ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.—The Tampa Bay Rays have announced several changes within various departments of their front office. The realignments and promotions are designed to strengthen the organization and continue the franchise’s on-field successes.

“We are tremendously proud of our organization’s accomplishments, both on and off the field, during what’s been an incredibly challenging two years,” said Rays President Brian Auld. “These leaders have been vital to those accomplishments, and we look forward to their continued contributions and impact in their new roles.”

Among the changes in the Baseball Operations department:

Peter Bendix has been promoted to Senior Vice President, Baseball Operations/General Manager, a role that includes assisting the President, Baseball Operations with departmental oversight and an increased emphasis on major league operations, such as player evaluation and procurement, roster management and the day-to-day functions of the major league club. Bendix, who enters his 14th season with the Rays, joined the organization as an intern in January 2009 and most recently was promoted to Vice President, Baseball Development in October 2019. He will continue to oversee the baseball systems group while working closely with other departments to help facilitate learning and development.

Chanda Lawdermilk has been promoted to Vice President, Baseball Operations. She has served as Director, Staff Development and Recruiting since 2018. Lawdermilk has 15 years of experience in recruiting and talent development within the sport and will continue to manage efforts to increase diversity, invest in the employee experience and support leaders in maintaining the club’s culture.

Will Cousins has been promoted to Vice President, Baseball Development. He joined the Rays in 2015 and was named Director, Baseball Research and Development in 2019. In his new role, he will oversee baseball research and development, and review and optimize resources across the baseball systems.

Lawdermilk and Cousins join Carlos Rodriguez as vice presidents to assist Bendix in his new role under the leadership of President of Baseball Operations Erik Neander. Rodriguez, who enters his 12th season with the Rays and third as vice president, will transition from Vice President, Player Development and International Operations to Vice President, Baseball Operations, in illustration of his broad focus.

“We’re constantly seeking to improve as an organization,” said Neander. “These promotions will enable us to continue to meet the day-to-day demands of our industry at a high level, while simultaneously allowing us to focus on the areas that are really important to us: caring for our staff and players, building trust and driving innovation.

“Pete, Chanda and Will are excellent, deserving executives and even better people. Pete has grown up in this organization, and I look forward to having him develop into an interchangeable partner, most notably with our major league club. We’re equally excited to have Chanda and Will join Carlos Rodriguez as VPs, providing an ideal mix of skills, backgrounds and interests to serve our constantly evolving needs.”

Among the changes to the club’s Business Operations:

Rafaela A. Amador Fink has been promoted from Vice President, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications to Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer. In this role, she will oversee Broadcasting; Baseball Communications; Corporate Communications; Diversity, Equity and Inclusion; Public Affairs; and Social Media. Amador Fink will continue to focus on engaging the community and its leaders in conversation about the Sister City Baseball plan. She joined the organization in 2014.

Juan Ramirez has been promoted from Vice President, Information Technology to Chief Technology Officer and remains responsible for the club’s technology strategies and operations. He manages the Rays information technology/audio and visual department and works across all segments of the organization to best utilize technology to improve the Rays digital infrastructure. Ramirez joined the organization in 2006.

Jenn Tran has been promoted from Vice President, Human Resources and Organizational Engagement to Chief People and Culture Officer. She will continue to oversee Human Resources and Community Engagement and add Stadium and Event Operations, along with Fan Experience, to her responsibilities. Tran will continue to enhance the employee-first culture at the Rays and drive employee engagement through exceptional benefits, wellness programming, training and development with a focus on diversity. Tran joined the organization in 1996.

Bill Walsh has been promoted from Vice President, Strategy and Development to Chief Business Officer. In this role, he will oversee the departments central to consumer revenue generation, including Business Strategy and Analytics; Creative Services; Marketing; and Ticket Sales and Service. Walsh, who joined the organization in 2007, brings a data-driven, cross-functional and fan-centric approach to developing strategies and improving outcomes.

Bill Wiener Jr. has been promoted from Vice President, Employee and Community Development to Chief People and Community Officer. He will continue to work at the intersection of Human Resources and Community Engagement, while adding oversight of Stadium and Event Operations. Wiener will work to refine processes and develop greater efficiencies, focusing on the fan and employee experience. He has been with the organization since 1996.