Front Office Staff

Main Office Contact Information

Phone: (843) 723-7241
Fax: (843) 723-2641
Main Email: [email protected]

Ownership

Marv Goldklang, Chairman

Jeff Goldklang, President

Michael Bennett, Local Partner

Gretchen Budig - Local Partner

Al Phillips, Local Partner

Mike Veeck, Local Partner

Bill Murray, Co-Owner/Director of Fun

Management

Dave Echols, President/General Manager

Bio

Echols has guided the RiverDogs through some of their most successful seasons since being named general manager in 2004. He led the staff in hosting the highly successful 2004 and 2012 South Atlantic League All-Star games, and has twice earned SAL General Manager of the Year honors. Under his guidance, the RiverDogs have been named recipients of MiLB national awards for excellence in promotions, marketing, and sustained excellence. And, in 2016, the RiverDogs won the inaugural Patriot Award, given to the Minor League team that best exemplifies outstanding support of the military branches and engagement with veterans.

He's a member of the Rotary Club of Charleston, the Executive Association of Greater Charleston, and the boards of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and Trident Technical College. He was a founding member and vice president of the Palmetto Military Support Group, and currently serves as an Air Mobility Command Civic Leader.

From 2002-04 Echols served as GM of the Brockton (Mass.) Rox and was named Northeast League Executive of the Year in 2003. The University of Dayton graduate has also worked for teams in Kinston, N.C., and Columbus, Ohio. Echols is active in community affairs and resides on Johns Island with his wife, Debra, and son, Logan.

Ben Abzug, Senior Vice President

Bio

Abzug, a native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, was named the Assistant General Manager of the Charleston RiverDogs in 2013 after spending the previous four seasons with the Burlington Royals of the Appalachian League. With Burlington, Abzug was named the 2012 Appalachian League Executive of the Year and helped increase the Royals' sponsorship sales by 80 percent in two years. Attendance also rose 23 percent in Burlington under Abzug's leadership.

A graduate of Purdue University, Abzug spent two years as an intern with the Cedar Rapids Kernels of the Midwest League. Abzug currently resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Jess, and their daughters, Joanna and Hazel.

Andy Lange, Vice President, Corporate Sales

Bio

Lange began his career in baseball with the Charleston RiverDogs in October 2001, having joined the sales staff after two years with the historic Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston. During his career, he received 2013 South Atlantic League Sales Executive of the Year honors in his tenth season as Assistant General Manager before his promotion to Vice President.

Originally from LaPorte, Ind., Lange has been in Charleston since 1996. He continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the local chapter of the March of Dimes. He married the former Melissa LaPlaunt on Dec. 31, 2007, and they reside in West Ashley with sons Wrigley, Hayden, and Maddux.

Lance Fletcher, Assistant General Manager

Bio

Prior to starting with the RiverDogs, Lance was a hospitality operations manager with a catering company exclusively in the racing world focusing on race teams and VIP clients. He also spent time in Naples, FL, where Lance was the Director of Catering, Banquets and Events for a private country club. While there he received his IEPP, Wedding Planning and Luxury Wedding Planning certifications.

Lance also holds a sommelier certification and a WSET level 1 certification. He holds a diploma in Hospitality management and also hospitality & tourism management. Lance and his wife, Samantha, relocated to Charleston in June of 2021 where he became a Dual Director of Hotel Sales for a local hospitality company.

Mascots

Charlie T. RiverDog, Mascot

Bio

Taken with the first overall selection in the June 1994 Minor League Mascot Draft, Charlie has been an integral part of the RiverDogs since their inception. He was the first high school mascot taken with the first overall selection in the storied history of the Mascot Draft, as part of the inaugural season of RiverDogs baseball in 1994. Charlie has helped the RiverDogs become one of the most popular attractions in the Lowcountry, moving into Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park in 1997.

Charlie has witnessed many of the RiverDogs greats pass through the Lowcountry from his time in Charleston. His favorites to don the RiverDogs uniform include B.J. Pupton, Andy BARKett, Aubrey Ruff, and Rob Ruffsnyder. He is an active member of the Lowcountry community, and attends numerous events year round.

