In acknowledgement of exemplary achievement and in recognition of the club's 2015 efforts as an organization, Columbus Crew SC today announced the promotions of multiple members of the club's front office as well as the receipt of several club awards. Overall, nine members of the club's front office staff have received promotions. In addition, Crew SC captured two 2015 Major League Soccer Club and Executive Awards as well as two 2015 Columbus American Marketing Association awards.



“As we move closer to the start of the 2016 MLS season, it bears repeating that 2015 was a strong year for the club on and off the pitch and the entire front office deserves praise for their collective efforts and accomplishments,” said President of Business Operations Andy Loughnane. “We are proud that as an organization, Crew SC is able to cultivate talent and promote individuals from within. Those recognized today are surrounded by a talented group of colleagues who collectively represent the strongest staff in Major League Soccer and we look forward to continuing the evolution of our club and further strengthening our bond to our community.”



After a 2015 season that saw Columbus Crew SC set numerous attendance records at newly named MAPFRE Stadium as well as capture the club's second Eastern Conference Championship, the club is proud to recognize the following staff members along with their new titles: Avin Assomull - Sr. Director, Ticket Sales; Clark Beacom - SVP, Sales & Marketing; Andrew Flynn - Sr. Manager, Ticket Sales; Sara Frank - Human Resources Director; Harrison Kim - Database & Analytics Manager; Arica Kress - VP, Marketing & Communications; J.P. Lococo - Sr. Manager, Season Sales; Lori McKirnan - SVP, Finance & Administration; and Nick White - Sr. Manager, Group Sales.



Additionally, at the annual Major League Soccer Club and Executive Awards last month, the Black & Gold captured two League-wide honors following their efforts in 2015: Operations Staff of the Year and Athletic Training Staff of the Year, presented by Mueller Sports Medicine.



Led by Dan Lolli, Director of Stadium Operations as well as Jordan Enke, Director of Facilities and Weston Appelfeller, Director of Grounds, Crew SC captured the Operations Staff of the Year award following a season that saw MAPFRE Stadium host MLS Cup for the second time in facility history. Earlier in 2015, MAPFRE Stadium was named a winner of a 2015 Sports Turf Managers Association Field of the Year award for the second time in three years and the third time in the previous six.



Additionally, under Head Athletic Trainer Craig Devine and Assistant Athletic Trainer Jon MacGregor, Crew SC was named the winner of the 2015 MLS Athletic Training Staff of the Year, presented by Mueller Sports Medicine. Furthermore, Crew SC's group sales team was in the President's Club for 2015, with Nick White earning Silver level recognition and Katie Honigford receiving All-Rookie honors.



At the 2015 Columbus American Marketing Association's annual Achievement in Marketing Awards last month, the Black & Gold took home two honors: the award for Best Grassroots Marketing as well as Best Design Element - Song, received for the club's collaboration with local band Kid Runner for "Lights," the anthem played at MAPFRE Stadium when Crew SC took the pitch as well as following goals. Overall, this is the seventh straight year that Crew SC has won an award at this event.



The Black & Gold continue their preseason, departing on Monday, February 15 to participate in the Desert Diamond Cup from February 15-27. The Black & Gold begin their 21st season on Sunday, March 6 at Portland and return home for the Opening Match at MAPFRE Stadium on Saturday, March 12 against Philadelphia. Single-match tickets for available sections at all Black & Gold regular-season home matches in 2016 are now on sale to the general public. Tickets are available through ColumbusCrewSC.com, by calling a Crew SC ticket representative at 614-447-2739 or by visiting Ticketmaster.com.