Corporate Front Office

Ownership

Mike Kwarta

Co-Owner

Former owner of Tech East Fire & Water Restoration and current General Manager of BELFOR Property Restoration Albany, Mike's leadership and experience have been instrumental in shaping the Firebirds' legacy

Andy Guelcher

Co-Owner

Co-owner of Mohawk Chevrolet, Andy brings a strong business acumen and deep community ties to the Albany Firebirds ownership group.

Rich Szesnat

Co-Owner

Rich, whose family owns Constantine Construction, adds local expertise and a commitment to Albany's success as a key part of the Firebirds ownership team.

Management

Jeff Levack

Team President

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Jeff Levack, a notable figure in Capital Region sports and media, steps into the role of Team President for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1). With a track record of championship success and a long-standing commitment to the local sports scene, Jeff brings a wealth of experience to the Firebirds.

Jeff holds the unique distinction of being the only staff member with a continuous presence in every Albany Arena Football franchise since 2018. Serving as Team President for the Albany Empire for over 2 seasons, he played a pivotal role in steering the team to back-to-back championships in 2021 and 2022 within the National Arena League (NAL).

With decades of experience in media and radio, Jeff brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Firebirds. Currently, he's part of a daily radio show on Capital Region Fox Sports 95.9 / 980 from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm every weekday. His deep understanding of the local sports landscape, coupled with his infectious enthusiasm, has made him a trusted voice in the Capital Region.

Jeff Levack brings his championship mindset to the Albany Firebirds, aiming to replicate past success and secure another Championship victory in 2025. With a focus on excellence and a deep love for arena football, Jeff is poised to lead the Firebirds toward success in the AF1.

Jacob Labree

Chief Executive Officer

Jacob is a seasoned professional with a diverse background in senior management, insurance, and business sales, bringing over a decade of expertise to this role. Throughout his career, Jacob has built a proven track record of success across multiple industries, consistently driving growth, operational excellence, and exceptional results.

In the hospitality industry, he held key leadership roles, overseeing restaurant operations across the Albany to Queensbury region. His leadership was instrumental in driving organizational success, managing teams, and ensuring outstanding guest experiences. In his subsequent role as Director at a prominent life insurance company, Jacob demonstrated strong leadership, fostering a culture of success among his agents while navigating the complexities of the insurance sector. He led initiatives that enhanced customer satisfaction, optimized processes, and fueled revenue growth.

With a passion for leadership and a focus on customer-centric solutions, Jacob thrives in dynamic environments. His versatility and ability to achieve results across industries make him a strong and effective leader as he embarks on this new chapter as CEO.

Media Relations

Ben Nelson

Director of Media

Phone518-557-8799 ext. 106

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Ben Nelson, a Capital Region native with a passion for sports and media, is entering his second year as the Director of Media for the Albany Firebirds in the Arena Football League (AF1). Ben's journey from a social media intern to a key player in the media landscape showcases his dedication and talent.

Starting as a Social Media Intern for the Albany Empire in the National Arena League (NAL) in March 2021, Ben quickly demonstrated his prowess in the digital realm. A year later, he secured a position in the Empire's social media department for the 2022 season. Ben's creative flair and dedication were soon recognized as he ascended to the role of Lead Graphic Designer for the team. During the off-season, he took charge of the entire Albany Empire social media presence, further solidifying his impact.

In May 2023, Ben expanded his horizons, accepting a position in the social media/design department for the Orlando Predators in the NAL for the remainder of the 2023 season. This experience broadened his perspective and refined his skills in the dynamic world of sports media.

Returning to his roots in October 2023, Ben Nelson accepted the prestigious position of Director of Media for the All-New Albany Firebirds in the AF1. Born and raised in Albany, NY, and a graduate of Colonie Central High School, Ben's deep connection to the community and passion for local sports make him an invaluable asset to the Firebirds.

As Director of Media for the Albany Firebirds, Ben is poised to bring his unique blend of creativity and local insight to enhance the team's presence in the AF1!

Michael Forst

Official Team Photographer

Michael Forst is the Official Team Photographer for the Albany Firebirds in Arena Football One (AF1), the premier arena football league in the world. With three years of experience and a true passion for photography, Michael captures the energy and excitement of the Firebirds as they make their mark in the sport’s most prestigious league.

A graduate of Colonie High School and currently attending SUNY Polytechnic Institute, MIchael began his journey with the Firebirds as an intern during the team’s return season in 2024. He attended every home game and covered the team throughout their season, including ArenaBowl 33. His dedication and commitment to his craft led to his promotion to Official Team Photographer for the 2024 season.

