Front Office Staff

The Basics

Hometown: Fremont, Ohio
College: Baldwin-Wallace University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2013
Past positions with the Curve: Account Executive/Broadcast & Communications Assistant, Senior Account Executive, Group Sales Manager, Director of Ticketing/Broadcaster, Assistant General Manager

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Derek Jeter
Go To Karaoke Song: All The Small Things by Blink-182
Favorite Food in Curve, PA: Curve Burger - is there really any other option here?
Favorite Board/Card Game: Monopoly

Following the 2021 season, Nate Bowen was announced as the sixth General Manager in the team's history. The 2022 season will mark Bowen’s tenth season as a member of the Altoona Curve front office after spending the past three seasons as Assistant General Manager. He joined the Altoona front office as the Communications & Broadcasting Assistant in 2013 before rising through the ticket sales department until he moved into his current role in the fall of 2018. Bowen served parts of five seasons in the Curve broadcast booth that included the 2017 Eastern League Championship clincher, the 2014 Eastern League All-Star Game as well as the Pirates vs. Altoona Curve exhibition game at PNG Field in 2013. He has also held broadcasting and media relations roles with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals (AA - Texas League), Durham Bulls (AAA - International League), and the Princeton Rays (Rookie - Appalachian League). He began his broadcasting career at Baldwin-Wallace University in 2005 and served as the broadcaster for the Division III school’s football, basketball, and baseball teams through the 2009 season. During the offseason, he serves as the play-by-play voice of Division III Carnegie Mellon University, and broadcasts games for several Altoona area high schools on Talk Radio 98.5 WRTA. A native of Fremont, Ohio, Bowen enjoys rooting for Buffalo and Ohio sports teams, traveling, and running. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Broadcasting/Mass Communications/Public Relations from Baldwin-Wallace University in 2009.

The Basics

Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
College: St. Ambrose University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2016

Curve Cuts

Favorite Food in Curve, PA: Chicken Cheesesteak
On Top Of Your Bucket List: Trave Europe
Phone App You Use Most: Pinterest
Favorite Board/Card Game: Clue or UNO

Michelle Gravert has been the Curve’s Director of Merchandise since November 2015 and was named Assistant General Manager after the 2022 season, the first woman to hold the title in team history. She handles the merchandise and retail operations within the ballpark and keeps The Stockyard Team Store full of your favorite MiLB-licensed apparel, caps, novelties and more. A graduate of Saint Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, she has worked in professional baseball since 2011. After completing an internship with the Princeton Rays (Rookie, Rays), she spent three seasons (2012-2014) in the merchandise and community affairs departments of the Bowling Green Hot Rods (Single-A, Rays). She managed both departments in 2013 and 2014 for the Hot Rods. Gravert returned to Princeton in 2015 as Operation Assistants before coming on board with the Curve that fall.

The Basics
Hometown: Altoona, PA
College: Penn State
Years in Curve, PA: 2017-present

Curve Cuts
Walk-up song: "Where Ya At" by Morgan Wallen
Favorite movies: Newsies or The Greatest Showman
Favorite TV show: Below Deck
Favorite sports teams: Philadelphia Flyers and the Savannah Bananas

Hannah graduated from Penn State Altoona in May of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a minor in Entrepreneurship. In 2017, Hannah started as a game day employee in the Kids Zone and Stock Yard before moving into a full-time position post-graduation. She is most looking forward to continuing to learn and grow in her position and will never turn down an opportunity to pull the tarp.

The Basics

Hometown: Hastings, Pa.
First Season in Curve, PA: 2008

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Dan Marino
Favorite Food in Curve, PA: Chicken Cheese Steak
Phone App You Use The Most: Snapchat and Instagram
On The Top Of Your Bucket List: To become a snowbird on warm sunny islands with white sandy beaches and turquoise water

After nine years as Assistant Concessions Manager, Michelle changed roles to Administrative Assistant at the end of the 2019 season. While in the concessions department, Michelle handled the preorders for our luxury suites, trained seasonal employees and handled the reports to end the day once the game was over. Once settled into her new role, Michelle continued working with the concessions department while training the individual that would be taking over her position.

She resides in Hastings, Pa with her husband Kevin. She has two daughters: Alyssa, an elementary science teacher at Cambria Heights, and Ali, who works for Ernst and Young in Pittsburgh in the auditing department.

