PAWTUCKET, RI – Rhode Island FC has hired 10 additional front office staff over the last two months including a Director of Ticketing who previously held a similar role with the Florida Panthers, a Director of Corporate Partnerships with NCAA Division I experience, and a Director of Digital Media with international soccer experience. In all, Rhode Island FC has created 15 front office positions in Pawtucket and has hired four full-time members of the club’s technical staff.
“Rhode Island FC is a team for all Rhode Island. As part of that mission, we’re committed to creating jobs in Rhode Island,” said Rhode Island FC President Brett Luy. “Our front office staff is hitting the ground running to build a fan experience that will make every RIFC supporter proud. From sales to sponsorship and marketing to HR, we are creating professional opportunities at every level.”
The club announced three director level additions to the front office staff:
- Bryan Kim, Director of Ticketing: Kim joins Rhode Island FC after working a similar role with the Florida Panthers, the NHL’s reigning Eastern Conference Champions. Before working in the NHL, Kim worked with Phoenix Rising in the USL Championship.
- Frank Mitchell, Director of Corporate Partnerships: Mitchell is coming to RIFC after working in corporate partnerships for the Holy Cross athletics department in Worcester. Mitchell is responsible for overseeing the creation and growth of Rhode Island FC’s corporate collaborations.
- Ben Reimann, Director of Digital Media: Reimann, a former player and coach, has an extensive background in digital marketing and has experience working with international, competitive soccer. He most recently worked with Valeo FC where he was responsible for the club’s entire digital presence which covered youth, MLS Next and NPSL clubs.
The club also hired Stefanie Caliri as its first Grassroots Marketing and Community Relations Manager. Caliri is a long-time Rhode Islander and highly regarded leader in the state’s youth soccer community. She most recently led marketing for Soccer Rhode Island and served as the executive director of the Barrington Youth Soccer Association.
Other staff added to the Rhode Island FC front office includes (alphabetically):
- Caitlyn Alfonso, Manager of Ticket Operations
- Mary Kelly, Senior Manager of Human Resources
- Christian Martinelli, Ticket Agent | Sales
- Brendan Ridlon, Ticket Agent | Sales
- Laucio Teixeira,Ticket Agent | Sales
- Rachel Zingerman, Ticket Agent | Sales
Marinelli, Ridlon and Teixeria are all native Rhode Islanders and Marinelli graduated from Johnson & Wales University. Teixeria lives in Pawtucket and has been a part of the Rhode Island FC street team since the club unveiled its name and crest in 2022. Zingerman, a New Jersey native, graduated from the University of Rhode Island in 2023. Kelly comes to RIFC with over 20 years of experience in human resources.
Rhode Island FC will play its inaugural season at Bryant University’s Beirne Stadium. Construction started late last year on the state-of-the-art Stadium at Tidewater Landing which, upon completion, will be the permanent home of Rhode Island FC. Rhode Island FC will play in the USL Championship.