#CollegeSeries Technology Services Night

Sponsored by Temple University's Fox School of Business

On Tuesday, September 24, college students, recent graduates and professors are invited to go behind the scenes with Phillies Technology Services executives, including those that work in multiple technical disciplines including infrastructure, enterprise applications, broadcast engineering, cloud computing and cybersecurity, at this exclusive #CollegeSeries event at Citizens Bank Park.

Event Details

Learn from Phillies Technology Services executives during a moderated question-and-answer session in the Media Room at Citizens Bank Park.

  • Panelists will provide excellent insight into what it’s like to work in multiple technical disciplines with the organization in areas such as infrastructure, enterprise applications, broadcast engineering, cloud computing and cybersecurity, as well as any technology that enhances the performance in the club’s business and baseball operations.

  • Students will also gain first-hand experience from professionals who are working across multiple fields, giving them the chance to learn about the breadth and depth of the technical disciplines within the sports environment.

  • This is a great opportunity for students studying management information systems, information technology, computer science, and broadcast engineering, as well as those interested in sports and technology.

  • Speakers (subject to change) include:

  • Practice networking with Phillies executives and other special guests during a Phillies Networking Hour. Meet informally with front office personnel from various departments, as well as those who spearhead the Phillies intern and Phillies Ballgirls programs. Attendees are invited to bring their resumes. During this time, attendees are also welcome to take photos with 1993 National League Champion Milt Thompson (also a coach for the 2008 World Champion Phillies) and 2008 World Series champion Dickie Noles.

  • Meet members of Temple University's Fox School of Business, who will be on-site to share information about their graduate programs.

Program includes a ticket to that night's 6:40 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs, as well as a $12 concession credit.

Additional Details

  • Check-in begins at 4 p.m. and features an hour-long Networking Hour, as well as the opportunity to take photos with Phillies alumni Milt Thompson and Dickie Noles.
  • The panel portion of the program officially starts at 5 p.m., and continues until 6:15 p.m.
  • The event is limited to 140 students. Interested professors, recent graduates, and parents of students are welcome to attend.
  • Dress is casual to business casual.
  • Students are urged to ask questions throughout the program.

Program cost: $30. In addition to the above networking and panel, the program cost includes a Phillies game ticket with $12 concession credit to that night’s 6:40 p.m. game against the Chicago Cubs, with seat location in Sections 429-434.

Speaker & Special Guest Bios

Sean Walker, Vice President, Chief Technology Officer, Phillies

Sean Walker joined the Phillies as vice president, chief technology officer in March 2018. In his role, he oversees the club’s Information Technology Department to enhance overall business operations.

Sean brought 19 years of technology and information systems experience in highly visible sports environments, where he was responsible for strategic IT planning and project execution. In his career, he has helped define strategies to ensure high performance and cost-effective technology solutions.

Before joining the Phillies, Sean served as vice president of innovation and technology services for the Tampa Bay Lightning. Prior to that, he served as associate vice president of team, arena and event technology for the National Basketball Association (NBA). At the NBA, Sean worked with senior management to develop the technology strategy for use around the league. He also provided support for the league’s premier events such as the NBA All-Star Game, NBA Finals and NBA Draft. Sean began his career with the Professional Golfers’ Association of America (PGA).

During his 13-year career with the PGA as director of enterprise applications, he developed and led technology initiatives for the world’s largest working sports organization, including the PGA Championship and Ryder Cup.

Sean is a graduate of the University of Florida at Gainesville, where he received both Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees. He and his wife Becca have three children, Ellie, Sean and Lillian.

Valerie Bendas, Broadcast Technology Coordinator, Phillies

In her current role as Broadcast Technology Coordinator, Val Bendas oversees the technology relating to audio and video paths, providing necessary camera angles and audio sources that enable national television networks, such as ESPN, FOX, Apple TV, Peacock, TBS, and MLB TV, to broadcast Phillies games live from Citizens Bank Park. She is also the liaison for any visiting team's broadcast networks as it relates to broadcast technology, and also the main point of contact for the Phillies' local Regional Sports Network (RSN), which is NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Her game day responsibilities include working behind the scenes, overseeing the operations, setup and location of all network trucks visiting the ballpark on game days. She is also an integral member of the PhanaVision Control Room engineers, who oversee the technology as it relates to sharing various program content, including camera and audio feeds, with various networks.

In addition, she is part of a team that works across the organization for all AV requests including special events and press events, taking place on both game days and non-game days.

Val began her career with the Phillies in 2017, working as a seasonal employee assisting with on-field pre-game needs, special event AV setups, PhanaVision control room maintenance and upgrades, and soldering cables. She joined the organization as a full-time employee the following year.