The Basics

Hometown: Altoona, Pa.
College: Penn State
First Season in Curve, PA: 2014

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Michael Jordan
Fun Fact: I'm ambidextrous
Go To Karaoke Song: Love On Top by Beyonce
Best Gift You've Ever Received: A coupon for butter

Jess Knott is in her eleventh season with her hometown Curve. Jess moved into her current role as the team's Director of Corporate Partnerships in 2021 after previously serving as the Curve’s Director of Ticketing since the fall of 2018. Knott began her career in Curve, PA as a Box Office Intern in 2014 and was hired as a full-time ticket associate prior to the start of the 2015 season before being named Box Office Manager beginning in 2017. Jess was a standout basketball player at Altoona Area High School, where she graduated in 2010. She played college basketball for two years at Lycoming College before finishing her degree in business at Penn State in 2015. Outside of the Curve Jess enjoys spending time with her husband and family.

The Basics

Hometown: Bernville, Pa.
College: Penn State
First Season in Curve, PA: 2017

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Derek Jeter & Arnold Palmer
On Top Of Your Bucket List: Attend a game at every MLB stadium
Phone App You Use Most: Twitter
Altoona Pizza — Yea or Nay: Never had it!

Ed Moffett came to Curve, PA in January 2017 after spending 2+ seasons interning with the Reading Fghtin Phils. Ed earned a promotion to Senior Ticket Sales Manager in the fall of 2018 after holding the title of Ticket Sales Manager for the previous two years. After the pandemic, Ed rejoined the team in October of 2021 as the Director of Ticketing. Ed is a diehard Penn State fan and enjoys attending football games with his wife & brother. If Ed isn’t working games, cheering on Penn state, or trying to squeeze in a round of golf, he enjoys spending time with his wife Jade.

The Basics
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA
College: Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Years in Curve, PA: 1 (2021 to present)

Curve Cuts
Walk-up song: "Till I Collapse" by Eminem
Favorite sports teams: Steelers, Penguins and Pirates
Favorite TV show: Breaking Bad
Favorite movie: Coach Carter
What do you like to do in your spare time: I like to workout, golf and spend time with my friends and family.

Austin grew up in Hollidaysburg, PA and graduated from Hollidaysburg Area High School in 2017. He earned his degree in Sport Administration from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in May 2021. While at IUP, Austin was a member of the Kappa Theta Chapter of the Kappa Sigma Fraternity and held multiple different leadership positions and a member of IUP's Sport Management club. Prior to arriving at the Curve, Austin completed internships in Athletic Facilities with the Kiski School and served as a Sports Director with the YMCA of Indiana County. Austin is very excited to be back home in Curve, PA!

The Basics

Hometown: Milesburg, PA
College: Lock Haven University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2022

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Russell Westbrook
Go To Karaoke Song: Firework by Katy Perry
Best Gift I've Ever Received: Life, shoutout to my mom
Hidden Talent: I can do a fantastic Patrick Star voice

Tony graduated from Lock Haven University in May 2022 with a B.S. in Sports Management. He joined the Curve in February of 2022 as the Box Office intern and came on as a full-time Ticket Account Manager in March of 2022. Growing up a huge Pittsburgh sports fan, Tony is very excited to be part of the Curve organization. Outside of the stadium Tony enjoys watching any sporting event and caring for his two cats, Diego and Parker.

The Basics
Hometown: Binghamton, NY
College: SUNY Oneonta
Years in Curve, PA: 2022 - present

Curve Cuts
Walk-up song: "Sicko Mode" by Travis Scott
Favorite sports teams: New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, New York Mets, New York Giants
Best baseball movie: Field of Dreams and The Sandlot
Favorite TV show: The Office
Dream Vacation: Germany

Logan Ulmer joins the Altoona Curve front office as a Ticket Account Manager after graduating from the State University of New York at Oneonta with a Sports Management degree in May 2022. Logan spent his senior year as a gameday operations intern for the Binghamton Black Bears (FPHL) as well as helping manage a family business. Logan has a big passion for baseball and hockey and spent a lot of time watching sports growing up.

The Basics

Hometown: Lower Burrell, PA
College: Georgetown University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2023

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Vince Carter
Favorite Board/Card Game: Battleship
On Top Of Your Bucket List: I would love to visit Scotland one day
Phone App You Use Most: Kindle
Altoona Pizza — Yea or Nay: NAY

Alex originally earned her undergrad degree in the Social Science field in 2011 from Waynesburg University. Then life happened and she became a caregiver for her loved ones for quite a few years. Now that her caregiving days are over, she decided to go back to school and pursue a graduate degree in Sports Industry Management. Her summer Curve internship turned into a full-time position as a Ticket Account Manager as of April 2023. She looks forward to helping Curve fans make memories with their families and friends.

