MEET THE WOMEN OF THE AMERKS AND KNIGHTHAWKS FRONT OFFICE
Mar 14, 2022In honor of Women’s History Month and with the Amerks celebrating Women in Sport Day on Saturday, Amerks.com takes a closer look at the talented and hard-working women that comprise the Amerks and Knighthawks front office.
From ticket and arena operations to video and game presentation and everything in between, each of these women collectively play a vital role in the overall success of the organization and delivering a high-quality fan experience.
CASSY OPELA
Video Production and Creative Services
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Associate Multimedia Specialist. I work in the creative department to produce all visual content, from graphics to videos.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor's in Communications from UConn, where I also was a member of the women’s hockey program.
How long have you been working for the organization?
Three years.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
Being around my hometown teams and creating video content for them.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
Being in sports my whole life, it felt like a natural transition after college to step over to the other side.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Becoming a drone pilot and having my drone shots air on ESPN+ during Knighthawks games.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Trust, believe, and stand up for yourself. Do what makes you happy.
KAVITA DHILLON
Game Presentation
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
As Director of Game Presentation, my responsibilities include planning for and directing in-game entertainment and ceremonies for all Amerks and Knighthawks home games. I supervise over 50 employees (talent, control room crew, and promotions team members); scheduling, approving timesheets, and communication are also part of my role. I load all the content that is displayed on the various screens inside the arena, for both teams, as well as third party events at Blue Cross Arena. And I’m a liaison for Amerks and Knighthawks broadcasts.
What is your educational background?
I completed my Bachelor of Arts in Health, Exercise, and Sport Science, with a concentration in Sport Management.
How long have you been working for the organization?
I’ve worked for Rochester Americans, Knighthawks, and Blue Cross Arena for seven months and I’ve worked in sports for eight years, with teams in Canada and the United States.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
Basketball has always been my favorite sport; and where majority of my experience in Game Presentation came from. The opportunity to work for the Amerks and Knighthawks continues to be a significant growth experience for me and has allowed me to develop greater appreciation for hockey and lacrosse.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
I grew up playing sports; my mom allowed me to try just about every sport. I developed a passion for sports at a young age. When I learned of the opportunity to build a career, off the court, in sports, it was a no brainer for me!
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
When I think about my proudest career accomplishment, it is hard to select just one moment. I think about my process within my career in sports to land in a department that I’m truly passionate about. I also feel extremely proud of in-game moments when I get to elevate underrepresented voices/stories (i.e. the series of Black History Month video features that were planned for Amerks and Knighthawks games through the month of February).
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Networking has been a huge key to my growth in the industry. Build meaningful relationships with mentors and colleagues. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and discuss what you’re looking to pursue in the industry. Take the initiative to reach out (cold-call/message) industry leaders that work in the area your most interested in.
MICHELE CRAWFORD
Arena Operations
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
I am the Event and Operations Manager for Blue Cross Arena. I oversee the day to day operations of the arena, coordinate and run all aspects of outside events, and oversee operational aspects of games and as well as the event staff.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
How long have you been working for the organization?
I have worked for PSE since 2018 and currently in my fourth season with the organization.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
I love seeing what you’ve worked so hard to build on the off-season and throughout the seasons come to life on the ice/turf and the excitement from the fans.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
While pursuing my bachelors, I worked for my college’s newly constructed ice arena, the Gene Polessini Center, from my orientation week freshman year through graduation day. While there, I worked my way up from event staff to the student manager. This was my first taste of what all goes into putting on a successful game, all of the different components fans might not think of and it gave me experience running events and the operational aspects of an arena. It was there that I fell in love with the potential a career in the industry held and built many great relationships in the field.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Successfully transitioned an arena that had been managed 30 years by one company to new ownership and brought it up to date with new policies, procedures, building improvements that positively impacted fan and staff experiences. I am also proud of being a key part of the 2021 renovation project.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
It is important to surround yourself with people who support, encourage and challenge you. Have people around you who see you as an equal and push you to achieve you to do your best and not see barriers. Different people will have different insights on various aspects of success and having a diverse group around you will give you a range of knowledge to utilize.
ABBY BLAKELY
Payroll/Human Resources
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Payroll Coordinator. I process the employee payroll for several of the Pegula owned entities, including Rochester Arena, Pegula Sports & Entertainment, Hockey Western New York, The Healthy Scratch, Deer Valley Trails, Black River Entertainment and Western New York Arena.
What is your educational background?
I graduated from D’Youville College in Buffalo, NY in 2013 with a Bachelor’s in HR Management.
