Staff/Contact Us

USA Baseball
2933 South Miami Blvd, Suite 119
Durham, NC 27703
Phone: (919) 474-8721
Fax: (919) 925-6108

For information about USA Baseball, please email [email protected].
Interested in playing for Team USA? Email [email protected].
Interested in information about our USA Baseball Develops initiatives? Email [email protected].

MEDIA INQUIRIES

Please contact Lizzie Hattrich, Director of Communications, or Josh Spitz, Assistant Director of Communications, at [email protected] if you have a media request for USA Baseball. Or, find more information on our Media Services page.

  • Paul Seiler

    Executive Director/CEO

    Paul V. Seiler assumed the duties of Executive Director/CEO of USA Baseball in October 2000, after previously serving the organization as Director of National Team Operations from 1997 to 1999 and in varying capacities since being hired in 1988.

    During Seiler's tenure as the Executive Director/CEO, USA Baseball has forged a long-term partnership with Major League Baseball, experienced unprecedented success in its amateur national teams, renewed its international friendship series with Cuba, and now fields seven national teams and hosts more than 100 nation-wide events.

    In 2000, Seiler worked closely with Major League Baseball, the MLB Players Association and the United States Olympic Paralympic Committee (USOPC) to help lead Team USA to its first Olympic gold medal at the Sydney Games. The Trenton, N.J., native was elected to the Executive Committee of the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) in 2017, and serves as the Second Vice Chairman for the WBSC’s Baseball Division. Seiler was also one of two technical delegates for baseball in the Athens 2004 Olympic Games and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

    Seiler holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biology (pre-med) from the University of Scranton where he played soccer for the nationally ranked Royals. Paul and his wife, Wendi live in Cary, North Carolina, with their son, Braden, and daughter, Abigail.

  • Carrington Austin

    Senior Director, Retail
    Ext. 240

    Carrington Austin was named USA Baseball's first-ever Director, Retail, in May 2013 before being named Senior Director, Retail, in January 2017. In that role, her responsibilities involve the management of the USA Baseball online shop and fulfillment center in Durham, North Carolina.

    Austin initially joined USA Baseball as a licensing and retail coordinator in April 2012. During her time as a coordinator, Austin's responsibilities included managing merchandise at the 15U East National Team Championships in Florida and working in the USA Baseball Team Store in Cary, North Carolina.

    She recently led the launch of the new USABaseballShop.com in November 2015.

    Austin graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2013 with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a concentration in finance. While at NC State, she spent time working with University Recreation in the event-planning department.

    She currently resides in Apex, North Carolina.

    Email Carrington

  • Jake Barnes

    Coordinator, Sport Performance
    Ext. 237

    Jake Barnes joined USA Baseball in a full-time capacity as Coordinator, Sport Performance, in March 2021. In this role, Barnes aids in the Prospect Development Pipeline, helping to evaluate athletes through on-site activations while collecting and analyzing performance data. Additionally, he assists in athlete development using various technologies in the Prospect Development Pipeline, USA Baseball activations, MLB partnered events, collegiate leagues, and third-party university and research groups.

    Barnes initially began with the organization in May of 2019 as the Prospect Development Pipeline, Data and Analytics Intern. In that role, he was active in analyzing data and aiding in the reporting process to PDP athletes.

    Prior to his time with USA Baseball, Barnes served as an intern with U.S. Soccer's Talent Identification Department from July-December of 2018 and returned to the department in August 2019 as a Talent Identification Coordinator.

    Barnes graduated from Auburn University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering.

    He currently resides in Madison, Wisconsin.

    Email Jake

  • Andrew Bartman

    Director, Coaching Development
    Ext. 247

    Andrew Bartman joined the USA Baseball Staff in March 2019 at the Director of Coaching Development. Bartman is in charge of developing coaching resources and working with the Develops team to assess and grow the organization's coaching education offerings. He also manages the Coaches Clinics program, growing the free Community Clinics program to include both in-person and virtual events that are attended by thousands of coaches each year. Bartman launched the Regional Clinics program in December of 2019, where USA Baseball partners with MLB clubs to host two-day coaching immersion events with high level presenters at MLB ballparks.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, Bartman was the Youth Division Liaison at the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) for two years. While there, he coordinated Community Clinics and manager the Youth Clinics at the organization's national convention. He also served as a baseball coach at the collegiate level for 12 years.

    Bartman graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education from MacMurray College in 2006 before earning his Master's Degree in Sports Management from American Public University in 2011.

    He currently lives in High Point, North Carolina, with his wife, Nicole, and their two daughters, Kendall and Micah, along with acting as a foster parent when the need arises.

    Email Andrew

  • Cole Beeker

    Director, 12U National Team Program

    After initially serving as a Baseball Operations Intern for the 18U National Team in 2021, Cole Beeker re-joined USA Baseball in 2022 as Assistant Director, Baseball Operations before being promoted to 12U National Team Program Director in January 2023. In that role, he oversees all baseball operations associated with the USA Baseball 12U National Team, as well as its identification events. He is responsible for the selection of the 12U National Team through the 10U and 11U Futures Invitationals and National Team Identification Series (NTIS).

    Beeker brings a bevy of experience across multiple levels of baseball to the role. Most recently, he served as an Amateur Scouting Assistant for the Detroit Tigers. There, he assisted with the operation of the 2022 MLB Draft, which included the pre-draft workout, draft meetings, player video, and player contract terms. He has also held roles as a Marketing and MLB Special Services Intern for Jet Sports Management and a Baseball Operations Intern for the Winston-Salem Dash.

    Beeker played college baseball at Swarthmore College–where he helped lead the program to the Division III College World Series in 2018–before spending a season as a graduate student at The George Washington University. He owns a bachelor’s degree in economics from Swarthmore College and a master’s degree in sports management from The George Washington University.