The Basics
Hometown: Philadelphia, PA
College: University of New Haven
Years in MiLB: 12
Years in Curve, PA: 2021 to present

Curve Cuts
Walk-up song: "The Seed 2.0" by The Roots
Favorite sports team: Philadelphia 76ers
Favorite TV Show: The Wire
Dream Vacation: Sailing in the Mediterranean Sea to all of the Greek Islands

After spending six season as a member of the broadcast team for the Trenton Thunder (Double-A, New York Yankees), Jon Mozes joined the Curve as the Director of Communications and Broadcasting.

Jon served as the lead voice for the 2018 Eastern League All-Star Classic and was on the call as the Thunder secured their fourth Eastern League Championship in franchise history in 2019. In addition to his role in the broadcast booth, Jon took a leadership role in the development of the team's marketing and promotional plans, overseeing all team communications and was a member of the team's corporate sales department.

Prior to joining the Thunder, Mozes was a radio voice for professional baseball teams in Abilene, TX and Gary, IN after graduating from the University of New Haven in 2012 with a degree in Sport Management and a minor in Communications.

Off the diamond, Jon is the voice of Princeton University Women's Basketball and was on the call as the Tigers secured NCAA Tournament victories in the 2021 and 2022 seasons. He is also a radio and ESPN+ broadcast talent for Temple University, the University of Delaware and Rider University.

Jon was raised and currently resides in Philadelphia, PA.

The Basics
Hometown: Hollidaysburg, PA
College: Penn State University - Class of 2022
Years in MiLB: 4
Years in Curve, PA: 4 (2019, 2021-2023)

Curve Cuts
What do you like to do in your spare time: Golf, Hunt, Fish, Listen to Music, Play the Saxophone
Favorite movie: Moneyball or Field of Dreams
Favorite sports team: Pittsburgh Steelers
Favorite Sports Journalism Moment: Broadcasting the 2022 Outback Bowl or Writing at Super Bowl LVI
Favorite Music Genre: Jazz or Country
What made you want to work in sports: I grew up coming to Curve games with my dad and fell in love with the sport. Ever since then, I have always wanted to work in baseball. I found broadcasting in High School and knew it was my calling.

Preston Shoemaker returns to the broadcast booth for a third season in 2023 after serving as the team's Broadcast and Communications assistant in 2021 and 2022. He also assisted as an Intern during the 2019 season. The Hollidaysburg, PA native serves as the Assistant Director of Communications as of 2023 and is the only Blair County native to broadcast games for the Curve.

Preston, who is a 2022 graduate of Penn State University with a degree in Journalism, served as the Sports Director for Penn State's student-run radio station, CommRadio for four years. He has broadcasted games for Saint Francis University Women's Basketball, Juniata College Men's Basketball, Big Ten Network+, Penn State Athletics, and more. He has accumulated extensive experience calling Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Volleyball, Gymnastics, Softball, Soccer, and Lacrosse. He has also freelanced as a writer for the Associated Press at the Little League World Series and Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles while in college.

The Basics

Hometown: State College, Pa.
College: Hard Knox
First Season in Curve, PA: 2015

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Andy Van Slyke
Fun Fact: I have history in MMA and Pro Wrestling
Altoona Pizza — Yea or Nay: Absolutely, and if you don't like it you can go soak your head
Best Give You've Ever Received: My children... and Castle Greyskull

Mike Kessling came to the Curve in mid-June 2015 with vast marketing, promotional and sales experience with Warners Innovative Solutions, Planet Ares Media, Go Time Productions/Snap Fitness and Forever Media. With the Curve, he does a little bit of everything including putting together the promotional schedule, scheduling and planning special events, executive marketing initiatives and bringing his zany enthusiasm to on-field entertainment. Mike is a Central PA native and is a big Steelers and Pirates fan. He resides in Altoona with his wife, Amanda, and children, Chloe and Dylan.

The Basics

Hometown: Knox, N.Y.
College: SUNY Cortland
First Season in Curve, PA: 2019

Curve Cuts

Go To Karaoke Song: Gettin' Jiggy With It by Will Smith (Lyrics on the screen not necessary)
What's On The Top Of Your Bucket List: To see as many National Parks as possible
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Mariano Rivera
Favorite Board Game: Pay Day - a staple in the Choiniere household growing up

Annie Choiniere absorbed new responsibilities at the end of the 2019 season as the team’s Director of Community Relations. Amongst other responsibilities, Annie coordinates the Curve's community outreach programs, schedules player and mascot appearances, oversees Curve Charities, and runs the team's social media channels and website. She joined the Curve prior to the 2019 season as the Social Media Manager. Annie worked for the Harrisburg Senators (Double-A, Nationals) during the 2018 season as a marketing and community relations intern. Annie is a 2016 alumna of the State University of New York College at Cortland where she earned her bachelor's degree in Communications Studies.