Chelsea, Mascot

Bio

Chelsea's been bringing spunk to the Lowcountry since joining the RiverDogs in the early 2000's. She is credited with coming up with the RiverDogs Dog Day concept in a promotional meeting in 2014, deciphered by the rest of the front office after three hours of charades. Her favorite hobbies include watching the RiverDogs hit home runs, long walks on Folly Beach, and digging for her lost bone on the Riley Park warning track to the chagrine of the grounds crew.

Ticket Sales

Ashley Kouba, Senior Director of Ticket Sales

Bio

Ashley joins the RiverDogs after spending the last four seasons in Madison, Wisconsin most recently as the Assistant General Manager for both the Madison Mallards baseball and 2025 Northwoods League Champion Madison Night Mares softball teams. Prior to her time in Madison, Ashley served as the Ticketing Manager for the American Ultimate Disc League and as the Head of Production for the 2021 Clark Cup Champion Chicago Steel of the USHL. She got her start in baseball in 2019 with the Kane County Cougars.

Ashley studied Electronic Media at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater (Go Warhawks!) where she was a member of the NCAA women's bowling team taking home a third-place finish in the 2015 NCAA Championship.

In her free time Ashley loves to watch the Boston Red Sox with her golden retriever Fenway. She loves to travel and has attended baseball games at nearly 100 different ballparks! She also enjoys live music and spending time with friends. She looks forward to the warm South Carolina weather and getting to know the RiverDogs fans!

Evan Courtney, Director of Ticket Sales

Bio

Evan joined the RiverDogs following the 2021 season. Prior to arriving in the Holy City, Courtney spent three seasons as an account executive with the Tennessee Smokies. His career in professional baseball began as intern for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

The Chicago native loves sports in the Windy City except for the Cubs. He enjoys being disappointed by the Bears every year. He received a bachelor’s degree in sport management from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida where his flamingo-themed suit was a massive hit.

Evan loves Charleston and cannot wait to discover everything the city has to offer. He is looking forward to providing fantastic service to the incredible RiverDogs fan base.

Keith Millikan, Senior Account Executive

Bio

Keith joined the RiverDogs in July of 2023. Prior to arriving in Charleston, Keith spent five seasons with the Evansville Otters baseball team in Indiana, as an account executive and most recently, Director of Group Sales.

He received his bachelor’s degree in Sport Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Keith is passionate for Cincinnati Reds baseball, motorsports and enjoys cycling, running and pumping small iron.

Keith would eventually like to own a sailboat named either “Jenny” or “Nights in Blue Satin”. As you can tell, he needs help in the naming department. Feel free to slow him down when you see him at The Joe and offer a suggestion.

He is excited to learn more about Charleston and engage with the RiverDogs fanbase to provide a great experience for everyone stepping foot within The Joe.

Conor Mitchum, Senior Account Executive

Bio

Conor joined the RiverDogs in 2025 after spending the previous 3 years working as an Account Manager for the Columbia Fireflies. He was born in England and raised in Heidelberg, Germany until moving over to the US to attend the University of South Carolina, graduating with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management.

In his free time, Conor enjoys fishing, hanging out with his Golden Retriever Dexter, and playing sometimes decent golf.

Charles Bridgeman, Ticket Operations Manager

Bio

Charles joined the RiverDogs in August of 2024. Prior to arriving in the Holy City, Charles spent three seasons with the Columbia Fireflies where he began his career as an intern before being hired full-time as the Ticketing Operations Assistant. Born and raised in Pickens, South Carolina, he graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management.

In his free time, Charles enjoys spending time with family, cheering on the Gamecocks, and going to concerts.

Riley Hollar, Account Executive, Group Sales

Bio

Riley joined the RiverDogs as a gameday intern in 2021 and returned as a full-time intern in 2022 prior to earning a full time role with the team. Born and raised in Charleston, she recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Sport and Entertainment Management. She grew up going to RiverDogs games with her family and is very excited to be a part of another great season with the team!

When not working she enjoys attending events around the Charleston area and spending time with her yellow lab, Lily.

Colin McKenzie, Account Executive

Bio

Colin joined the RiverDogs as a full-time intern in 2023 prior to being hired as a full-time employee in August of the same year. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., he recently graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Communications. He attended several RiverDogs games as a fan while in school and is excited to now be a part of the organization.

