PRESS RELEASE – The Northwoods League announced that Liz Kern, General Manager of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters, has been named the 2010 Executive of the Year. The award, which was decided by a vote of team officials at the League’s fall meetings last week in Waterloo, IA, is given annually to the League’s outstanding executive.
Kern recently completed her first season as General Manager of the Rafters. Under her leadership the Rafters drew a total of 46,515 fans (1,368 per game) ranking the team 7th out of 16 teams in League attendance. Her efforts also helped transform Historic Witter Field into one of the most beautiful venues in the entire Northwoods League. Kern guided numerous endeavors to improve the existing facility including the installation of 234 Milwaukee County Stadium seats into the grandstand, revamping the entire outfield wall, re-siding the concessions stand, painting the front entrance and clubhouses, and adding the “Rafthouse” a new log cabin team shop down the third baseline. Her accomplishments did not go unnoticed by others around the League.
“Congratulations to Liz for a much deserved award and for putting her mark on the historical list of accomplishments of women in baseball. Her achievement is another wonderful moment in the evolution of the Northwoods League,” commented League President Dick Radatz, Jr.
“Liz defined the success of the Rafters during our Inaugural Season. Her innovation, passion, and work ethic combined to provide our fans with memories that will last a lifetime. We’ve still got a lot to learn, but Liz will be an integral part of improving the experience of our fans for years to come,” said Rafters President Vern Stenman.
Prior to leading the Rafters, Kern had worked for the Madison Mallards since 2004 and was responsible for overseeing their ticket operation and customer service department. Although the first year in Wisconsin Rapids presented a few challenges and new responsibilities, Kern relished the opportunity to capture the support of an entire community.
“I am very honored to receive this award. It has been a great inaugural season in Wisconsin Rapids and we are very excited about the community support we have received. I look forward to working with the fans to make the next season even better.”
Kern received her bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in 2006, while also competing on the softball team. She is originally from Beaver Dam, Wisconsin and currently resides in Wisconsin Rapids.
The Wisconsin Rapids Rafters are members of the 16-team summer collegiate Northwoods League. Reserve your 2011 season tickets today! For more information call (715) 424-5400 or visit http://www.raftersbaseball.com. The Rafters will play a 70 game schedule with 35 home games
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