    Beeker currently resides in Apex, North Carolina.

    Email Cole Beeker

  • Phil Berger

    Coordinator, NTC Operations
  • Ashley Bratcher

    General Manager, National Teams
    Ext. 219

    Ashley Bratcher was named the General Manager of National Teams in January 2023. In that role, Bratcher oversees and supports all three youth national team programs, the Women's National Team program, national team and athlete development programs, and national team identification events.

    Before her promotion to General Manager of National Teams, Bratcher served as the 18U National Team Program Director. Bratcher led the U.S. to a pair of gold medals in 2022, as the program won championships at both the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-18 Baseball World Cup and the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier. 

    Bratcher previously served as the organization's Senior Director, Baseball Operations and was responsible for overseeing the general management of the USA Baseball 12U, 15U and Women's National Teams in that role. In addition to running three national team programs, she also oversaw the National Team Identification Series (NTIS), the National Team Championships and the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP). 

    Under her guidance, the 15U National Team won its first-ever World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup gold medal in 2018, as well as the program's second gold medal in a row at the COPABE Pan Am 'AA' Championships in 2017. In 2019, Bratcher led the 15U program to a gold medal in the WBSC U-15 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier, marking the program’s fifth overall and third consecutive gold medal.

    Bratcher first joined USA Baseball in April 2009 as an operations intern, working at camps and clinics and other events at the National Training Complex in Cary, N.C.

    She joined USA Baseball full time in October 2009 as the Director of Operations and the Women's National Team, managing all operational needs at the National Training Complex, USA Baseball camps and clinics and the Women's National Team program.

    Bratcher was promoted to Director, National Team Development Programs and Women's National Team, in December 2012, continuing oversight of the Women's National Team program and overseeing the USA Baseball National Team Championships - West, which grew to over 230 teams and 4,000 participants. She was also responsible for the 14U and 17U National Team Development Programs.

    In January 2015, Bratcher organized the inaugural Women's National Open and led the USA Baseball Women's National Team to its first-ever Pan American Games gold medal. In 2019, the Women’s National Team won its first-ever COPABE Women's Pan-American Championships gold medal.

    Bratcher was named to the Steering Committee for the reformatted Appalachian League in September of 2020. In this role, Bratcher will provide guidance and ensure the success of the first collegiate summer league in the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP).

    Bratcher graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in May 2009 with a degree in exercise and sports science with a focus in sport administration. She also worked with the 21-time NCAA National Champion women's soccer program as both a team manager and camp administrator. Bratcher also completed the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau’s scout development program in 2017.

    She currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

    Email Ashley

  • Lisa Braxton

    Director, Athlete Safety
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    Lisa Braxton rejoined USA Baseball full-time in March 2021 in the role of Assistant Director, Athlete Safety after initially taking the role of Director of Pure Baseball for the organization in January 2020. She was promoted to Director, Athlete Safety in January 2023.

    Prior to her time at USA Baseball, Braxton spent nearly a decade at soccer.com in Hillsborough, North Carolina, managing team sales, marketing, and institutional and club business. She also worked for two years as an intern for the NCAA.

    She graduated from Mitchell College in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management and then again from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland in 2009 with a master's degree in Management.

    Email Lisa

  • Eric Campbell

    General Manager, Professional and College National Teams
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    Eric Campbell is USA Baseball's General Manager, Collegiate National Team and Professional Team.

    Campbell joined the USA Baseball staff in January 2000 as the primary administrator to the Junior National Team (now 18U program) after serving as a volunteer administrator at two United State Olympic Committee (USOC) Olympic Festivals and an administrator and coach to various USA Baseball teams and events. After four years, he was promoted to the General Manager position.

    In his 21 years at USA Baseball, Campbell has served as the primary or assistant team administrator for nearly 50 national teams. USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team won gold medals at the 2004, 2006 and 2008 FISU World Collegiate Championships, and he helped guide the 2008 U.S. Olympic Baseball Team to a bronze medal in Beijing. Campbell also served on the technical committee for the inaugural World Baseball Classic in 2006 and was the team leader for the 2009 squad.

    In 2007 and 2009, Campbell helped lead the U.S.A. to consecutive gold medals in the IBAF World Cup. Campbell has taken 3 national teams to the Pan American Games with silver medals in 2007, 2011 and 2015. 

    Campbell played a vital role in the 2017 World Baseball Classic team claiming the U.S.'s first gold medal in the event. Campbell has guided national teams in the first two WBSC Premier 12 events. The Collegiate National Teams team competes each summer with traditional series vs. Taiwan, Japan and Cuba on an annual and/or bi-annual basis.

    Campbell helped lead Omaha Burke High School to the 1979 Nebraska state high school championship. As a player at Creighton from 1981-84, Campbell played a variety of positions and even played all nine positions in a college baseball game. After being drafted by the Chicago White Sox as a pitcher and catcher, Campbell was released from professional baseball in 1985 and began his coaching/administrative career. After serving nine years in assistant-coach roles at Creighton, St. Thomas University (Fla.) and the United States Air Force Academy (AFA), Campbell served as the head baseball coach at the AFA from 1995-98.

    Campbell has been fortunate to be mentored by baseball legends Paul Mainieri and Jim Hendry at the collegiate level. Campbell has worked for senior GM’s on national teams to include Sandy Alderson, Joe Torre, Bob Watson and Joe Garagiola, Jr.

    Campbell graduated from Creighton University in 1986 and currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, the former Janette Bushyager, and two daughters, Tillie (North Carolina State University) and Lucy (Coastal Carolina University).