Colin is the youngest of four children in his family. He has two older brothers and a twin sister who is two minutes his elder. Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, playing sports, candleligh dinners and the beach.

Justin Moore, Account Executive

Bio

Justin joined the RiverDogs as a full-time intern in 2024 prior to being hired as a full-time employee in September of the same year. Born and raised in Mount Pleasant, he recently graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Sport and Entertainment Management.

Before joining the RiverDogs, Justin spent two seasons with the Columbia Fireflies serving as a Food and Beverage intern.

Outside of work, Justin is an avid fan of watching the Gamecocks on Saturdays, spending time with family, and grilling.

Media Relations & Broadcasting

Larry Larson, Broadcast and Media Relations Manager

Bio

Larry joined the RiverDogs in March of 2025 after previous MiLB stops as the voice of the Dunedin Blue Jays and Beloit Sky Carp.

A native of Rockford, Illinois, Larry graduated from Bradley University in 2022 with a degree in Sports Communication. Outside of baseball, Larry lends his voice to multiple sports at Southern Illinois University and also owns and helps operate his own sports broadcasting business in Central Illinois.

Away from the booth, Larry enjoys playing golf, watching comedy specials, reading, and visiting museums and national parks.

Business Management/Accounting

Dale Stickney, VP of Finance

Bio

A native of Miami, Fla., Stickney has been with the Goldklang Group since 2000 when she ran the Veeck Promotional Seminar. She joined the RiverDogs as Director of Special Events in 2003, coordinating a number of fundraising and community events for the club before transitioning to her current role as business manager in 2008.

Prior to joining the RiverDogs, Stickney spent time working for the National Association of Baseball Leagues and the Hickory Crawdads, another club with membership in the South Atlantic League. She currently resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband, Jeff, and three children: Miles, Travis, and Sydney.

Chelsea Carver, Business Manager

Bio

Carver joined the RiverDogs in October of 2023 after previously serving as Customer Solutions Coordinator at US Foods in Fishers, Indiana. She also spent time as a Retail Manager for Compass Group in several cities. Carver graduated from Indiana State University in 2016 with a major in Food Service Management.

In her free time, Carver loves to travel, bake and watch football (Go Chiefs!). She also enjoys spending time with family, friends and dog London. Have a niece and nephew (Charlotte and James)

Audrey Volpatti, Office Manager

Bio

Audrey joined the RiverDogs front office in March of 2024. She was previously the Assistant Volleyball Coach at the University Of North Carolina Asheville. Audrey received a Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2022 while playing for her university’s volleyball team and will complete a Master's Degree in Organizational Leadership this year.

In her free time, Audrey enjoys spending time with her husband, Vince, and their dachshund (Winston), fostering dogs, and spending her weekends around the country coaching a travel volleyball team.

Community Relations

Kylee Maurer, Community Relations Manager

Bio

Kylee Joined the RiverDogs in October of 2025. She previously worked for the Stockton Ports Baseball Team, Single-A affiliate for the Athletics, as their Community Relations Manager.

She graduated from Michigan State University in December of 2024. Graduating with a bachelor's degree in public relations and sports business management.

When not working Kylee enjoys going on hikes, painting, reading a good book or working out.

Marketing & Promotions

Stephanie Keller, Director of Promotions

Bio

Stephanie joined the RiverDogs in October 2024. Prior to arriving in Charleston, she spent four seasons with the Washington Wild Things, an independent baseball team in Pennsylvania, as the Vice President of Entertainment and Community Relations.

A native of Galena, Ohio, Stephanie attended Syracuse University, where she earned a B.S. in Communications and Rhetorical Studies and Minored in Information Management and Technology. After graduating college, she began her career as a Brand Ambassador for Audacy, Inc., representing three prominent radio stations in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her background as a Syracuse University cheerleader is evident in her ability to bring energy and excitement to the ballpark in support of the action on the field!

In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends, trying new restaurants, baking, staying active at the gym and watching her favorite movies and reality TV shows.

Haley Diess, Senior Marketing Manager

Bio

Haley joined the RiverDogs Community Relations Department in April of 2024. She was previously the Fan & Community Engagement Coordinator with the Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders. Haley specialized in community relations and marketing.

