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The Official Site of the Charleston RiverDogs Charleston RiverDogs

Front Office Staff

Main Office Contact Information

Phone: (843) 723-7241
Fax: (843) 723-2641
Main Email: admin@riverdogs.com

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

Executive Team

Dave Echols, President/General Manager

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

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, in Charleston, was named the South Atlantic League Sales Executive of the Year in 2019.

A graduate of Purdue University, Abzug resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife, Jess, and their three kids, Joanna, Hazel and Grant.

Josh Shea, Vice President, Food & Beverage

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.

Dale Stickney, Vice President of Finance

A native of Miami, Fla., Stickney has been with the Goldklang Group since 2000 when she joined the ownership group to run the Veeck Promotional Seminar. In 2003 she transitioned to the RiverDogs as Director of Special Events handling any non-traditional revenue events at the stadium including community, corporate, and signature RiverDogs special events. In 2008 she moved to the role as business manager before serving as Vice President of Finance since 2018.

Prior to joining the RiverDogs, Stickney worked in the Marketing department with the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues and the Hickory Crawdads Baseball Club. She currently resides in Mt. Pleasant with her husband, Jeff, and three children: Miles, Travis, and Sydney.

Lance Fletcher, Assistant General Manager

Prior to joining the RiverDogs, Lance worked in hospitality and event management, including serving as a Hospitality Operations Manager supporting race teams and VIP clients in the motorsports industry and as Director of Catering, Banquets and Events for a private country club in Naples, Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in International Business from Florida Atlantic University, along with diplomas in Hospitality Management and Hospitality & Tourism Management.

Lance is also a Certified Sommelier and holds a WSET Level 1 Award in Wines. In 2025, he was recognized as a Charleston Regional Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree, followed by an Emerging Leaders Under 40 award in 2026. Lance is also an active member of the South Carolina State Guard.

He and his wife, Samantha, are raising their two children, Finley and Eleanor, in Charleston.

Corporate Sales

Andy Lange, Vice President, Corporate Sales

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.

Marketing & Promotions

Stephanie Keller, Director of Promotions

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

Haley joined the RiverDogs in April of 2024 as the Community Relations Manager, and was then promoted to Senior Marketing Manager in September of 2025. 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), trying new restaurants, and visiting her family.

Lindsey Archer, Creative Marketing Manager

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.

Jaxon Bast, Video Production Manager

Ally Marcano, Graphic Designer

Max Tanzer, Broadcast and Media Relations Manager

Merchandise

Cynthia Linhart, Director of Merchandise

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.

Community Relations

Ticket Sales

Keith Millikan, Senior Account Executive

Conor Mitchum, Senior Account Executive

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

Special Events

Belle PerDieu, Events Coordinator

Belle joined the Charleston RiverDogs in October 2026, having previously served as an Events intern. Born and raised in Northern Virginia, she recently graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Marketing.

Prior to joining the RiverDogs, Belle interned with CofC Athletics and worked for Patrick Properties Hospitality Group for three years. In Belle's free time, she enjoys going to the gym and trying new food places in Charleston.

Charlie Price, Events Coordinator

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.

Food & Beverage

Ryan Ehlinger, Senior Concourse Manager

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

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.

Sam Dawson, Sous Chef

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

With a decade of experience, Chef Sam has honed his skills across various cuisines, working at esteemed restaurants and rising to executive chef status at a multi-state catering company. His 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 Sam sets himself apart with his unwavering commitment to delivering unparalleled quality and flavor in every dish. Taste the difference with Chef Sam and elevate your dining experience today.

Matt Franklin, Hospitality Manager

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.

Kevin Coyne, Head Groundskeeper

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

Ballpark Operations

Dan Knapinski, Director of Operations

Jon Kimball, Operations Manager

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.

Business Management/Accounting

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.

Mascots

Charlie T. RiverDog, Mascot