    Email Eric

  • Taylor Clayton

    Coordinator, Athlete Safety
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    Taylor Clayton joined USA Baseball in March 2022 as Coordinator, Athlete Safety. In that role, Clayton assists the Senior Director of Athlete Safety and Education in ensuring all adult participants for USA Baseball events are SafeSport compliant.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, Taylor worked as a behavioral therapist serving families with autism. Previously, she worked as a youth sports coordinator for the YMCA of Middle Tennessee while coaching diving. She was also a member of the Illinois State women's swimming and diving team and a graduate assistant coach for Western Illinois men's and women's swimming and diving teams.

    Clayton earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Illinois State University, and also has a master’s degree in Sport Management from Western Illinois University. She is currently working on a master’s degree in Education in Human Development Studies from Vanderbilt University.

    Taylor currently resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

    Email Taylor

  • Tyler Collins

    Director, Youth Programs
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    Tyler Collins was named Director of Youth Programs at USA Baseball in January 2017 where his primary responsibility is overseeing the Fun At Bat program. The program is part of the PLAY BALL initiative and is an introductory level bat-and-ball program for kids with an emphasis on character development, functional movement, literacy, active play, and fun delivered through elementary physical education. Since Collins has taken over the Fun At Bat program, it has grown exponentially, reaching over three million students in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and internationally.

    Collins managed the NFL FLAG program at USA Football prior to joining USA Baseball. During his nearly five years with USA Football, he worked on a number of youth football initiatives and played an integral role in increasing the participation in the NFL FLAG program from an estimated 150,000 participants in 2011 to over 370,000 in 2016. In addition to growing the flag football landscape in the U.S., he managed a number of annual youth flag football tournaments held at NFL team facilities, as well as national championship events held in collaboration with NFL jewel events such as the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, and NFL Draft.

    He received his bachelor's degree in Sport Administration in 2011 from Ball State University.

    Collins currently resides in Apex, North Carolina with his wife, Nina, and stepdaughter, Abby Kate.

    Email Tyler

  • Brett Curll

    Director, 18U National Team Program
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    Brett Curll was named 18U National Team Program Director in January 2023. Curll initially joined the USA Baseball organization as an Assistant Director of Baseball Operations in April 2018 and was promoted to Director of Baseball Operations in December of that same year. In his current role as 18U National Team Program Director, Curll manages all aspects of the 18U National Team program, including the 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP) and the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League.

    In his first year with the organization, Curll helped lead the 15U National Team to its first-ever World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) U-15 Baseball World Cup gold medal. He helped guide the 18U National Team to two gold medals in a supporting role in 2022 as the program won both the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup and the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup Americas Qualifier.

    Curll came to USA Baseball via Aberdeen, Maryland, and Ripken Baseball where he was the Assistant Director of Amateur Baseball Operations. In his seven-year tenure with Ripken Baseball, he oversaw local tournaments and the organization's Chevy Camp Tour.

    After two years on the University of Maryland baseball team, Curll finished his collegiate playing career at Liberty University, where he earned his bachelor's degree in Sport Management in 2010.

    He currently resides in Holly Springs, N.C. with his wife Mariah.

    Email Brett

  • Ray Darwin

    Chief Financial Officer
    Ext. 216

    Ray Darwin serves as USA Baseball's Chief Financial Officer, responsible for the accounting, financial affairs and human resources for the organization, with a focus toward maximizing efficiency. In addition, Darwin assists in the planning, selection and administration of USA Baseball's various professional teams that participate in the World Baseball Classic and Olympic Games.

    Darwin started at USA Baseball as the media relations intern in 1997 before joining the organization full time in January 1998 as the Youth National Team Director (16U and 18U). Under his guidance, the USA Baseball 18U National Team program won four medals from 2004 to 2008 including the silver medal at the 2008 IBAF "AAA" World Junior Championships. From 1998 to 2003, the 16U National Team program compiled an overall record of 34-3 and won three consecutive IBAF "AA" World Youth Championships.

    Before joining USA Baseball, Darwin gained sports management experience working for the Texas Rangers and the University of Pennsylvania athletic department.

    Darwin holds a bachelor's degree in economics with a concentration in marketing from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania (1997) and has extended his education in accounting at North Carolina State University. He also completed the Major League Baseball Scouting Bureau's scout development program in 2000.

    Darwin lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Stacy, and two children, Miranda and Sam.

  • Jeff Feltman

    Coordinator, Baseball Operations

    Jeff Feltman joined USA Baseball in the summer of 2022 as an Intern, Baseball Operations before being named Coordinator, Baseball Operations in November 2022. In his role, Feltman assists with all baseball operations duties pertaining to the National Team Championships Arizona in addition to the National Team Identification Series (NTIS).

    Before joining USA Baseball, Feltman spent four years as a student manager for the Stetson Hatters baseball program. He assisted in many aspects on the program including practice and gameday operations, analytics, travel, meals, and compiance. Feltman also served as a Baseball Operations Intern for the Appalachian League’s Bristol State Liners in 2021 before working as a Baseball Operations Intern for USA Baseball in 2022, where his main responsibilities were the National Team Championships Arizona and both USA Baseball development programs. He also assisted at 15U National Team Training Camp in Tempe, Arizona, and at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Sarasota, Florida. 

    Feltman currently lives in Cary, North Carolina.

    Email Jeff

  • Jimmy Frush

    General Manager, Sports Properties
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    Jimmy Frush joined USA Baseball as the General Manager of Sports Properties in February of 2020. His responsibilities include developing and managing sponsor relationships with brands looking to align with USA Baseball, its events and programming.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, Frush served the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) as Assistant Executive Director, Corporate Partnerships. During his time at the ABCA, total sponsorship revenue increased by 63%, with new benchmarks set in annual sponsorship revenue, number of official partners and overall sponsorship participation.

