Staff

Chili Peppers staff

Rob Perez

Vice-President Staffing & Operations

rob@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Rob joined the Chili Peppers in 2022 after working in entertainment talent management and higher education. During his time with the team, Rob has worked with operations, merchandise, staff recruitment and hiring, community appearances, ticketing, and sponsorships. As Vice-President Rob oversees the CPL collegiate experience, staff hiring, payroll, merchandise, cosmic tour travel logistics, and meeting with prospective cosmic tour host sites. 

First Season with Peppers: 2022
Hometown: La Porte, IN
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Ryne Sandberg & Andre Dawson
Walk-Up Song: Iron Man by Black Sabbath

Michael Parks

Vice-President of Fan Experience & Baseball Operations

parks@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Michael joined the Peppers in May 2024 in a part time capacity and was hired on as the Director of Sales and Business Innovation in September. Mike has now stepped up to the Vice-President role to oversee marketing, entertainment and the cosmic baseball operations. He previously worked at Capital One Financial Corporation for 25 years, within Audit and Risk Management before venturing into the sports industry. He is a native of Virginia and alumnus of Virginia Tech University.

First Season with Peppers: 2024
Hometown: Midlothian, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Len Bias
Walk-Up Song: Walk by Pantera

Jason Dean

Director of Entertainment & Voice of Cosmic Baseball

dean@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Jason has always been an enthusiastic fan of all sports. Despite his love for baseball, he realized at an early age he was TERRIBLE at playing it, so he focused on soccer, surfing and snowboarding where he is slightly less terrible. Jason discovered his love for PA and entertaining solely by accident one day by agreeing to announce at a local little league game because no one else wanted to do it. He found out that it brought joy to the fans and players and from there it has been all about fun and creating great experiences for people. A passion had been born!

Jason in his free time has no free time. He has 2 sons that play high level travel baseball and school baseball in Dinwiddie, VA and 1 daughter that gets what ever she wants at all times. He and his wife, Kelly, stay on the move and embrace their controlled chaos.

Headshot of Alex Purgason, Director of Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Alex Purgason, Director of Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball

Alex Purgason

Director of Group Sales

alex@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Alex joined the Chili Peppers full time in 2024 and serves as the Director of Group Sales. He oversees group sales initiatives focused on delivering first class client experiences and building strong client relationships. A former collegiate baseball player, Alex is an alumnus of the University of Mary Washington.

First Season with Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Midlothian, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Peyton Manning
Walk-Up Song: Hypnotize by The Notorious B.I.G

JJ Gwaltney

Director of Operations

jj@chilipeppersbaseball.com

J.J. joined the Peppers in 2022 as a part time ABC Manager/ Bartender and was hired as the Director of Operations following the 24’ season. After earning his degree from Hampden-Sydney College, he built a diverse career spanning banking, auditing, and craft beer production before making it official with the Peppers.

First Season with Peppers: 2022
Hometown: Richmond, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Chipper Jones
Walk-Up Song: Snooze Freestyle by Fabolous

Christopher Robinson

Director of Merchandise

christopher@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Christopher joined the Peppers in 2023 and oversaw the food & beverage operation during the ‘23 and ‘24 seasons as a contractor for his company, Topher Designs. He is now a full-time member of the Peppers and is the Director of Merchandise. Christopher brings 30 years of experience to the Peppers working for companies like the Jacksonville Jaguars, XL Sports World, Sofive Soccer Centers, and Olive Garden Restaurants. He will travel with the Cosmic Takeover Tour and oversee all merchandise operations.

First Season with the Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Michael Jordan
Walk-Up Song: The Emptiness Machine by Linkin’ Park

Cody Jones

Tech Wizard

cody@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Cody joined the Peppers full time in 2025 as the Technology Specialist. Cody is a graduate of Fullsail University where he received a BS in film production and is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps.

First season with Peppers: 2025
Hometown: Colonial Heights VA
Favorite athlete growing up: Dale Earnhardt
Walk-up song: Wrong Ones by Post Malone & Tim McGraw

Headshot of Anna Kate Lebold, Social Media marketing Manager at Cosmic Baseball

Anna Kate Lebold

Social Media Marketing Manager

annakate@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Anna Kate joined Cosmic Baseball in April of 2025 just in time for the launch of their inaugural Cosmic Takeover Tour.  She graduated from Wittenberg University with a degree in Graphic Design in 2021, and has been working in baseball ever since. She previously worked for the Savannah Bananas, Biloxi Shuckers and freelanced for LSU baseball. 

