GENERALS: Graham picked as new team president

The Waynesboro Generals announced on Thursday that Chris Graham will be the team’s president.

Graham served as the team’s general manager during the 2009 campaign and was named the director of community relations on Saturday.

“What I want to accomplish is for people young and old to know that the Waynesboro Generals are their team,” Graham said. “If it takes me pounding some pavement to make that happen, that’s what I’m going to do.”

Majority shareholder Jerry Carter said that Graham’s selection would solidify the organization and allow it to grow.

“The team of people we have built around Chris all but guarantees us success and this will in return allow me to focus on the big picture in relationship with the VBL and the future of the organization,” Carter said. “Chris is going to be responsible for the day-to-day transactions in the organization as well as being the face of the team in the community.

“After spending the past year in Waynesboro I, without a doubt, I have the most qualified person for the position.”

In addition to being the face of the organization, Graham also wants to develop closer ties with community organizations, schools and little league programs.

“We need more face-to-face marketing,” he said. We need for me to go to Summit Square and sit with the seniors and see what we need to do to get them to the games.”

Graham added that his new role in the Generals organization was similar to when he was the general manager.

“I would say that I was doing the job of president this year,” he said. “The role I had as GM was more of a presidential role, at least for the baseball community.”

Beth Tipton was introduced as the team’s general manager on Saturday.

After announcing Graham’s promotion, Carter indicated that the team was getting close to finding a new manager.

“I think it is safe to say there is a short list, and we are hoping to name someone sooner than later,” Carter said. “Nesselrodt and I spent Tuesday night talking and we thought we had another positive meeting.”

Andy Chalot managed the team at the start of the 2009 season, but resigned with 10 games left on the schedule. Assistant coach Derek McDaniel filled in as an interim and has already expressed he has no desire to manage the team full time next season.