Columbus Crew SC today announced several club promotions in the front office, effectively immediately, as the organization prepares for its 20th season in Major League Soccer in 2015. Those earning promotions and new titles include Clark Beacom (Vice President of Sales and Marketing), Arica Kress (Senior Director of Marketing and Communications), Will Bennett (Senior Brand Director), Tim Miller (Director of Communications), Ryan Schwepfinger (Communications Manager) and Dan Lolli (Director of Stadium Operations and Merchandise).
In recognition of his successful leadership and successful revenue performance, Clark Beacom has accepted an expanded role as Vice President of Sales and Marketing. Beacom has demonstrated a proficiency in building systems, growing revenues and grooming future leaders all of which have placed the club in excellent position to harness the momentum of the new brand and fast-cycle growth. He will continue to oversee ticketing and will now manage the new roles for Will Bennett and Arica Kress, orchestrating collaboration across all disciplines. Beacom, a Hope College graduate, joined the club in 2011 after working with the Tampa Bay Rays, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Lightning in his career.
Arica Kress has been promoted to Senior Director of Marketing and Communications. A critical member of the team that executed the club’s re-brand efforts, Kress will lead the growth of the club in the community by evangelizing the new brand identity through events, promotions, matchday experience and grassroots initiatives. Kress, a graduate of Kent State University, will also oversee the Public Relations, Community Relations, and Foundation functions of the business. The Ohio native joined the club in September of 2005 after working with the Cleveland Browns, Lake County Captains, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Akron Aeros.
Will Bennett will continue to lead Crew SC’s brand efforts in his new capacity as Senior Brand Director. A leader in the process of designing and establishing the club’s new visual identity, Bennett expands his responsibilities, working side-by-side with Kress and Eric Sinicki on the marketing and brand segments of the business. The Creative Services and Digital disciplines will now reside in a newly formed Brand Development department that includes: brand integrity; brand production, including collateral development and creative services; video and scoreboard development; and digital/social development. Bennett, a graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design, joined the club in May 2011 after nearly a decade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Tim Miller will now become Director of Communications where he will be leading the club’s Public Relations and Media Relations efforts, facilitating club media access to Columbus Crew SC ownership, executives, technical staff and players. The club’s television and radio broadcast on-air talents will also report directly to Miller, who will additionally manage the club’s new Communications Manager, Ryan Schwepfinger. Miller joined Crew SC before the 2013 campaign after two seasons with the New England Revolution, where he served as the club’s Communications Coordinator. A Boston College graduate, he worked in media relations for the Boston Bruins and New England Patriots prior to his time with the Revolution, gaining additional PR experience as well with the Boston Marathon and Brentford Football Club in England.
Ryan Schwepfinger, who joined the club as its Digital Content Producer / Team Insider, has been promoted and becomes the club’s Communications Manager. Schwepfinger joined Crew SC during the 2014 campaign from the Youngstown Phantoms in junior hockey where he served as the Media Relations Coordinator and Broadcaster. He has previous topflight experience in hockey with the Philadelphia Flyers and New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Additionally, Schwepfinger gained MLS experience in his time with the Philadelphia Union in 2013. The Ohio State University graduate is presently also working towards his Master’s Degree in Sports Business.
Dan Lolli, now Director of Stadium Operations and Merchandise, will see the added responsibility of managing the club’s merchandise group, leading several critical revenue generation departments including events, food and beverage, parking and now merchandise. Lolli, a graduate of The Ohio State University, plays a critical role in stadium security and spearheading the on-site execution of the famous “Rock on the Range” festival held annually at Crew Stadium.