First Season with Peppers: 2025
Baton Rouge, LA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Taylor Swift
Walk-Up Song: Ain’t In Kansas Anymore by Miranda Lambert

Headshot of Ryan Webster, Ticket Operations Manager at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Ryan Webster, Ticket Operations Manager at Cosmic Baseball

Ryan Webster

Ticket Operations Manager

ryan@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Ryan joined the Chilli Peppers team in late 2025 as the Ticket Operations Manager.  When asked what he’s most excited about, he says “Tickets tickets tickets. Ticket Ticket. Tickets Tickets Tickets Tickets. Ticket Ticket Ticketing. Ticketing Ticket Tickets.”  Ryan is a proud University of Mary Washington alumni where he graduated with a degree in Business Marketing in 2021.

First Season with Peppers: 2026
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Marshawn Lynch
Walk-Up Song: Tickets by Maroon 5

Headshot of Nik Shah, Account Executive, Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Nik Shah, Account Executive, Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball

Nik Shah

Account Executive, Group Sales

nik@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Nik started working with the Chili Peppers following the 2025 season. Previously working in sponsorship sales for the NY Boulders and membership sales for the LA Clippers, he is now responsible for Cosmic Takeover Tour group outing sales. He is an alumni of Bentley University.

First Season with Peppers: 2026
Hometown: Upper Saddle River, NJ
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Derek Jeter
Walk-Up Song: Power by Kanye West

Headshot of Kayleigh Couch, Account Executive, Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Kayleigh Couch, Account Executive, Group Sales at Cosmic Baseball

Kayleigh Couch

Account Executive, Group Sales

kayleigh@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Kayleigh first joined the Chili Peppers organization in 2024 as a Gameday Operations Intern. After graduating from Coastal Carolina University, she returned full-time as the Office Manager and has since transitioned into her current role as Group Account Sales Executive. In this role, she oversees tailored ticketing experiences and specializes in creating memorable group outings for organizations and fans.

First Season with Peppers: 2024
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Bartolo Colon
Walk-Up Song: Rain When I Die by Alice in Chains

Headshot of Taylor Johnson, Motion Graphic Designer and Videographer at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Taylor Johnson, Motion Graphic Designer and Videographer at Cosmic Baseball

Taylor Johnson

Motion Graphic Designer and Videographer

tjohnson@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Taylor joined the Peppers in May 2024 as a Marketing Intern during the organization’s first official Cosmic Baseball launch and regular CPL season. In January 2026, she transitioned into the role of Motion Graphic Designer and Videographer, where she leads the creation and execution of video board graphics and produces a wide range of video content for the organization.  

First Season with the Peppers: 2024
Hometown: Dinwiddie, VA
Favorite Athlete Grown Up: Jennie Finch
Walk-Up Song: Green Onions by Booker T. & the M.G.’s

Headshot of Tim Zorn, Merchandise Associate at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Tim Zorn, Merchandise Associate at Cosmic Baseball

Tim Zorn

Merchandise Associate

tzorn@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Tim first joined the Tri-City Chili Peppers as an operations intern in the summer of 2023. After 2 years of spending time as the Sport Facilities Assistant at SUNY Cortland along with part time roles with the New York Islanders/New York Mets… he was officially hired as a full time merchandise associate in January of 2026. Tim is a native of Long Island, New York and also graduated from SUNY Cortland with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management.

First Season with the Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Wantagh, NY
Favorite Athlete growing up: Desean Jackson
Walk-Up Song: Beer Don’t by Morgan Wallen

Headshot of Emily Wade, Merchandise Associate at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Emily Wade, Merchandise Associate at Cosmic Baseball

Emily Wade

Merchandise Associate

ewade@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Emily joined the Peppers in 2025 as an intern during the Cosmic Takeover Tour. Following the tour, she was offered a full-time position in 2026 as a Merchandise Associate, traveling with the team throughout the season. In her role, Emily supports the fan experience on the road while helping drive merchandise sales and brand engagement during the Peppers’ cosmic baseball events.