How long have you been working for the organization?
Three years.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
Seeing how everyone’s role at Blue Cross Arena plays a part in making Amerks and Knighthawks games a success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
Getting the opportunity to take part in historic events and cheer not only for your employer’s success, but the success of a sports team you’ve always loved. Bills Mafia, baby!
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Landing my job with the Buffalo Sabres! I was lucky enough to be transferred to Blue Cross Arena in the Fall of 2021 to continue my work with the Sabres organization in my hometown of Rochester, NY!
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
I’m going to steal a quote from tennis star Serena Williams: “Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
SUZIE COOL
Communications/Game Presentation
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Multimedia Journalist/In-Arena Host/Sideline Reporter. I work with the creative and PR departments daily, writing stories, acting as the digital host for video content on social platforms, conducting interviews and prepping for TV games if I’m not in-arena hosting.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in Graphic Design from Saint Vincent College. Master’s in Media Communication with a focus in Journalism from Point Park University.
How long have you been working for the organization?
Three seasons.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
Getting to work with some of my best friends every single day and continuing to grow with each and every rep!
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
Growing up with two big brothers, I was constantly at their games when I was little and grew up an athlete myself. Additionally, being from Pittsburgh it’s pretty hard for your life not to revolve around the pride and passion that the city fuels off of when it comes to their sports team, so this is definitely a major factor into why I wanted to dive into the sports world as well.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Being a two-time history maker with a pretty mean backhand made for major league fields. Also, making my NHL debut on both MSG and in-arena for the Sabres.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Every day that you stay in the business, someone else drops out (don’t be that person).
KAITLYN VALENZA
Ticket Sales
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
My title is Season Ticket Executive. I service accounts between the Amerks and Knighthawks in my book of business and prospect new season ticket members for the two teams as well.
What is your educational background?
I received my Bachelor’s in Marketing with a minor in Sports Management from SUNY Fredonia.
How long have you been working for the organization?
I have been with the Rochester Americans and Knighthawks for two months now but have held positions with the Buffalo Bills for three years prior.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
I love that these are my hometown teams and enjoy seeing the passion that our fans have at each game for the Amerks and Knighthawks.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
While pursuing my Bachelor’s, I thought about what my corporate day-to-day could look like and wanted more of a challenge. After talking to friends of mine that pursued a role in the sports industry, I knew it was something that I would enjoy doing each day.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
My proudest career accomplishment has been my internship with the Super Bowl down in Atlanta through SUNY Fredonia’s internship program. That solidified my choice when it came to really distinguishing a career in sports versus focusing on marketing in a corporate environment and I love the path my career is on.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Challenge yourself no matter what. There will always be obstacles but pushing through and finding a group of people to support you is important to your success. Take initiative to reach out to people in the industry through LinkedIn and other career platforms if you’re passionate about a role in sports.
KARISSA JONES
Marketing and Digital Media
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Marketing coordinator. I help manage our daily social media presence for both teams along with assisting in content creation and the execution of our overall marketing strategy.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s in Communications with a minor in Public Relations from Florida Gulf Coast University. Master’s in Public Relations with a focus in Sports Media & Communications from Syracuse University.
How long have you been working for the organization?
This is my first season with the team.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
The ability to be creative every day. I love being able to use my strengths to create something meaningful daily.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
Growing up, I played just about every sport my parents could think to put me in. Sports have always been something I was passionate about and I did not consider the possibility of working in sports until I was in college. In college, I decided to take an internship with a hockey team, and I instantly loved it. I never looked back.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Being a part of the social media department that was named the AHL's Social Media Department of the year during the 2019-20 season with the Syracuse Crunch. While I was only an intern, I helped execute their social media strategy throughout the season and it was amazing to be a part of that department.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Be confident and trust yourself. There will always be challenges to overcome but you are where you are for a reason. Remember that.
NICOLE RICHARDSON
Business Development/Corporate Partnerships
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
I am the Sr. Director of Partnership Services for the Rochester Americans, Knighthawks, and Blue Cross Arena. In my position, no day is ever the same. I have the privilege to work closely with our loyal partners and internal staff to ensure that all obligations are being met to exceed their expectations. Creating these trusted partnerships shapes and grows the future of the organization while continuing to offer entertainment and lifelong memories for our fans.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from St. Bonaventure University.
How long have you been working for the organization?
I have been with the organization for a total of 13 seasons.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
I am born and raised in Rochester; being able to work for the teams I grew up cheering for is amazing. I love the fanbases and getting to know all the people involved with the organization.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
Sports have always been a passion of mine and pursuing a career in the industry made sense. It makes it easier to come to work when you love what you do!