    Previously, he worked at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi as the Associate Athletics Director for External Development. In that role, he directed all fundraising activities of the Islander Athletic Fund while supervising the areas of athletics marketing, corporate sponsorships, ticket sales/operations and communications. His 16+ year professional career also includes leadership roles at Belmont University, SMU and Texas Tech University.

    As an undergraduate at Texas Tech University, Frush was a pitcher on the baseball team from 1994-1997 where he earned All-Southwest Conference First Team and Academic All-America First Team honors. He currently ranks in the top ten in the program in career appearances, wins, strikeouts and saves and was selected in the 19th round of the 1997 MLB First-Year Player Draft by the Philadelphia Phillies.

    He graduated from Texas Tech in 1997 with a Bachelor’s Degree in History before earning a Master’s Degree in Sports Management from Texas Tech in 2002.

    Frush currently resides in Cary, North Carolina.

    Email Jimmy

  • Allison Gupton

    Director, Baseball Administration
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    Allison Gupton was promoted to the Director of Baseball Administration in January of 2021 after serving as the Assistant Director of Travel Services since November 2017.

    Her current responsibilities include managing the administrative needs of the Baseball Operations department. Gupton initially worked as an hourly employee at the National Training Complex before joining USA Baseball as a Coordinator, Baseball Operations in May 2017. She was responsible for assisting with operations for the National Team Championships in Florida and with the 14U National Team Development Program.

    Before joining USA Baseball, Gupton worked for the Jacksonville Jaguars in ticket sales and member relations, as well as for the North Carolina State University football team as a recruiting intern. She graduated from North Carolina State University in May of 2018 with a bachelor's degree in Sport Management, as well as minors in Business Administration and Health.

    Gupton currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Email Allison

  • Russell Hartford

    Senior Director, Technology
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    Russell Hartford was named Senior Director, Technology, in May 2020. He is responsible for the  administration of USA Baseball's technology partnerships as well as the organization’s bat licensing program (USABat). Prior to taking on his current role, he served as Director, National Team Championships from 2015-2016 and Director, USABat Program from 2017-2020.

    Hartford first joined USA Baseball as Coordinator, National Team Championships, in 2015. During his internship, he was responsible for the championships but also worked with the 15U National Team as an operations assistant. In November 2015, he was hired full time as the Director, National Team Championships, and was responsible for the annual USA Baseball National Team Championships held in Peoria, Arizona, and the 17U National Team Development Program.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, he worked in residential construction as a site manager for Silverwood, Inc.

    Hartford earned a bachelor's of science degree in sport and event management from Elon University in 2014.

    He currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

    Email Russell

  • Lizzie Hattrich

    Director, Communications
    Ext. 255

    Lizzie Hattrich joined USA Baseball in June of 2022 and currently serves as Director, Communications. In this role, she manages USA Baseball's day-to-day communications needs, including press box operations, copyediting press releases and content, and more. Additionally, Lizzie is responsible for executing USA Baseball's e-news plan as well as participant communication in event. She helps develop, plan, execute, and manage the organization's content calendar for USABaseball.com, social media channels, e-news, and other platforms as needed.

    Hattrich came to USA Baseball after spending eight years at North Carolina State University in the athletic communications department. Most recently, she served as the primary contact for the baseball, women's soccer, and women's golf programs.

    Hattrich was a student-athlete at UNC-Pembroke, where she played golf and won the PBC Championship in 2014. She earned a degree in Mass Communication/Media Studies - Journalism and Public Relations.

    Hattrich currently resides in Raleigh with her husband, Brantley.

    Email Lizzie Hattrich

  • Jenna Hiscock

    Assistant Director, Creative Services

    Jenna Hiscock joined USA Baseball in May 2017 as Coordinator of Digital Media and later joined the organization full-time as a Graphic Designer in May 2019. In January 2021, Hiscock was named an Assistant Director, Creative Services, and her primary responsibilities include designing and editing graphics for various USA Baseball social media channels, capturing and editing action photography for USA Baseball's national teams and events, and the day-to-day maintenance of USABaseballPhotos.com.

    Hiscock worked at North Carolina State as a volunteer graphic design intern for over two years. In that role, she organized email and social media campaigns for sporting events, facilitated athlete photoshoots and built promotional content for apparel, environmental and social media platforms.

    Hiscock was also a member of the North Carolina State cheerleading team during her junior and senior years, where she assumed the role of one of the school mascots, "Ms. Wuf."

    Hiscock graduated from North Carolina State in May 2019, where she received a degree in Business Administration.

    Hiscock currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Email Jenna

  • Mark Jenkins

    Director, Creative Services

    Mark Jenkins joined USA Baseball in April 2021 as Assistant Director, Creative Services before being promoted to Director, Creative Services in January 2023. In this role, Jenkins oversees the creative services department and works with graphic design, photography, and videography to create content for USA Baseball to help further establish its brand.

    Prior to joining the organization, Jenkins worked as the Assistant Director for Creative Media for SMU Football where he was responsible for all graphic design for the program, including internal, social, recruiting, and print. Additionally, he helped shoot and edit video as well as photography for practices and recruiting visits.

    He received his bachelor’s degree in Sports Management from the University of Memphis in 2018 where he was a student manager and creative intern for the football team.

    He currently resides in Cary, North Carolina.

    Email Mark

  • Kevin Jones

    Director, Brand
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    Kevin Jones returned to USA Baseball as the Director, Digital Media, in January 2017 before being named Director, Brand in January 2023. In his current role, Jones oversees and develops the identity of USA Baseball in an expanding digital landscape.