Originally from Cedar Grove, New Jersey, Haley received a Bachelor's Degree in Sport Management in 2022 from the University of Tampa.

When she is not working, Haley enjoys spending time with her Pitbull mix (Ryder) and trying new restaurants.

Connor Keating, Video Production Manager

Bio

Connor Joined the RiverDogs in August 2024 after previously serving as the Director of Creative Media and Athletic Marketing at Division II Tusculum University in Greeneville, TN.

Connor was born in Massachusetts but raised here in the Holy City. He graduated from St. Francis College in Brooklyn, NY in 2021 with a degree in Communication Arts: Digital Media and played Division 1 Golf while there.

When not working, Connor likes to play golf, hang with friends on Shem Creek and play with his two-year-old golden retriever Lennon.

Lindsey Archer, Creative Marketing Manager

Bio

Lindsey joined the RiverDogs in October of 2025. Before moving to Charleston, she spent five seasons with the Knoxville Smokies, AA affiliate of the Chicago Cubs. She worked in the Marketing Department filling various roles such as Social Media, Promotions and Community Relations.

Born in Los Angeles, CA, Lindsey attended the University of Tennessee where she received her degree in Marketing. In her free time, Lindsey enjoys rooting on Los Angeles sports teams, watching movies, reading, and exploring new places.

Special Events

Victoria Veserra, Director of Events

Bio

Victoria joined the RiverDogs in October of 2023. Prior to becoming part of the team, she served as a marketing and events intern for the City of Charleston and also interned with A Charleston Bride, where she assisted with wedding planning.

Born in Houston, TX, Victoria attended New Mexico State University. She received degrees in Marketing and Management during her time in Las Cruces and was also a member of the Aggies track and field team. In her free time, she loves going to the beach, exploring the city and watching the Astros.

Charlie Price, Events Coordinator

Bio

Charlie joined the RiverDogs in August 2025, starting as an Events Intern before being hired full-time as the team’s Events Coordinator. Originally from Greenwood, South Carolina, he is a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he earned his degree in Sport and Entertainment Management. Prior to his time in Charleston, he interned in Stadium Operations with the Columbia Fireflies and worked as a stagehand at Colonial Life Arena.

In his free time, he enjoys cheering on the Packers and Gamecocks, hunting, and spending time with his Australian Shepherd, Suki.

Ballpark Operations

Dan Knapinski, Director of Operations

Bio

Knapinski joined the RiverDogs in March of 2024. Prior to arriving in the Holy City, he spent four years as Manager, and later Director, of Operations with the Midland Rockhounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics. Knapinski also worked in Jupiter, where he handled Cardinals and Marlins spring training and minor league operations, the California Winter League in Palm Springs and the Futures Collegiate Baseball League in Connecticut.

Originally from Neenah, Wisconsin, he graduated from Ohio Norther University in 2015 with a degree in sport management. When not at The Joe, Knapinski enjoys golf, sporting events, blackjack and Milwaukee Bucks basketball.

Jon Kimball, Operations Manager

Bio

A native of Mesa, Arizona, Kimball joined the RiverDogs full-time staff in January of 2024. Previously, he worked part-time for the RiverDogs in 2023 and served as operations intern in 2022. Kimball graduated from Tabor College in Kansas with an MBA after prevously earning a bachelor's degree in sports management. He pitched collegiately at both Tabor and Feather River College.

When not at the ballpark, Kimball is an avid golfer and coaches at East Coast Baseball Academy. He has a pit bull named Bella and is a rabid fan of the Dallas Stars.

Kevin Coyne, Head Groundskeeper

Bio

Kevin took over as the RiverDogs' head groundskeeper heading into the 2019 season after working on the field crew for the Minnesota Twins for the previous four seasons at Target Field. Prior to his Big League stint, the Minnesota native worked as the Assistant Field Superintendent with the San Antonio Missions of the Double-A Texas League. Kevin is the team's biggest advocate for beards, and along with his grounds-keeping brethren, reminds you to stay off the grass.

If you are in the ballpark while a game is not in progress, there is a good chance you will spot his sidekick Charlotte patrolling the field and searching for someone to play fetch with.

