Corporate Front Office

Andy Guelcher

Co-Owner

Rich Szesnat

Co-Owner

Management

Jeff Levack

Team President

Jeff Levack, a notable figure in Capital Region sports and media, steps into the role of Team President for the Albany Firebirds in the Arena Football League (AFL). With a track record of championship success and a long-standing commitment to the local sports scene, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the Firebirds.

Jeff holds the unique distinction of being the only staff member with a continuous presence in every Albany Arena Football franchise since 2018. Serving as Team President for the Albany Empire for over 2 seasons, he played a pivotal role in steering the team to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 within the National Arena League (NAL).

With decades of experience in media and radio, Jeff brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Firebirds. Currently, he's part of a daily radio show on Capital Region Fox Sports 95.9 / 980 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every weekday. His deep understanding of the local sports landscape, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, has made him a trusted voice in the Capital Region.

Jeff Levack brings his championship mindset to the Albany Firebirds, aiming to replicate past success and secure another Arenabowl victory in 2024. With a focus on excellence and a deep love for arena football, Jeff is poised to lead the Firebirds toward success in the AFL.

Media Relations

Ben Nelson

Director of Media

Phone518-557-8799 ext. 106

Ben Nelson, a Capital Region native with a passion for sports and media, assumes the pivotal role of Director of Media for the Albany Firebirds in the historic Arena Football League (AFL). Ben's journey from a social media intern to a key player in the media landscape showcases his dedication and talent.

Starting as a Social Media Intern for the Albany Empire in the National Arena League (NAL) in March 2021, Ben quickly demonstrated his prowess in the digital realm. A year later, he secured a position in the Empire's social media department for the 2022 season. Ben's creative flair and dedication were soon recognized as he ascended to the role of Lead Graphic Designer for the team. During the off-season, he took charge of the entire Albany Empire social media presence, further solidifying his impact.

In May 2023, Ben expanded his horizons, accepting a position in the social media/design department for the Orlando Predators in the NAL for the remainder of the 2023 season. This experience broadened his perspective and refined his skills in the dynamic world of sports media.

Returning to his roots in October 2023, Ben Nelson accepted the prestigious position of Director of Media for the All-New Albany Firebirds in the AFL. Born and raised in Albany, NY, and a graduate of Colonie Central High School, Ben's deep connection to the community and passion for local sports make him an invaluable asset to the Firebirds.

As Director of Media for the Albany Firebirds, Ben is poised to bring his unique blend of creativity and local insight to enhance the team's presence in the AFL.

Gameday Operations

Nick Vennard

Director of Gameday Operations

Nick Vennard brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sports to his role as the Director of Game Operations for the Albany Firebirds. With a Bachelors in Sports Management and Marketing from Oneonta and an associate's degree in Exercise Science, Nick's educational background lays a strong foundation for his position. As a former captain of both his college and high school lacrosse teams, he understands the importance of teamwork and leadership.

Nick's extensive involvement in sports extends beyond lacrosse; he played football for 14 years, further enhancing his understanding of the intricacies of game operations. His love for fan engagement is evident in his previous work with a local professional sports team, where he gained valuable experience in creating memorable experiences for spectators.

In his role with the Albany Firebirds, Nick Vennard channels his passion for sports and fan interaction to elevate the game day experience. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, he ensures that every aspect of game operations runs smoothly, leaving fans with lasting memories of their time at the stadium.

Zach Soden

In-Game Show Manager

Zach Soden, a proud native of the capital region, brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sports entertainment to his new role as the In-Game Show Manager for the Albany Firebirds. With a bachelor's degree in Sports Communications and a proven track record in the Minor League Baseball (MiLB) and National Lacrosse League (NLL) arenas, Zach's expertise in sports management and communications is unparalleled.

Zach's journey in sports began early, where he served as the captain of his high school track team and continued his leadership role as captain of his college frisbee team. His diverse background in sports extends beyond the field, as he has worked in various capacities ranging from stadium operations to client partnership management. This extensive experience has equipped Zach with a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies involved in delivering top-notch sports entertainment experiences.