    Jones started with the organization in April 2012 as the Coordinator, Multimedia, before being hired full-time in November of that year as the Director, Digital and Social Media. At that time, he was responsible for creating video highlights and packages, as well as all graphic design for USA Baseball.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, he worked as a student manager for the North Carolina State baseball team in 2009 and served as the production intern for CanesVision with the Carolina Hurricanes during the 2011-12 season.

    Jones graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication (Media) from North Carolina State University in 2012.

    He currently resides in Holly Springs, North Carolina, with his wife, Catherine.

    Email Kevin

  • Ben Kelley

    Director, 15U National Team Program
    Ext. 229

    After being named Assistant Director, Baseball Operations in November 2017 before a promotion to Director of Baseball Operations in December 2018, Ben Kelley was named 15U National Team Program Director in January 2023. In that role, he oversees all baseball operations associated with the USA Baseball 15U National Team, as well as its identification events. Kelley is responsible for the selection of the 15U National Team through the National Team Championships in both North Carolina and Arizona as well as the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and the National Team Identification Series (NTIS).

    In his latest stint as 15U National Team Program Director, Kelley managed all baseball operations concerning the team’s involvement in the 2023 International Friendly Series held in the Dominican Republic. In the inaugural event, Kelley oversaw the U.S. squad in its undefeated, title-capturing run in which the stars and stripes went 5-0 and outscored opponents 47-5.

    In his previous role as Director of Baseball Operations, Kelley was responsible for the planning and execution of the annual National Team Championships Arizona, which includes tournament administration along with working onsite at the tournament facilities.

    Prior to his time with USA Baseball, Kelley worked with North Carolina State University Athletics Marketing, Wolfpack Sports Properties, the Holly Springs Salamanders, and assisted with tournament operations for the Rex Hospital Open.

    He first joined the USA Baseball organization as a Coordinator, Operations in March 2017, assisting with day-to-day operations at the National Training Complex. This included facility maintenance, coordinating game-day logistics for USA Baseball events, and the staffing and scheduling of part-time workers at the National Training Complex.

    Kelley received a bachelor's degree of science in Sport Management from North Carolina State University in 2017 along with a minor in Coaching Education and Agricultural Business Management. He currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Email Ben

  • Makenzie Kelly

    Coordinator, Baseball Administration
    Ext. 224

    After initially joining USA Baseball as an intern in March 2022, Makenzie Kelly was named Coordinator, Baseball Administration in July 2022. In this role, Kelly facilitates the USA Baseball internship program, overseeing the hiring and onboarding of approximately 50 interns annually. She also manages the USA Baseball Host For Glory program, serving as a liaison for host families and interns. In addition, Kelly plans and executes staff outings, assists in the management of day-to-day office activities, serves as the main point of contact for TrackMan taggers the National Training Complex, and more.

    Kelly joined USA Baseball after serving on the marketing and matchday staff for the Columbus Crew. In that role, Kelly assisted with in-office tasks, on-pitch presentation, and more. She researched and implemented new activations and supporter engagement opportunities, and assisted with matchday operations.

    Kelly graduated from Ashland University in 2021, where she earned a BSBA in Marketing and Sport Management. She currently resides in Cary.

    Email Makenzie

  • Lauren Kern

    Assistant Director, Accounting & Finance
  • Jim Koerner

    Director, Player Development
    Ext. 231

    Jim Koerner joined USA Baseball as the Director of Player Development in 2021. In that role, he is responsible for developing on-field programming for USA Baseball’s six national teams and three national team development programs. He will also produce curriculums related to player development for USABDevelops.com, the organization’s free online educational resource center.

    Koerner will also serve as the Field Coordinator at the Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) League, the premier development and showcase experience for high school draft prospects from Major League Baseball and USA Baseball, and the primary identification event for the 18U National Team. Additionally, Koerner runs the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program (ADP) and 16U/17U National Team Development Program (NTDP), a role he assumed in January 2023.

    He will also assist with player and staff identification for all 10 clubs in the Appalachian League and serve as a roving instructor during the season.

    Koerner was the head coach at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) from 2011-2021. As just the second head coach in the program’s modern-day history, Koerner took NCCU baseball to new heights in his 10 years at the helm, culminating with a Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) Southern Division Championship, and MEAC Coach of the Year recognition during the 2021 season. Under his guidance, the Eagles set the school record for wins twice, in 2013 (27) and again in 2018 (28). He also coached seven MLB Draft picks or free agent signees with NCCU, including 12th round selection Corey Joyce, 28th round selection Andrew Vernon, and Austin Vernon, who became the highest player drafted in program history when he was taken in the 10th round by the Tampa Bay Rays in 2021. Koerner helped lead NCCU’s transition to the NCAA Division I level in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference during the 2011-2012 season and has since coached 39 All-MEAC selections, including the 2014, 2017, and 2019, and 2021 MEAC Rookies of the Year, the 2018 and 2019 MEAC Players of the Year, and the 2021 MEAC Pitcher of the Year.

    Before his time at NCCU, Koerner was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Buffalo from 2007-2011, helping the Bulls reach their best offensive performances in program history in 2009 and 2010. The team recorded an all-time high in wins since 1999 during the 2009 season and set the records for team batting average (.312), home runs (46), and stolen bases (71) in 2010. In those two seasons combined, the Bulls broke over 25 season, career, team, and individual records.

    He began his coaching career in 2001 as the head coach at Medaille College, where he helped found the program and was named the 2003 North Eastern Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. In 2004, he moved to the Division I ranks as an assistant coach at Monmouth University before taking the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator role at Marshall University from 2005-2006. During that time, Marshall ranked highly among NCAA teams in most offensive categories and Koerner helped Adam Frederick break the program’s all-time hits record (250) while also recruiting and signing several of the Top 100 rated players in the Northeast.

    Koerner received his bachelor’s degree in economics in 1997 from St. John Fisher College (N.Y.) and a master’s degree in athletic administration from Marshall University.

