RUSTY MEEKS
Little Rock,AR
Summary
Dynamic leader in the sports industry with a focus on fostering strong relationships among colleagues and customers. Proven track record of managing high-performing teams and delivering exceptional experiences. Skilled in identifying challenges and transforming them into growth opportunities, driving both customer satisfaction and team development.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
07.2025 - Current
- Oversaw departmental initiatives within Finance and Administration through effective collaboration with colleagues.
- Identified customer service issues and developed a strategic customer service plan.
- Analyzed operational inefficiencies and implemented a new signage program to enhance customer experience.
President/CEO
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
Little Rock, AR
12.2020 - 06.2025
- Directed all business operations and supervised 20 full-time staff, achieving over 90% retention rate.
- Boosted EBITDA annually by at least 11% through strategic financial management.
- Managed team to achieve average annual growth in ticket sales of 18% and merchandise of 29%.
- Led negotiations with city officials on facility upgrades and rent payments.
- Secured $6 million for CapEx projects without incurring debt.
- Developed sponsorship packages generating over half of club's revenue.
- Oversaw stadium improvements, handling contracts and capital enhancements.
- Liaised with MLB and Seattle Mariners regarding Player Development License.
Assistant General Manager
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
Little Rock, AR
10.2014 - 01.2020
- Oversaw sales department operations, coordinating meetings and implementing innovative sponsorship strategies.
- Managed seven full-time sales associates, enhancing team productivity and performance.
- Executed sponsorships, suite leases, and ticket packages to drive revenue growth.
- Coordinated facility improvements and upgrades to enhance operational efficiency.
- Directed merchandising and licensing for both onsite and online team stores.
- Handled all aspects of team travel logistics to ensure seamless operations.
- Supervised ballpark operations staff, fostering collaboration and efficiency.
Director of Merchandise/Corporate Partnerships
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
Little Rock, AR
03.2012 - 10.2014
- Managed merchandising and licensing for on-site and online team store operations.
- Secured sponsorships for park, including fence signs, promotional giveaways, radio spots, and scorecard ads.
- Facilitated nightly suite rentals and organized on-field games to enhance guest experience.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR05-2011
Skills
- Strategic planning
- Project management
- Budget oversight
- Customer service enhancement
- Sponsorship sales
- Revenue generation
Accomplishments
- Leadership Arkansas Class XV
- Arkansas Business 40 under 40
- Member of Baseball Chapel Committee for Major League Baseball
- Member of MLB Youth Baseball and Softball Committee
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
07.2025 - Current
President/CEO
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
12.2020 - 06.2025
Assistant General Manager
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
10.2014 - 01.2020
Director of Merchandise/Corporate Partnerships
Arkansas Travelers Baseball Club
03.2012 - 10.2014
Bachelor of Arts - Communications
University of Arkansas
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