Front Office

Bradenton Marauders Staff Directory

Bradenton Marauders Front Office

Jeff Podobnik - Vice President of FL & DR Operations

Phone Ext: (941) 538-5163

Jeff Podobnik has worked for the Pittsburgh Pirates since 1988, joining the club immediately after his graduation from Slippery Rock University. He moved into his current position, his third stint leading the organization's Florida Operations, following the 2019 season. After serving as Director of Florida Operations throughout the 1990s, Jeff returned to Pittsburgh to help open and operate PNC Park as Director of Security & Contract Services. In addition to being a member of the Stadium Managers Association, Jeff has worked at the 1994, 2002, 2005, 2006, and 2008 MLB All Star Game. His extensive community service record includes sitting on the board for the Boys & Girls Clubs, Manatee School Foundation, and the Manatee Chamber of Commerce Executive Board. Jeff resides in Parrish with his wife, Amy, and son Josh. His adult sons, Tyler and Cooper, were born in Manatee County during Jeff's first stint in Florida. Jeff and Amy welcomed their first grandchild, Sadie Ann, in 2018.

Favorite Food: Steak

Favorite Movie: Foot Loose / Road House

Favorite Singer/Band: AC/DC / Eagles

Favorite Book: American Sniper

Favorite Athlete: Jay Bell

Favorite Sporting Event Attended in Person: 2013 Wild Card Game Pirates Vs. Reds

Craig Warzecha - General Manager | Director, Sales & Marketing

Kyle Hogan - Manager, Tickets Sales and Service

Brian Spradlin - Manager, Game Presentation & Marketing

Brian Spradlin

Email: brian.spradlin@pirates.com

Phone : (941) 269-4424

Brian joined the Pirates and Marauders in 2025, for the second time. Originally from Fort Meade, Florida, he attended and graduated from Warner University in 2022, where he studied Sports Communication. Brian worked with the Pirates and Marauders during the 2024 Spring Training and MiLB season as a Game Presentation and Marketing Assistant. After completing the 2024 season he took the Digital Marketing Coordinator position with the Atlanta Braves Spring Training site. Once 2025 rolled around he was given the opportunity to return to the Pirates and Marauders as the Game Presentation and Marketing Manager, where he oversees marketing efforts, the LECOM Park video board, and in-game entertainment for Florida Operations. Brian enjoys spending time with his family and friends, traveling, and being outdoors.

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Movie: Grown Ups

Favorite Singer: Koe Wetzel

Favorite Book: The Energy Bus

Favorite Athlete: Tim Tebow

Favorite Sporting Event Attended in Person: 2019 MLB AL Wildcard Game, Rays vs Astros

Karena Ballard - Coordinator, Fan & Community Engagement

Karena.Ballard@pirates.com

Phone Ext: (941) 538- 5171

Karena joined the Pirates and Marauders in 2024 as the Coordinator for Fan and Community Engagement. Originally from Chesapeake, Virginia, Karena moved around frequently due to her mother serving in the United States Army. She returned to Virginia to attend George Mason University and graduated with her degree in Communication in 2022. Her career in baseball started in 2023 as an Associate for the Boston Red Sox in Fort Myers. While she's not a work, Karena enjoys spending time outside and exploring new areas.

Favorite Food: Korean BBQ

Favorite Movie: Hunger Games: Catching Fire

Favorite Singer/Band: Seventeen

Favorite Book: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

Favorite Sporting Event Attended in Person: Local soccer game in Virgina

Ray Morris - Director, Florida Operations

Jake Horne - Manager, Florida Field Operations

Dawson Bublitz - Coordinator, LECOM Park Operations

Dawson.Bublitz@pirates.com

Phone Ext: (941) 269-8309

Dawson joined the Pirates and Marauders in 2024. Originally from Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, he attended and graduated from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse where he played Club Baseball and worked with the athletic department in event operations. Dawson worked with the Milwaukee Brewers during the 2023 MLB season as an event services intern, and worked with the Milwaukee Bucks as a Group Event Facilitator. As the Coordinator of LECOM Park Operations, he oversees all the set up and tear down of Marauders games and events as well as handling all day-to-day operations at the ballpark. In his free time, Dawson enjoys hanging out with friends, playing golf, and watching other sports.

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Singer: Morgan Wallen

Favorite Sporting Event Attended: 2011 NLDS Game 5

Favorite Athlete: Jameson Williams

Favorite Movie: Major League

Favorite Book: American Sniper

Dan Carroll - Coordinator, Florida Operations

Kyle Quiles - Account Manager, Ticket Sales

Kyle.Quiles@Pirates.com

Phone Ext: (941) 269-4861

Kyle joined the Pirates and Marauders team in early 2025. After spending the previous one and a half years working for the New York Yankees at their Spring Training facility in Tampa, FL as a Junior Sales Associate. Kyle is taking on the role of Account Manager, where he will oversee the creation and organization of group events and employee outings here at LECOM Park. He is originally from Palmetto, Florida and graduated from University of Central Florida in the Summer of 2023 with a B.S. in Integrated Business. He enjoys spending his free time golfing, playing pickleball and going to the beach with friends.

Favorite Food: Tacos

Favorite Movie: Happy Gilmore

Favorite Band: Red Hot Chili Peppers

Favorite Book: Game of Shadows

Favorite Athlete: Baker Mayfield

Favorite Sporting Event Attended in Person: TB Rays vs BOS Red Sox in 2011, Game 162.

Kevin Steinfeld - Account Manager, Ticket Sales

Louis Duran - General Manager, Concessions