First Season with Peppers: 2025
Hometown: Livonia, MI
Walk-Up Song: No Hands by Waka Flocka

Chris Martin

Founder & Owner

Chris is an innovative entrepeneur in central Virginia who received his Economics degree in 2011 from Hampden-Sydney College. In 2013, he took over ownership of small, but growing baseball academy in Midlothian and has since turned RISE Baseball into one of the premier academies in central VIrgina. Chris and his staff have trained professional, collegiate and young atheletes of all ages.

In his free time, Chris loves spending time with his wife Heather and son Easton. Much of the great entertainment that the Chili Peppers offer is inspired by his love for a fun and family-friendly atmosphere and Chris knows it’s not just baseball, but great food, drinks and fan engagement that will make the Tri-Cities Chili Pepper fans for life.

Chili Peppers coaches

Headshot of Dustin Felvus, Head Coach, Chili Peppers at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Dustin Felvus, Head Coach, Chili Peppers at Cosmic Baseball

Dustin Felvus

Cosmic Peppers Head Coach

dustin@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Dustin Felvus is a highly accomplished baseball player, coach, and instructor with a passion for the sport. Over the past couple of years Dustin has coached Chili Peppers split squad games along with being the Cosmic Peppers Coach during last year’s inaugural season for the Cosmic Peppers. He brings his coaching experience from last season during Cosmic games to the tour this season!

First Season with Peppers: 2023
Hometown: Chesterfield, VA
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Derek Jeter and Sean Taylor 
Walk-Up Song:  Big Poppa by The Notorious B.I.G.

Born and raised in Chesterfield, Dustin’s love for baseball began at a young age. He attended Manchester High School, where his exceptional skills on the field quickly earned him recognition as an all-district player.

After high school, Dustin continued his baseball journey at Rappahannock Junior College, where he further enhanced his game and showcased his talent. During his time at Rappahannock, he was honored as an all-conference and all-tournament selection, contributing significantly to the team’s success. The pinnacle of his college career came in 2011 when Dustin and his team clinched a JUCO State Championship, marking an unforgettable achievement.

Over the past 16 years, Dustin has served as a dedicated high school coach, primarily at Manchester High School. His commitment, expertise, and ability to nurture young talent have earned him a reputation as an exceptional coach in the region. He also spent one year coaching at Cosby High School, showcasing his ability to adapt and thrive in any coaching environment.

Dustin’s leadership qualities and coaching acumen were further showcased during his tenure as the American Legion Post 137 head coach. Under his guidance, the team achieved remarkable success, winning back-to-back state championships. Additionally, they secured the position of state runner-up twice and reached the state final game in four out of five years. In just five seasons, Dustin led the team to an impressive 89-11 record, establishing himself as an elite coach in the American Legion league.

Beyond coaching, Dustin also has extensive experience as an instructor and head coach for various showcases. His dedication to developing young talent and nurturing their skills. Over the span of 16 years, he has provided invaluable guidance and mentorship to students, helping them achieve their dreams of playing college baseball.

Headshot of Ray Ortega, Head Coach, Glow Moji's at Cosmic Baseball
Headshot of Ray Ortega, Head Coach, Glow Moji's at Cosmic Baseball

Ray “Sensei” Ortega

Glow Moji's Head Coach

rortega@chilipeppersbaseball.com

Ray “Sensei” Ortega joined the Peppers in 2026, bringing over a decade of professional baseball coaching experience, including two seasons with the San Francisco Giants organization. He now serves as Head Coach of the Glow Mojis, where he is deeply focused on building elite team culture, driving on-field performance, and advancing the evolution of Cosmic Baseball. Prior to this role, Sensei coached at the highest levels of professional baseball, earning a Triple-A National Championship with the Sacramento River Cats in 2019, helping set over a dozen Atlantic League records from 2021-23, and leading the Savannah Bananas to their first Banana Ball Championship in 2024. Known for blending competitive excellence with elevated storytelling and fan engagement—the Miami native is driven by innovation, purpose, and a lifelong passion for the game, people, and—above all—God.

First Season with Peppers: 2026
Hometown: Miami, FL
Favorite Athlete Growing Up: Bruce Wayne
Walk-Up Song: Pray Hard(Clean) by BigXthaPlug feat. Luke Combs

The first ever Cosmic Baseball teams, located in Colonial Heights, VA.

901 Meridian Ave, Colonial Heights, VA 23834