A 2016 graduate of Kutztown University, Val has a BS in Electronic Media as well as an AAS in Audio Video Communications from Luzerne County Community College in 2013.

Matt Bryan, Senior Director, Technology Services, Phillies

Matt Bryan is the Senior Director of Technology Services for the Philadelphia Phillies where he oversees technology operations, cybersecurity, and systems administration. Previously, he held leadership roles in technical product management at BoardEffect, a Diligent company, where he launched software products for boards of directors. He is a graduate of Temple University’s Fox School of Business and Klein College of Media and Communications holding a master’s degree in IT Auditing & Cybersecurity and a bachelor’s in American Culture & Media Arts.

Matt has been with the Phillies since 2018 and has worked on numerous projects to advance digital transformation and cybersecurity initiatives. He was instrumental in leading the Phillies transition to remote work during COVID-19 and continues to support the club’s on-going hybrid work model. He frequently liaises with MLB’s cybersecurity team helping the Phillies to respond to new threats, implement best practices, and respond to the current risk landscape.

He resides in Philadelphia with his wife and dog Buddy.

Michael Cunningham, Director, Enterprise Applications, Phillies

Dr. Michael Cunningham is in his fifth season with the organization. His team works collaboratively across all departments in the organization to achieve efficiency through the deployment of technology solutions such as CRM, ERP, HRIS, and technology related to the fan experience.

Born and raised in Drexel Hill, Michael has a BA, MS in Counseling and Human Relations, MBA in Strategic Management from Villanova University and a Doctorate of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University. Michael’s research focuses on consumer behavior and technology acceptance of emerging technologies in the sports & entertainment space.

Michael is an adjunct professor at Villanova University instructing course on Business Process Management and Business Intelligence. Michael currently serves on the board of Family Promise of the Mainline, which helps families experiencing homelessness and low-income families achieve sustainable independence through a community-based response.

Michael and his wife Jennifer live in Drexel Hill with their two children Michael and Henry.

Kristine Robicheaux, Manager, Technology Operations, Phillies

Kristine Robicheaux joined the Phillies in 2020 as a Help Desk associate after being recruited at a Phillies College Series event. After earning her way into a role as the Technology Services Intern, she earned a full-time role as Technology Services Coordinator. Kristine now serves as the Manager of Technology Operations, where she is the lead for the department for major events including Spring Training, Opening Day, concerts, the MLB Draft, and Postseason.

Kristine also oversees the daily operations of the Technology Services department including the Help Desk, project initiatives, and gameday operations. In addition, she partners with other departments and contractors of the Phillies to ensure all technology needs are met.

Kristine was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. She served in the United States Army after graduating high school from 2013-2018 (Active Duty) and 2018-2021 (Reserves) where she earned the rank of Sergeant. After transitioning out of the military, she moved back home to Philadelphia where she received her B.S. in Sport Management from Drexel University (2021). Kristine is currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Business Information Technology at Drexel University.

Kristine resides in Levittown, PA with her husband Napoleon and their two cats.

Chris Vivero, Technology Service Analyst, Phillies

Chris has been with the Phillies since 2019. He started as a Technology Services Intern and worked his way to his current role as a Technology Services Analyst in 2021. Chris plays an integral role in supporting the day-to-day technology operations at the ballpark. This includes supporting Philadelphia employees, game operations and ballpark infrastructure. In addition, he helps support the employees located in the Phillies Dominican Republic Academy and Clearwater facilities, as well as internationally.

Prior to joining the Phillies, Chris worked at Apple Retail where he gained experience in the technology support field.

Chris obtained his Bachelor's degree in Media and Communications with a focus in Business and Entrepreneurship from Temple University in 2015. He was born in Philadelphia and raised in South Jersey. He now resides in Mount Laurel.

Scott Palmer, Phillies Ambassador (Moderator)

As Phillies Ambassador, Scott is involved in various aspects with the club, including fan engagement and Phillies Charities, Inc. He also can be found at the podium, hosting news conferences and other special events for the organization.

In 2016, Scott was inducted into the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, which honors the lifetime sports contributions of Pennsylvanians. Scott is also a proud member of the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia.

Prior to joining the Phillies in 2005, Scott was an anchor and sportscaster at WPVI-6ABC in Philadelphia for over 24 years

Special Networking Hour Guest: Dickie Noles, 1980 World Series Champion and Club Ambassador

The 2024 season marks Dickie Noles’ 33rd with the organization after rejoining the Phillies in 1992. Prior to becoming a club ambassador, he spent 28 years as an employee assistance professional and, before that, four years in the community relations department.