The Basics

Hometown: Lexington, KY
College: Slippery Rock University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2022

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Go To Karaoke Song: Austin by Blake Shelton
Favorite Board/Card Game: Rook
Fun Fact: I have a weird obsession with the TV show FRIENDS. I’ve seen the series the whole way through 8 times and I have over 80 1:24 scale NASCAR Diecast cars sitting in my living room.
Hidden Talent: I can play the trombone. I picked up my first horn when I was 11.

Ryan grew up in Washington, PA and graduated from Trinity Area High School and graduated in 2012. He attended Slippery Rock University from the Fall of 2014 to the Spring of 2017 studying Sport Management. Ryan has previously worked as the Mascot Coordinator for the Washington Wild Things (2014-2017) and with the Lexington Legends (2017-2022) while spending some time at Slippery Rock University working with their Mascot Program. Ryan is really excited to bring his talents to the Curve and the city of Altoona.

The Basics

Hometown: Reading, PA
College: Temple University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2022

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Ryan Howard and Tim Tebow
Altoona Pizza — Yea or Nay: Yea for sure! It is so unique with the combination of ingredients; it is a must to try when visiting Altoona.
What's On The Top Of Your Bucket List: A trip to Australia which includes a stop at the Australian Open to catch some tennis
Phone App You Use Most: Twitter / X

Jon will be entering his third season with the Curve as the team’s Director of Creative Services. Previously Jon worked for the Southern Illinois Miners of the Frontier League as the team’s Director of Production for 3 seasons. Originally from Reading, Pennsylvania Jon graduated from Temple University with a degree in Media Studies & Production. During school he was involved in the production department for Temple Athletics and the Lancaster Barnstormers. Upon graduation Jon worked for the Collegiate Water Polo Association as their Director of Multimedia. As a die-hard Philadelphia sports fan, Jon enjoys rooting on his teams nonstop and spending his rare time outside of work with his wife Maddi in Curve, PA.

The Basics

Hometown: Germantown, WI
College: Lewis University
First Season in Curve, PA: 2022

Curve Cuts

Altoona Pizza — Yea or Nay: Of course!

Best Gift You've Ever Received: A plane ticket to Hawaii to visit my brother
On The Top Of Your Bucket List: Taking a cycling trip to the Swiss Alps

Reid Pohland joined the Curve as the Creative Services Assistant in January of 2022. Reid helps handle the team’s creative projects, and designed the 25^th Season logo and the Altoona Pizzas. He obtained a degree in Radio/TV Broadcasting from Lewis University in Fall of 2021, where he was involved with both the on campus radio and TV stations. A native of Wisconsin and lover of all cheese, Reid has interned with the Southern Illinois Miners formerly of the Frontier League as a Production Intern and the Lakeshore Chinooks of the Northwoods League as a Photography Intern.

The Basics

Hometown: Centre Hall, PA
College: Penn State
First Season in Curve, PA: 2021

Curve Cuts

Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Tyron Smith
On The Top Of Your Bucket List: Hunt in every state and own my own gym
Favorite TV Show: King of Queens
Favorite Board/Card Game: Rook

Ryan graduated in 2021 from Penn State with a Management and Marketing degree and a minor in Entrepreneurship. While in school, he was a member of the Sheetz Fellows Entrepreneurial program which gave him opportunities to travel and network. Through this program is where he met Derek Martin and "unfortunately for him," he became Ryan's mentor. Ryan stepped into the Assistant Manager of Concessions role along side Glenn McComas. When Ryan's not pouring all of time into the Curve he enjoys lifting, hunting, attending church, relaxing and watching sports.

The Basics
Hometown: Altoona, Pa.
Years in MiLB: 12
Years in Curve, PA: 12 (2010-present)

Curve Cuts
Favorite movie? River Runs Through It
Best baseball movie? The Sandlot
Favorite TV show? Gold Rush
What is your spirit animal? Bear

Doug Mattern has spent over a decade in stadium operations with the Curve. Since he joined the organization during the 2010 season, he has been in charge of maintenance, safety and stadium improvement projects of Peoples Natural Gas Field. Doug enjoys being outside and loves to fish and hunt in his spare time. Someday he hopes to take a vacation to Costa Rica.