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Being able to balance a career and being a mom. Each role requires different demands and long hours. Having my children, especially my daughter, watch me work as hard as I do, helps me feel a little less guilty about being away as much as I am.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Be yourself. Don’t let being a woman define who you are as an employee. At the end of the day, it doesn’t matter if a male or female does the job as long as the job is done.
PAIGE BIGGINS
Ticket Sales
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Ticket Sales Executive. I work with all the Ticket Sales representatives to service season ticket member accounts, sell new season tickets for both teams, prospect group outings for different companies in the area and help out customers who have questions about tickets.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management with a concentration in Intercollegiate Athletics. Master’s in Sport Management.
How long have you been working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
First season with the teams.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
I grew up being a three-sport athlete. Also, living in between Rochester and Buffalo, I always had a lot of pride watching the Bills and the Sabres.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Getting a job with two teams right out of college while going through a pandemic
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Don’t underestimate the value of networking.
MCKENNA CHESBRO
Ticket Sales
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
My title is Ticket Sales Executive. I service a large book of business, prospect groups and businesses as well as make outbound calls.
What is your educational background?
I have a Bachelor’s in Sport Management with a concentration is Sport Sales and Marketing from SUNY Cortland.
How long have you been working for the organization?
This is my first season.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
My favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks is the satisfactory feeling on a game night when all of the pieces to the puzzle come together and we have a fun and exciting atmosphere for our fans!
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
I grew up playing sports and have always been competitive but in college I got to see more behind the scenes things at sporting events. This really inspired me because I never realized all of the behind-the-scenes components that go unnoticed and think it is amazing all of the work that gets put in from all of the different departments here.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
My proudest career accomplishment is landing this job right out of college.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Don’t let anyone or anything stand in the way of your passion and goals!
KEDRYN ORRISON PILGRIM
Hockey Performance
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
Assistant athletic trainer, providing health care for the Rochester Americans via prevention, examination, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of injuries and illnesses. We work closely with many different health care professions (physicians, strength and conditioning coaches, etc.) to provide the best care for our athletes.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor’s in athletic training and psychology, Master’s in sport psychology, and currently working towards completing my doctorate in athletic training.
How long have you been working for the organization?
Currently in my first season with the Amerks.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
The people – coaches, staff, players. Nothing beat working with a great group of people.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
I like that the sports industry and athletic training for teams is unpredictable. You never know what will walk through the door each day. The relationships with staff and players but also getting to watch the team grow and succeed together is awesome to be a part of.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
Working my first NHL game with Buffalo in Colorado! Having some familiar faces from the Amerks there was a huge bonus.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
Continue to be yourself and embrace the traits that make you different. Being a woman in sports is not a weakness and it provides you with a unique perspective that you can bring to whichever organization you choose.
MELANIE BASILE
Business Operations
What is your title and your day-to-day responsibilities?
As the Office Efficiency & Engagement Coordinator, my responsibilities consist of assisting in all administrative affairs of the front office and providing amazing customer service for the organization’s loyal fan base. I am also considered the “jack of all trades” in the office by being the extra hand and helping each department when needed.
What is your educational background?
I completed my Bachelor of Science in Business Management and gained a minor in Leadership along the way at Hilbert College. I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Sports Administration at Canisius College.
How long have you been working for the organization?
I started working for Pegula Sports and Entertainment in 2019 at the LECOM Harborcenter as a customer service representative and scorekeeper. I have been in my current position at Blue Cross Arena for about six months.
Favorite thing about working for the Amerks and Knighthawks?
I love being able to grow and learn more from this organization. I also love seeing how everyone’s role at Blue Cross Arena plays a big part in making the Rochester Americans and Knighthawks games a success.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the sport industry?
When I was working at the LECOM Harborcenter in 2019 during my sophomore year of college, it made me realize I wanted to be more involved with sports. That is when I decided to return to school for Master’s. The LECOM Harborcenter was a huge impact on my life and I could not have asked for a better experience when starting out in the industry.
What is your proudest career accomplishment to date?
One of my proudest moments was being able to work for Pegula Sports and Entertainment at such a young age, while also going to school full-time. I still to date continue this journey of balancing a full-time job here at Blue Cross Arena and pursuing my Master’s degree online.
What advice can you impart on future women looking to join the industry?
The advice that I can give other women looking to join this industry is to be yourself and trust your gut. We never know what life is going to throw at us and it is always important to stay true to yourself no matter what.