In honor of National Women in Sports Day (February 6th), the BlueClaws would like to highlight the outstanding female employees on our staff.
JoAnne Bell is in her 7th season as the BlueClaws Front Office Manager. JoAnne is in charge of everything related to making the office run smoothly. In addition, she helps with BlueClaws Charities events and the BlueClaws community relations efforts, and host family program. She is also in her first season being a part of Minor League Baseball’s LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Talent) program mentoring women all over the country working in the industry.
“It is a joy to come to work everyday and work with such a great staff. The women here are awesome. No matter what ages are (it is a wide range) we can work together and accomplish so much,” she said. “This is a dream for me to be here working in baseball and better yet since I am now a Phillies Phan, Here is to another great year.
Jamie Bertram began her career with the BlueClaws in 2011 and returned in 2014. She is now the team’s Vice President of Promotions & Entertainment, responsible for Promotions, Production, Entertainment, Community Involvement, and Marketing Internship Program. Her goal is to ensure when fans come to the ballpark they leave with nothing but great memories with their friends and family. She was named a “Phenomenal Woman Under 40″ by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore in 2017.
” ‘Behind every successful WOMAN is a tribe of other successful WOMEN, who have her back.’ – Unknown. We have very talented women not only in our office but across all of Minor League Baseball. I am lucky to be part of such an amazing community of women in the sports industry,” she said. “We all have something in common, empowering and lifting each other to make a difference and be the best version of ourselves. When women support each other, incredible things happen!” ,
Annette Clark will start her 16th season with the BlueClaws this year. Currently the Accounting and Human Resources Manager, her responsibilities include payables, receivables, payroll and all human resources for the team. Annette previously served as a buyer for a national jewelry chain.
“I love that the front office is my second family with a lively and fun atmosphere. But the thing I enjoy the most is game day when you can feel the energy and excitement from our fans all around the ballpark,” she said.
Emily Gresco joined the BlueClaws this spring as a Marketing & Merchandise Intern from Temple University. She grew up in Manalapan.
“Growing up both my parents were teachers and I always thought that I would become one as well. But being a three-sport athlete showed me my love for sports and brought a desire to work in the industry,” she said. “It has been really fun and enjoyable being able to intern with the BlueClaws so far. Everyone is so caring and passionate about what they do and I am so happy I have been given the opportunity to be a part of this organization.”
Gianna Fiocco, from Lacey, joined the BlueClaws thorugh their Spring Internship Program in 2019 and is in her first season as a Marketing & Promotions Assistant.
“Working in the sports industry, and particularly for the BlueClaws has been an incredible experience for me,” she said. “I love being able to contribute to the fun experience that we provide for our fans at every game. Not only do I have the opportunity to work behind the scenes for the team, but I also get to work with an amazing group of women who continually support each other in a male-dominated industry.”
Kristina Poetsch started with the BlueClaws as an intern in January 2019. She became a member of the gameday staff during the 2019 season and is now working as a Ticket Operations Assistant. As a recent graduate from Montclair State University, Kristina will be assisting the Sales Department with ticket sales and various projects in preparation for the upcoming 20th season.
“Even though I’ve been a sports fan my entire life, I never considered working in sports until a few years ago when I switched majors. I’m excited to be a part of the continuously growing group of women working in the sports industry. Being a small part of this organization has been more than a dream come true and I don’t take any of it for granted. I’m looking forward to a fun season!”
Kathryn Raso is entering her 4th season with the BlueClaws. She joined the BlueClaws staff in 2017 as the Director of Concessions and also serves a Mentor through the Minor League Baseball LIFT (Leaders Inspiring Future Talent) Program. In her time away from work, Kathryn stays active with her home-based business Pink Zebra, as a volunteer for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, and as a soccer coach for the Toms River Futbol Club (TRFC).
“It’s been a great experience being a part of the team here and I hope all young women can grow up to be involved in an organization like this one, providing great experiences and a sense of accomplishment,” she said. “Just walking through the gates here gives you a sense of family and community.”
Kayla Reilly is back and entering her 11th season with the BlueClaws. Kayla was hired in 2007 at the ripe age of 16 as a member of our part-time game day staff in the Kids Zone. Kayla briefly left the Jersey Shore to work for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center in 2017, but recently found home calling her name. She is now the team’s Director of Events and Operations and directly oversees all functions of non-baseball events at FirstEnergy Park as well as overseeing the same group of 100+ game day staff that she was once a part of!
“I went to school to be a teacher, so I am still wondering how I ended up doing this crazy thing they call ‘working in sports,’ ” she said. “Super thankful for every single female (and male too!) that has shown me how important it is for us to have a voice in a male dominated industry and to fight for a seat at the table.”
Jess Szewczyk, joined the BlueClaws in 2019 as a Creative Services Assistant and she is now in her first year as the team’s Digital Marketing & Design Manager.
“I love being able to come in to work everyday and flex my creative muscles! There’s nothing as exciting (and nerve-wracking) as seeing my BlueClaws graphics go up on a billboard on a busy highway or to see a piece of BlueClaws social content get a lot of comments online. I’ve grown so much during my time with the BlueClaws – both professionally, personally, and creatively. And I think I bring a lot of GIRL POWER to the team!”
Jamie Wagner (not pictured) joined the Ticket Sales Team in October of 2019.
“The decision to come to the Jersey Shore and join the BlueClaws family was an easy one, from the first introduction to the team to seeing firsthand the BlueClaws impact within the community, I knew that this was where I wanted to grow my career in Sports,” she said. “I’m very proud to be the only woman currently on the sales team, and I consider myself lucky that I get to be in this office everyday surrounded by and constantly inspired by the amazing women that work here.”
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This story was not subject to the approval of the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues or its clubs.