CHIEF EXPERIENCE OFFICER
Jim Pfander was named chief experience officer at the Tampa Bay Rays in June 2026. Native to Akron, Ohio, Pfander had most recently served as president of Fast Forward Sports Group LLC since October 2015, and president and general manager of the Akron RubberDucks since October 2012.
Under Pfander's leadership, Akron rose to one of Minor League Baseball's premier franchises. He oversaw a successful company-wide identity change from the Akron Aeros to the Akron RubberDucks after the 2013 season, which culminated in record-breaking attendance growth and set single-game attendance records. Pfander also supervised more than $18 million in improvements to the home of the Akron RubberDucks, 7 17 Credit Union Park. Following the 2025 season, Pfander was named Double-A Executive of the Year.
Following the 2016 season, the RubberDucks were chosen as the Eastern League's nominee for Minor League Baseball's top award, the John H. Johnson President's Award, which honors a franchise that demonstrated stability while making significant contributions in its community, its league, and with the baseball industry. As a result, Pfander was named the 2016 Eastern League Executive of the Year.
Other stops during Pfander's more than a quarter-century Minor League Baseball career include various positions with teams in Charleston, South Carolina; Brockton, Massachusetts; Port Charlotte, Florida; and Spokane, Washington.
Pfander is a graduate of Ohio University, with a degree in broadcast journalism. He began his baseball career as an intern in the Cleveland Guardians (formerly Indians) broadcasting department in 2000, before pursuing several assignments with minor league teams across the country.
Pfander serves as a board member of Archbishop Hoban High School (Akron, OH). He resides in Tampa with his wife, Page, and daughters, Olivia and Ella.