phillip makes sure Homer is always at the top of his game.
Ballpark Operations
Tom Gorter, Vice President of Stadium Operations
Matt Parrott, Director of Field Operations
A native of Boone, NC, Parrott recently completed his seventh season as head groundskeeper for the Charlotte Knights in 2023. He was named the 2018 International League Sports Turf Manager of the Year -- for the second consecutive season. Parrott was also named as the 2017 Triple-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year, an award that he received at Major League Baseball's Winter Meetings in Orlando, FL, in December (2017).
Before joining the Knights in 2016, Parrott spent 13 seasons with the Bowie Baysox of the Eastern League (Double-A). During his time in Bowie, MD, he earned the Eastern League Diamond Pro Sports Field Manager of the Year Award three times (2011 and 2014-15). In 2011, he was also named the STMA (Sports Turf Managers Association) Double-A Sports Turf Manager of the Year.
Parrott received his BSBA undergraduate degree from Appalachian State University and an AAS Turfgrass Management degree from North Carolina State University.
Matt Fischer, Operations Manager
Nick Verzal, Manager of Field Operations
Corbin Balzer, Assistant Manager of Clubhouse / Ballpark Operations
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