Dickie pitched for parts of 11 major league seasons with the Phillies (1979-81; 1990), Chicago Cubs (1982-84; 1987), Texas Rangers (1984-85), Cleveland (1986), Detroit Tigers (1987) and Baltimore Orioles (1988) and finished his career at 36-53 with 11 saves and a 4.56 ERA in 277 games (96 starts). Selected by the Phillies in the fourth round of the June 1975 draft, Dickie was a member of the 1980 World Series champions, pitching in relief.

In 1989, Dickie won the Texas Rangers Community Service Award and in 1992 he was honored as the International Christian Athlete of the Year. Other awards he has won include the Humanitarian of the Year by the Sunshine Foundation in 1997 and the Humanitarian Award from the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association in 2010. In 2019, he won the Richie Ashburn & David Montgomery Special Achievement Award, given annually to a Phillies employee who has demonstrated loyalty, dedication and passion for the game. Dickie was inducted into the All Sports Museum of Southern New Jersey in October 2021.

Dickie was born in Charlotte, N.C., and currently resides in Aston, Pa. He has one daughter, Brittany, twin sons, Christopher and Nicholas, and five grandchildren.

Special Networking Hour Guest: Milt Thompson, 1993 National League Champion, Coach for 2008 World Champion Phillies and Phillies Club Ambassador

An outfielder for the 1993 National League champs and hitting coach for the 2008 World Series champions, Milt Thompson returned to the Phillies organization as a community club ambassador in March 2022. In this role, he serves as a club resource for community outreach with an emphasis on youth baseball and softball development, working with the Phillies RBI program and the Phillies Urban Youth Academy.

Milt previously served the Phillies as major league hitting coach (2005-10) following one season as first base coach (2004). From 2005-09, Milt guided Phillies hitters to the National League lead in home runs, RBI, runs, extra-base hits and total bases. He also served as a coach on the NL All-Star team in 2009.

Originally drafted by the Atlanta Braves out of Howard University in 1979, Milt played 18 years of professional baseball, including 13 seasons in the majors with the Braves (1984-85), Phillies (1986, 1993-94), St. Louis Cardinals (1989-92), Houston Astros (1994-95), Los Angeles Dodgers (1996) and Colorado Rockies (1996). He hit .313 with six RBI in 1993 World Series and set a Phillies record with five RBI in Game 4 at Veterans Stadium.

Milt began his coaching career in 1997 as minor league outfield/baserunning coordinator for Tampa Bay before joining the Phillies minor league system as a coach at Reading (1998-99) and outfield/baserunning coordinator (2001-03).

Born in Washington, D.C., Milt lives in Sewell, N.J. with his wife Carole. He has four daughters: Torri, Jennifer, Courtney and Alyssa.

Networking Hour Participants

Please see below for Networking Hour Participants (subject to change):

Group 1

Matt Bryan, Senior Director, Technology Services, Phillies

  • Graduate: Master of Science, Information Technology Auditing and Cybersecurity, Fox School of Business, Temple University

  • Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, American Culture and Media Arts, Klein College of Media and Communication, Temple University

Carly Histing, Staff Recruitment & Administration Specialist, Baseball Operations, Phillies

  • B.S., Business Administration, Management; Minor: Human Resources, Widener University
  • M.S., Organizational Development and Leadership, St. Joseph’s University

Mike Licisyn, Video Content Editor, Phillies

  • B.A., Radio/TV/Film, Rowan University

Group 2

Michael Cunningham, Director, Enterprise Applications, Phillies

  • B.A., MS in Counseling and Human Relations; MBA in Strategic Management, Villanova University
  • Doctorate of Business Administration, Fox School of Business at Temple University

Jon Madden, Head of Human Resources, Phillies

  • MS, Human Resource Management, West Chester University of Pennsylvania
  • BA, Communication, Rowan University

Andy Shenk, Senior Manager, Marketing Production, MLB.com

  • B.A., Mass Communications, University of South Florida

Group 3

Val Bendas, Broadcast Technology Coordinator, Phillies

  • A.A.S. Luzerne County Community College, Audio/Video Communications
  • B.S. Kutztown University, Electronic Media

Andrew Heston, Manager, Ticket Operations & Services, Phillies

  • B.S., Sport Management, York College of Pennsylvania

Melissa Maani, Manager, Graphic Design, Phillies

  • B.F.A. Rosemont College, Graphic Design, 1998

Group 4

Kristine Robicheaux, Manager, Technology Operations, Phillies

  • B.S., Sport Management, Drexel University

Kenny Johnson, Manager, Community Engagement, Phillies

  • B.S., Finance, Villanova University

Missy Perez, Manager, Marketing Initiatives & Content, Phillies

  • B.S., Telecommunication (Journalism), University of Florida
  • MBA, specialization in Marketing and Strategic Management, Villanova University

Summer & Fall Semester

The Phillies will be hosting summer and fall sessions for the #CollegeSeries sponsored by Temple University’s Fox School of Business.

Inside Tickets