Jonathan Triesler, Assistant Groundskeeper

Bio

Jonathan, a Chesterfield, VA native, is a graduate of Hampden-Sydney College in Farmville, VA. A former athlete, he played two years of independent professional baseball with the Alpine Cowboys in West Texas before transitioning into coaching and field management. He spent four years as an assistant baseball coach at Hampden-Sydney and later served two years as an assistant groundskeeper. In February 2025, he joined the RiverDogs, bringing his passion for the game and field expertise to the organization. In his spare time, Jonathan enjoys spending time with his wife, Cassidy, and their two cats, Wade and Hampden, while watching even more baseball.

Food & Beverage

Josh Shea, Vice President, Food & Beverage

Bio

Following a year-long hiatus, Josh Shea returned to the RiverDogs in the 2019 offseason after being named the club's Vice President, Food & Beverage. Shea returned to the Lowcountry after serving as the F&B Director for six years (2013-2018) previously with the club. The Clemson grad spent the 2019 season as the Food & Beverage Director in Augusta (Class-A, South Atlantic League) where he revamped the GreenJackets' concession operations in their second year at SRP Park. His development of the RiverDogs Culinary Camp has proven to be a successful addition to the camp programs for the team, and been a growth opportunity for both the campers, as well as the staff.

A native of Abbeville, SC, Shea previously gained culinary experience as the catering chef at Tidewater Catering, spent time at Triangle Char & Bar in West Ashley and Halls Chop House in downtown Charleston while also working as a personal chef prior to his first stint with the RiverDogs. Along with his Clemson education, he has also earned an associate's degree from the Culinary Institute of Charleston.

Ryan Ehlinger, Senior Concourse Manager

Bio

Ryan joined the RiverDogs Food and Beverage department in January of 2023. Originally from Dubuque, Iowa he majored in both Sport Management and Marketing at Loras College with a minor in Business Analytics.

He spent the 2021 season as an intern for the Midwest League's Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and previously interned with the Wausau Woodchucks of the Northwoods League. In his free time, he enjoys watching the St. Louis Cardinals, playing video games, watching Star Wars, and traveling.

Mike Clark, Food Truck & Stadium Kitchen Manager

Bio

Mike joined the RiverDogs as the manager of the team's food truck in 2024. A native of Augusta, Georgia, Mike graduated from Helms College and previously worked in food and beverage for the Augusta GreenJackets.

Mike can be found all around the Lowcountry with the RiverDogs Food Truck at various festivals and events. When he is not working, he serves as a youth and Special Olympics Coach.

Matt Franklin, Hospitality Manager

Bio

Matt was brought on full-time in September 2024 after serving as a Food and Beverage Intern during the previous season. He graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in sport and entertainment management earlier that same year. Matt's first baseball experience came in 2023 with the Lexington County Blowfish of the Coastal Plain League.

In his free time he enjoys fishing, golfing and going to the beach.

Sarah Dawson, Sous Chef

Bio

Chef Sarah, where passion meets tradition. Raised in an Italian household, Sarah's journey began by observing her grandmother and mother crafting culinary delights with love and expertise. Starting as a prep cook at Hominy Grill, she mastered the art of ingredient purity and integrity.

With a decade of experience, Chef Sarah has honed her skills across various cuisines, working at esteemed restaurants and rising to executive chef status at a multi-state catering company. Her personal creations have graced the menus of renowned establishments like High Cotton and Savi Cucina & Wine Bar.

Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, Chef Sarah sets herself apart with her unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and flavor in every dish. Taste the difference with Chef Sarah and elevate your dining experience today.

Merchandise

Cynthia Linhart, Director of Merchandise

Bio

A native Charlestonian and a graduate of St. Andrew's Parish High School, Linhart joined the RiverDogs prior to the 2018 season as the office manager. She is a licensed real estate broker and brings over two decades of experience in the industry in both residential and commercial real estate before her first tenure in baseball.

Linhart resides in the Charleston area with her husband, Corey, and her Spring Spaniel, Beauregard. She is the proud mother of four children, Choral, Ethan, Luke, and Conrad, all pursuing careers and is an active parishioner at St. Mary of the Annunciation.