    Koerner currently resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife, Kylie, and two children, Sam and Elizabeth.

    Email Jim

  • Paris LaPoint

    Coordinator, Athlete Safety and Education
    Ext. 241

    After initially starting as an Education Intern in February 2022, Paris LaPoint joined USA Baseball full-time as Coordinator, Athlete Safety and Education in January 2023. In that role, LaPoint focuses on growing the BASE Organizational Compliance program, assisting with on-site compliance at events, and helping with educational resources such as the USA Baseball Develops Blog.

    As an intern, LaPoint assisted in building the USA Baseball Develops website and mobile app. She edited, published, and managed USA Baseball Develops Blog and social media content, assisted in the development of 27 free courses, and helped with on-site compliance at various tournaments. She also helped orchestrate COVID-19 safety policies and procedures at the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup in Bradenton and Sarasota, Florida.

    LaPoint has experience with the sports marketing practicum with the University of Iowa Sport and Recreation Management Agency. Additionally, she is a former competitive dancer.

    LaPoint graduated from the University of Iowa in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in communication studies and a minor in sport and recreation management. She currently resides in Apex, North Carolina.

    Email Paris

  • Cicely McLaughlin

    Director, Accounting & Finance
    Ext. 257

    Cicely McLaughlin serves as the Director, Accounting and Finance, for USA Baseball, overseeing the day-to-day financial needs of the federation.

    McLaughlin joined USA Baseball in 2013 as a coordinator of retail and finance. She was promoted to a full-time staff member, the Assistant Director, Accounting and Finance, in July 2013 before being promoted in the fall of 2017.

    McLaughlin has a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting (2013). She competed on the Pirates' softball team as a utility player, helping the team to NCAA regional appearances in 2010 and 2011.

    She also received her master's degree in Accounting from North Carolina State University in 2015.

    She currently resides in New Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, Brian, and son, Caydien

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  • James Motter

    Coordinator, Creative Services
  • Alex Nash

    Director, Social Media
    Ext. 217

    Alex Nash joined USA Baseball in July 2022 as Director, Social Media.

    In his role, Nash is responsible for developing and implementing USA Baseball’s social media strategy through day-to-day social messaging and large-scale campaigns in support of the brand. He oversees all organic and paid social media campaigns while increasing brand recognition and awareness.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, Nash served as the Communications and Social Media Manager for the Fiesta Bowl Organization in Scottsdale, Arizona. Previously, he has held roles as a Sports Information Director and Graduate Assistant at Grand Canyon University, Operations Manager and Producer at Skyview Satellite Networks as well as Media Relations Assistant for the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Arizona State University. Nash also served as Arizona State University's mascot, Sparky the Sun Devil for four years as an undergrad.

    Nash graduated from Arizona State University in 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in communications and media analysis. He also owns a master’s degree in sports management from Grand Canyon University.

    Nash currently lives in Garner, North Carolina, with his wife Rachel.

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  • Jacqueline Oiga

    Coordinator, Social Media

    Jacqueline Oiga joined USA Baseball in June 2023 as the organization's Social Media Coordinator. In that role, Oiga is responsible for assisting with USA Baseball's social media strategy, content creation, and social media account management.

    Oiga came to USA Baseball with extensive experience in the social media industry. Most recently, she worked as an intern for the Nashville Predators, assisting with their social media. Additionally, Oiga has worked for Nashville SC, the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, and Belmont University's baseball and softball programs. She also worked in promotions and activations for the Paragon Marketing Group and the Nashville Sounds. 

    Oiga graduated from University of Illinois, Chicago, in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in marketing. In addition, she owns a master's degree in sport administration from Belmont University.

    Jacqueline currently resides in Cary, North Carolina.

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  • Mark O'Sullivan

    Scouting Director

    Mark O’Sullivan joined USA Baseball as the organization’s Scouting Coordinator in 2021 before being named Scouting Director in September 2022.

    In his role, O’Sullivan is responsible for scouting and evaluating players for selection to the 12U, 15U, 18U, and Collegiate National Teams. He also leads the selection process for players that will take part in USA Baseball’s development programs, including the 13U/14U Athlete Development Program and the 16U/17U National Team Development Program.

    Additionally, O’Sullivan leads USA Baseball Task Force members at the National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina in identifying players for national teams and development programs. O’Sullivan also assists the 18U National Team staff in advance scouting during international competition, including the WBSC U-18 Baseball World Cup and World Cup Qualifiers.

    Prior to joining USA Baseball, O’Sullivan served as an area scout for seven years with the San Francisco Giants. In that role, he covered the Northeast region for four years and the Carolinas for three years, identifying and evaluating amateur prospects for the MLB Draft. He previously had assistant coaching positions at Louisburg College (NC) and Springfield College (MA) as well as the Duluth Huskies of the Northwoods League.

    O’Sullivan earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Rollins College, where he played college baseball. After graduation, he was a 25th round draft choice of the Los Angels and spent five years pitching in their minor league system. He also earned a master’s degree in sports management from Springfield College.

    O’Sullivan currently resides in Durham, North Carolina, with his wife Jocelyn and son Colin.

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  • Colin Pelosi

    Assistant Director, Creative Services

    Colin Pelosi joined USA Baseball full-time in January 2020 as a Video Producer and was named Assistant Director, Creative Services, in January 2021. In this role, he is in charge of content creation and management of all video production from pre-production to the execution of final products across the organization. Pelosi first started with USA Baseball in April 2019 as the Video Production Coordinator and was responsible for producing videos for all of USA Baseball programs, events and national teams.