Michael works alongside the Firebirds media team under the guidance of Director of Media, Ben Nelson. He is passionate about his work and takes great pride in documenting the legacy of one of arena football’s most legendary teams, bringing the Firebirds’ unforgettable moments to life for fans and the community.

Gameday Operations

Nick Vennard

Director of Gameday Operations and Community Relations

Emailnvennard@firebirdsaf1.com

Nick Vennard is entering his second year as the Director of Gameday Operations for the Albany Firebirds. He brings a wealth of experience and a passion for sports to the role. With a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and Marketing from Oneonta and an Associate’s degree in Exercise Science, Nick’s educational background lays a strong foundation for his position.

As a former captain of both his college and high school lacrosse teams, Nick understands the importance of teamwork and leadership. His extensive involvement in sports extends beyond lacrosse; he played football for 14 years, further enhancing his understanding of the intricacies of game operations.

Nick has worked for the National Lacrosse League (NLL) and the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League (PGCBL), adding to his diverse experience in sports management and operations. His love for fan engagement is evident in his previous work with a local professional sports team, where he gained valuable experience in creating memorable experiences for spectators.

In his role with the Albany Firebirds, Nick Vennard channels his passion for sports and fan interaction to elevate the game-day experience. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to excellence, he ensures that every aspect of game operations runs smoothly, leaving fans with lasting memories of their time at MVP Arena!

Giuliana Capparello

In-Game Show Manager

Giuliana Capparello, a proud native of Fonda, New York, is a dynamic and dedicated professional making her mark in the sports industry. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sport and Recreation Management from Russell Sage College, which has provided her with a strong academic foundation to complement her practical experience. Giuliana is embarking on her first year as the In-Game Show Manager for the Albany Firebirds, where her creativity, leadership, and passion for fan engagement will take center stage. Additionally, she serves as an assistant track coach at Hudson Valley Community College, further showcasing her versatility and commitment to athletics.

Her journey into sports management includes impactful roles with the Amsterdam Mohawks baseball team and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, where she developed a comprehensive skill set in game day operations, sports communication, and fan entertainment. At the Mohawks, she excelled in managing logistics, setting up equipment, operating the scoreboard, and ensuring seamless in-game execution. Her ability to adapt and thrive in high-pressure environments made her a critical team member, while her focus on creating exceptional fan experiences shone through in every detail.

Giuliana’s operational expertise is complemented by her flair for entertainment and analytics, which she honed during her time at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Her work there included enhancing in-game entertainment, engaging fans, and analyzing game data to improve team performance. Her small-town upbringing in Fonda instilled a strong sense of community and determination, qualities that drive her to excel and connect with others in meaningful ways.

Whether in the stadium or on the track, Giuliana’s favorite moments come from seeing players and athletes get hyped and energized, feeding off the atmosphere she works tirelessly to create. Her role as an assistant track coach at Hudson Valley Community College demonstrates her commitment to fostering growth and excellence in athletes. Giuliana’s dedication, attention to detail, and ability to balance multiple responsibilities make her an invaluable asset to every team she works with. Whether she’s coaching athletes or crafting unforgettable game-day experiences, Giuliana continues to make a lasting impact in the sports world.

Brian Rhatigan

In-Game Show Host

Brian Rhatigan, also known as Back 9 Bri, is entering his second year as the Albany Firebirds In-Game Show Host. As the hype man, he brings energy and excitement to the role, engaging fans and elevating the game-day experience. He loves seeing the fans get excited and thrives on creating a dynamic, high-energy atmosphere that amplifies the energy of the game.

Ticket Sales & Service

Joseph Nare

Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service

Phone518-557-8799 ext. 1

Emailjnare@firebirdsaf1.com

Joseph Nare is entering his second year as an Account Executive, Ticket Sales & Service with the Albany Firebirds. A high school graduate and a graduate of Utica University, where he earned a degree in business economics and finance, Joseph brings a solid foundation to his role. Notably, he showcased his commitment to excellence during four years of varsity football at Utica University.

With a focus on continuous professional development, Joseph is currently pursuing a Masters in Business Management. His dedication to sports, particularly football, is evident in his academic and athletic background. In his role as an Account Executive, Joseph applies his diverse skill set to streamline ticket sales and service operations, ensuring a seamless experience for fans.

Joseph Nare’s passion for sports and business is integral to the Albany Firebirds’ growth and success. His role in the corporate front office helps strengthen the team’s fan engagement and enhances overall operational performance.