MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com -The Altoona Curve have made a total of five changes including four new additions to their front office staff.

The initial staff move involved Matt Hoover, who has been promoted to the position of Director of Ticket Sales and Promotions.  In 2010, Hoover will enter his sixth season in professional baseball, first joining the Altoona Curve staff as a marketing intern prior to the 2005 season.  In 2006, he was added to the Curve Baseball LP full time staff as the Assistant Director of Promotions, primarily overseeing the promotional efforts with the Curve’s sister franchise at the time, the State College Spikes.  In 2007, Hoover was promoted to Director of Promotions and stationed in Altoona on a full-time basis overseeing all of the promotional efforts for three teams – the Curve, Spikes and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. 

In his new role, Hoover will lead the Altoona Curve ticket sales staff in servicing current ticket accounts while generating new ticket leads for the organization.

“Matt’s leadership skills have been an asset to the Curve organization,” said Egan.  “We believe he has a terrific ability to guide a sales staff for us moving forward into 2010 and beyond.”

Hoover was is a native of Hollidaysburg and a 2005 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Mathematics. 

The Curve are also pleased to announce four new hires for the 2010 season.   A.J. Palazzi and Cassie Stroup have been added as Ticket Sales Associates, Chuck Griswold has joined the front office as a Sponsorship Sales Account Executive, and Claire Martin has returned to professional baseball assuming the team’s duties as Director of Merchandising.   

Palazzi is no stranger to the Curve franchise.  The Altoona Area High School and Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania graduate spent the 2008 and 2009 seasons as a marketing intern with the organization.  “A.J. displayed a terrific amount of enthusiasm in two seasons as a marketing intern contributing a great deal in so many aspects of the operation,” said Egan.  “His terrific people skills will make him a tremendous asset to the Altoona Curve ticket holders he will work with on a daily basis.  As an Altoona native, he truly understands what Curve baseball means to the region and its fans.” 

Stroup is a Newton Falls, Ohio native who brings a track record of sales and customer service experience to Altoona.  After graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with degrees in Parks and Recreation Management and Spanish, Stroup was employed for three years at FiftyFlowers.com.  She worked in customer service and sales, as a bridal show promotions coordinator and product development operations manager.

“Cassie’s sales and customer service background and her enthusiastic personality will make her a key contributor to our staff,” said Egan.  “She’s also very excited to work in the Sports and Recreation field for the first time since college and we’re sure that energy will have a positive impact for all involved.”

Griswold brings a wealth of sales experience – nearly 30 years – to the Altoona Curve.  A native of the region, Griswold will handle corporate sponsorships for the organization, helping businesses maximize their goals when partnering with the Altoona Curve.

“Chuck is very experienced in the field and he’s already been fostering new and renewed relationships in the business community,” Egan stated. “Plus, with a name like Griswold, we’re confident he can handle our Christmas decorations.”

The final addition to the staff is a person who has plenty of experience with the Altoona Curve brand.  Martin returns to baseball after a nine-month absence to assume the duties of Director of Merchandising.  Martin first joined the State College Spikes in 2006 and served as the manager of their Spikes’ team store for two seasons before assisting with the Altoona Curve operation in 2008.  Martin also worked in Myrtle Beach during the last half of 2008 as the Pelicans’ Merchandise Director. 

“Since rejoining the Curve a couple of weeks ago, Claire has made a positive impact by getting things ready for our mall store location in a limited time frame,” said Egan.  “We’re thrilled to be able to add someone of Claire’s caliber who is familiar with our brand and is eager to implement some new concepts and designs.” 

Astonishingly, the Altoona Curve Home Opener for the 2010 season against the Harrisburg Senators on Thursday, April 8 at 6:30 is just 163 days away. Fans can enjoy Altoona Curve Baseball in a variety of ways through this upcoming season, whether it is through full season ticket plans or the aforementioned, mini-plans which can be reserved starting Monday.  Fans interested in securing one of these great value plans can contact the Curve toll free at 877-99-CURVE, in person at the Blair County Ballpark front office during normal business hours or at the team’s official merchandise store located at the Logan Valley Mall beginning on November 1.

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