    Prior to his time at USA Baseball, Pelosi worked in operations at The Camera House in Los Angeles where his work consisted of building out professional cinema cameras for clients such as Netflix, NBC, Hulu, Starz, USA Network and more. He also worked on-set in the camera department on multiple short films and commercials before returning to North Carolina.

    He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies and a concentration in Media Production.

    Pelosi currently resides in Garner, North Carolina.

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  • David Perkins

    Chief Operating Officer

    David Perkins is the Chief Operating Officer for USA Baseball, a position he has held since 2008. He is responsible for the ongoing business operations for the federation and works to further develop the organization's revenue opportunities through both on-field programs and marketing programs, which include USA Baseball's multiyear marketing partnership with Major League Baseball. He continues to oversee all marketing and sponsorship programs, including the organization's trading-card licensing program, which provides some of the trading-card industry's most high-profile products.

    Perkins joined USA Baseball in March 1998, first working on the organization's Junior Olympic Baseball Championships. The then-56-team tournament has grown into the annual USA Baseball 14U/15U/16U/17U National Team Championships in Arizona and North Carolina.

    Following his internship with the Junior Olympics, he was named director, merchandise and apparel sales, in 1999 and launched and assumed responsibility for USA Baseball's merchandise and retail programs. One year later, prior to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Perkins moved into the role of associate director of business development.

    In 2003, Perkins was promoted to director of marketing and licensing and was part of a five-person relocation committee that selected North Carolina's Triangle-area as the new home for USA Baseball. Following the organization's relocation, he was named the Chief Operating Officer. Under his guidance as the COO, he has headlined numerous successful endeavors.

    Perkins formalized the organization's internship program, which has seen over 250 interns successfully complete the program and go on to full-time positions in sports or opportunities of higher education. Twenty-one of USA Baseball's current full-time employees were interns with the organization.

    He oversaw the development of the organization's ecommerce and digital media strategies, including multiple web site launches with Major League Baseball Advanced Media and Shopify, national television broadcasts on MLB Network, growth on social media platforms, and the creation of the organization's digital media department -- which is recognized as one of the top five most "socialed" National Governing Body sites.

    Perkins also developed and launched the USA Baseball Prospect Classic, an exhibition series between the USA Baseball Collegiate and 18U National Teams, which was broadcast nationally on MLB Network. Additionally, he oversaw the tour contact, venue relations and logistic for the 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019 USA/Cuba International Friendship Series in the United States, which was the first time the teams have played on U.S. soil since 1996.

    More recently he guided the launch and branding of the USA Baseball bat licensing program – USABat – and he has been on the leadership team for the 2021 U-18 WBSC Baseball World Cup in Sarasota and Bradenton which will mark the first time the event has been hosted in the United States since 1995.

    Perkins graduated from the University of Arizona with a bachelor's of science degree in Finance with a concentration in International Business.

    Currently serving on the advisory board with the Greater Raleigh Sports Alliance (GRSA), he resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Liz, and sons, Lincoln and Dayton.

  • Manny Portugal

    Coordinator, PDP Operations

    After initially serving as a PDP Operations Intern in 2022, Portugal re-joined USA Baseball in 2023 as PDP Operations Coordinator. In this role, he organizes USA Baseball Player Development Pipeline (PDP) events and facilitates the day-to-day planning of the PDP program. This program serves high school prospects in their development as athletes and educated individuals utilizing development sessions, gameplay, and educational seminars.

    Portugal has a dual bachelor's degree in Sports Administration and Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. There, he also served as a four-year student manager for the baseball team.

    He currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

    Email Manny

  • Lauren Rhyne

    Senior Director, Athlete Safety and Education
    Ext. 242

    Lauren Rhyne was named Senior Director, Athlete Safety and Education, at USA Baseball in December 2020. In that role, she is responsible for organizational compliance with the U.S. Center for SafeSport and oversees the B.A.S.E. initiative, which is USA Baseball’s abuse awareness program. Additionally, she is responsible for the creation and management of all coach, parent, player and umpire education and youth- and governance-driven initiatives, such as USA Baseball Develops, Online Education Courses, Certification, the American Development Model (ADM), the High School Baseball Manual, the Development Blog, and the USA Baseball Mobile Coach app. Rhyne also oversees USA Baseball's partnership with the MLB for the Pitch Smart, Play Ball and Play Sun Smart initiatives.

    Rhyne joined USA Baseball in the summer of 2014 as a research and development coordinator before being promoted to Assistant Director, Amateur Development, in November 2014, and then Director, Education in November 2015.

    Rhyne graduated from Elon University with a bachelor's degree in Sport and Event Management and minors in Business Administration and Coaching, and was also a four-year member of the Phoenix softball team. As part of her undergraduate career, she conducted a three-year study that explored the relationship between the gender diversity of NCAA Division I softball coaching staffs and their programs' winning percentages.

    Rhyne received her master's degree in Park, Recreation, Tourism and Sport Management from North Carolina State University in May 2016.

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  • Ann Claire Roberson

    Director, Baseball Operations
    Ext. 239

    Ann Claire Roberson joined USA Baseball in March 2018 as a Coordinator of Baseball Operations where she assisted with operations for the National Team Championships in Florida and the 15U National Team. She later joined the organization full time in February 2019 as Assistant Director of Baseball Operations. In her current role, she serves as the Director of the Women’s National Team, oversees the National Team Identification Series, while assisting with National Team Championships.

    Roberson worked at North Carolina State University for three years as a Game Operations and Facility Assistant for North Carolina Athletics.

    Roberson graduated from North Carolina State University in May 2019, where she received her degree in Sport Management with minors in both Business Administration and Sport Science. She currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina.

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  • Tracy Sewell

    Coordinator, Retail Operations

    Tracy Sewell returned to USA Baseball in March 2022 as Coordinator, Retail Operations. In that role, Sewell has a day-to-day focus at the USA Baseball fulfillment center, overseeing USABaseballShop.com and order fulfillment.

