Alumni Spotlight – Jeff Garner ‘95

Although he was a credible student, Jeff Garner freely admits that athletics occupied most of his time and energy when he was at Susquehannock. He was a wide receiver and cornerback on the football team, a guard in basketball, and in baseball, he played several positions. His own assessment of his role on those teams was that he was “the hustle guy.”

Even out of school, competitive sports were a big part of his world. He was active in several community programs and his father was a high school coach. He grew up immersed in sports and decided at an early age that his career would be connected to athletics in some way.

It is no surprise, then, that when he recalls SHS mentors who most profoundly influenced his life, his coaches quickly come to mind: Tony Sorice, Wayne McCullough, and Chuck Abbott.

Reflecting on this part of his life, Jeff says, “High school sports taught me some really important life lessons, like commitment and follow-through. Personally and professionally, I benefit from the experience every day.”

After graduating in 1995, he attended Robert Morris University, continuing his sports career, earning a varsity football letter and playing on the University’s ECAC and NEC conference championship teams. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (Sports Management concentration).

His first job out of school was as box office manager with the Delmarva Shorebirds (Minor League Baseball Single-A) for the 2000 season. For the next two seasons, he worked as corporate advertising manager and was responsible for in-game entertainment, one of the most important parts of the minor league baseball spectator experience.

After that, Jeff joined the Altoona Curve (Minor League Baseball AA), where he assumed increasing responsibility in the organization and in its ownership group. By 2012 he was a vice president, supporting operations for the Curve, State College Spikes, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans. Along the way, his career path included roles as Director of Corporate Sales, Director of Group Sales, Sr. Director of Ticket Sales and Marketing, and Associate General Manager.

He was named Executive Vice President of the New Britain (Connecticut) Rock Cats in 2012, responsible for short term and long term revenue operations. He also had direct oversight over marketing and assisted the President and General Manager with day-to-day franchise operations and leadership.

Throughout his time in minor league baseball, organizations he worked for were recognized by industry peers for operating excellence. Personally, he was recognized by his own organizations for expertise in ticketing, marketing, franchise acquisition, venue planning, and construction.

In the summer of 2013, the Penn State football program found itself in the position of having unsold seats at Beaver Stadium and created the position, Assistant Athletic Director of Ticketing Sales and Service. Further evidence of the need for the position came from the increasing popularity of the University’s ticketed indoor sports programs (basketball, volleyball, and ice hockey).

Jeff, with more than 13 years of minor league baseball experience including 22 seasons with multiple franchise organizations, was ready for the challenge. He enjoyed living in Central Pennsylvania and saw it as an ideal place for his young family to live. He accepted the position in which he is now serving.

Thanks to Jeff Garner, a proud member of the Class of 1995, for making us Warrior-proud.