Now, in his new role as the In-Game Show Manager for the Albany Firebirds, He will assist in proper gameday production to make sure the gameday operations department runs smoothly. Zach's dedication to excellence and his passion for creating unforgettable experiences will undoubtedly elevate the Firebirds' game day operations to new heights, leaving fans eager for more with each visit to MVP Arena

Wyatt Roberts (DJ Romantics)

Official DJ of the Albany Firebirds

Wyatt Roberts, also known as DJ Romantics, is the Official DJ of the Albany Firebirds, bringing dynamic energy to every game. Born and raised in Albany, Wyatt attended Colonie High School before pursuing studies in Physical Education and Biomedical Sciences. Alongside his academic endeavors, Wyatt is the owner of Empire State Events, specializing in high-end entertainment for various occasions, including weddings, corporate events, and fundraisers.

With a notable presence in the local entertainment scene, Wyatt has performed at prestigious venues like MVP Arena, Tom & Mary Casey Stadium, and the Albany Capital Center. His client portfolio includes esteemed accounts such as Albany FireWolves, UAlbany Basketball & Football, and Cage Wars, showcasing his versatility and professionalism in the industry.

Wyatt's passion for DJing sporting events has flourished over the years, fueled by his desire to elevate the fan and player experience. Mentored by seasoned professionals from renowned organizations like the NY Jets and Chicago Bulls, Wyatt's expertise in hyping up crowds is unmatched.

As a full-time business owner and dedicated DJ, Wyatt finds fulfillment in bringing his love for music to life in every performance. With a commitment to excellence and a drive to create memorable experiences, Wyatt continues to leave a lasting impression on audiences across the capital region. Connect with him on Instagram @DJRomantics to stay updated on his latest ventures and upcoming events.

Brian Rhatigan

In-Game Show Host

Ticket Sales & Service

Joseph Nare

Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service

Phone518-557-8799 ext. 1

Emailjnare@firebirdsafl.com

Joseph Nare recently assumed the position of Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service, within the Albany Firebirds corporate front office. A graduate of Canajoharie High School and Utica University, where he earned a degree in business economics and finance, Joseph brings a solid foundation to his role. Notably, he showcased his commitment to excellence during four years of varsity football at Utica University.

With a focus on continuous professional development, Joseph is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Management. His dedication to sports, particularly football, is evident in his academic and athletic background. In his role as an Account Executive, Joseph applies his diverse skill set to streamline ticket sales and service operations, ensuring a seamless experience for fans.

Joseph Nare's professional journey aligns with the core values of the Albany Firebirds, emphasizing a commitment to excellence and a passion for sports. His recent integration into the corporate front office signifies a strategic move to enhance the team's operational efficiency and fan engagement, contributing to the overall success of the organization.

Alex Hepp

Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service

Phone518-557-8799

Alex Hepp brings a unique blend of sports leadership and community engagement to his role as an Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service for the Albany Firebirds. A graduate of Troy High School, Alex distinguished himself as a two-year captain on the varsity bowling team, showcasing his leadership skills and dedication to athletics from a young age. Continuing his passion for both sports and education, he pursued a bachelor's degree in physical education at Grand Canyon University, where he also excelled in collegiate bowling.

With a strong foundation in sports and education, Alex has garnered extensive experience working with various sports teams throughout the capital region. His commitment to making a difference in the local sports community is evident in his previous roles, where he contributed to the growth and success of numerous organizations.

Outside of the professional realm, Alex indulges in hobbies such as hiking, golfing, attending concerts, and, of course, bowling. These diverse interests not only reflect his active lifestyle but also underscore his passion for engaging with the community on multiple levels.

In his role with the Albany Firebirds, Alex Hepp harnesses his enthusiasm for sports and community involvement to enhance the fan experience and drive ticket sales. With a focus on building lasting connections and creating memorable moments for fans, he plays a vital role in strengthening the team's presence in the capital region sports community.