    Sewell initially joined USA Baseball in May 2021 as a Retail and Supply Chain Management Intern. She has also held internships at Sports & Properties Inc. and the Triangle Sports Commission as a Data and Promotions Intern and at the Morehead City Marlins Baseball Team as a Community Relations and Ticket Intern. Additionally, Sewell worked with the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament for four years in their retail and commerce department.

    Sewell graduated from North Carolina State University in 2019 with a bachelor’s degree in Design Studies with a Nonprofit Studies concentration. In 2021, she earned a master’s degree in Higher Education with an Educational Leadership cognate.

    Sewell currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

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  • Josh Spitz

    Assistant Director, Communications
    Ext. 213

    Josh Spitz joined USA Baseball in July 2021 as Coordinator, Media Relations and was promoted to Assistant Director, Communications in January 2023. Spitz assists with media relations and communications for the organization, including USA Baseball's National Teams and programs.

    Originally from Cortlandt Manor, New York, Spitz graduated from Stony Brook University in May 2021 with a degree in journalism. During his time at Stony Brook, he worked in the Athletic Communications Office, serving as sports information director for several sports. Spitz has held internships with Major League Baseball and the Metropolitan Golf Association. 

    He currently resides in Durham, North Carolina.

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  • Mariah Vargas

    Coordinator, Baseball Technology

    After first joining USA Baseball as a Prospect Development Pipeline (PDP) intern in 2021, Mariah Vargas joined the organization in a full-time capacity as Coordinator, Baseball Technology in 2022. In that role, Vargas assists in all PDP-related events and helps evaluate athletes through on-site activations while collecting and analyzing performance data. Additionally, Vargas provides organizational and administrative support for all USA Baseball programming with a primary focus on the USABat program.

    Vargas graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in exercise and sport science.

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  • James Vick

    Senior Director, National Training Complex Operations
    Ext. 221

    James Vick currently serves as the Senior Director, National Training Complex (NTC) Operations, for USA Baseball. In this role he is responsible for the day-to-day operations, field scheduling and maintenance of game-day logistics for the organization’s official training complex in Cary, N.C. Additionally, he is the national governing body’s project manager for Phase II development at the NTC which includes the construction of USA Baseball’s national headquarters and high performance training center.

    Vick began with USA Baseball as a coordinator in 2012 and 2013. In 2012, he worked with the National Team Championships in Arizona, while in 2013, he oversaw National Training Complex operations.

    He was named the Assistant Director of Operations in 2014 before being promoted to Director, NTC Operations and then Senior Director, National Training Complex Operations in September of 2020.

    Vick has a bachelor's degree in Sports Management from North Carolina State University.

    He currently resides in Apex, North Carolina, with his wife, Chelsea, and son, James.

    Email James

  • Jade Williams

    Coordinator, PDP Operations
  • Sarah Wood

    Assistant Director, Education
    Ext. 220

    Sarah Wood was promoted to the full-time role of Assistant Director, Education in January 2021. In this role, she assists in the improvement of the amateur programming experience, including increasing participation rate, and improving player safety within the game. She also aids in the creation of new educational content, provides oversight on Play Ball and Pitch Smart, and is responsible for researching and analyzing existing educational trends throughout the sports industry.

    Wood initially began working with USA Baseball in January 2020 as the Educational Resources Intern. During her internship, she helped launch USA Baseball Develops and managed the social media schedule for educational assets. Additionally, she oversaw, and assisted with, the maintenance of educational initiatives such as online education courses, Coach and Umpire Certification, the American Development Model (ADM), the High School Baseball Manual, the USA Baseball Develops Blog, and the USA Baseball Mobile Coach app.

    Prior to joining the organization, Wood served as a Game Operations Intern at Coastal Carolina University where she helped coordinate the preparation of athletic events and athletic facility maintenance.

    She received her bachelor’s degree in exercise science with a minor in psychology from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington in 2019. In 2020, Wood earned her Master of Science in sport management with a certificate in project management from Western Carolina University.

    She currently resides in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband Cory.

    Email Sarah

  • Brad Young

    Senior Director, Governance & Strategy
    Ext. 212

    Brad Young joined USA Baseball full-time as the Director of Communications and National Team Travel in January of 2016 and was later promoted to Senior Director of Communications (formerly Media Relations) in August of 2019. In this role, he is responsible for the organization's internal and external communications, and media and public relations. Young also oversees the Communications and Creative Services departments, and is the primary media contact for the Professional National Team and the Golden Spikes Award.

    Young first joined the organization in a joint internship between USA Baseball and the International Baseball Federation (IBAF) in May of 2008. During this time, he served as the on-site media contact for Field 2 of the Wukesong Olympic Baseball Complex at the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games and later served as a USA Baseball press officer for the the gold medal-winning 2008 14U National Team, the 2009 College National Team and the gold medal-winning 2009 USA Baseball World Cup Team. He also simultaneously served as the baseball operations coordinator during his 2009 tours with the Collegiate National and World Cup Teams.

    Before rejoining USA Baseball, Young worked for the Falls Church City Public Schools district in Falls Church, Virginia. He coached baseball and volleyball for George Mason High School, where he helped lead the baseball program to the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Region 2A East semifinals and the volleyball program to its first-ever conference championship in 2015.

    Young graduated with a bachelor's degree in Communication Studies with a concentration in Organizational and Interpersonal Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2008. During his undergraduate career, he worked within the Office of Athletic Communications, serving as a student assistant for women's tennis and wrestling, as well as working closely with the baseball, field hockey and soccer teams.

    Young currently resides in Apex, North Carolina.

    Email Brad