Join us for our monthly member meeting at the NEW Community Hall!
Topic: Fun is Good
Speakers: Noel Blaha, President and General Manager, Akron RubberDucks
A discussion of my 20 year journey in minor league baseball that has included a home run derby on an aircraft carrier to controversial rebrands to sustainability during COVID all leading back to Ohio. An inside look at how the next chapter of RubberDucks baseball will continue our belief in contributing to the community and the strategies we implement to strengthen that bond that positions us as the best affordable, family, fun in Northeast Ohio.
Noel Blaha was named the new President and General Manager of the Akron RubberDucks on April 7, 2026.
The 2026 season is Blaha’s 21st in MiLB. Since 2015, he has been with the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, the sister club of the RubberDucks, serving in various roles including Assistant General Manager, Vice President of Marketing & Media, and Senior Vice President.
During his time in Jacksonville, Blaha helped steer the organization through its award-winning 2017 rebrand from the Suns to the Jumbo Shrimp and has led successful marketing initiatives, including the 2025 debut of the Honey Drippers alternate identity. He was also a key member of the team that delivered the Project NEXT enhancements to VyStar Ballpark (the first major renovations in the 22-year history of the ballpark in Jacksonville).
Prior to joining the Jumbo Shrimp, Blaha spent 10 seasons with the Charleston (SC) RiverDogs, where he served as Director of Marketing, Promotions Director, Box Office Manager and Media Relations Assistant. While with the RiverDogs, he helped oversee the 2012 South Atlantic League Home Run Derby from the flight deck of the USS Yorktown, which earned two MiLB Golden Bobblehead awards. He also was a key contributor to the team’s 2013 promotional calendar, which earned the Larry MacPhail award.
Blaha has also worked in minor league soccer and hockey throughout his career. He is a native of Aberdeen, Scotland and earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell College in Iowa, where he was a member of the soccer team. Blaha earned a master’s degree from Bowling Green State University.
Join us for networking from 11:30 – 12:00. The meeting will begin promptly at 12:00, followed by additional networking from 1:00 – 1:30.
A buffet lunch will be available. Members with included lunch benefits may use their tickets, while Classic members, guests, or anyone requesting additional lunches may purchase buffet tickets for $16.
This month’s buffet is generously provided by Wrap City and includes their famous homemade potato chips along with the following assortment of wraps:
- Bobby V (White wrap: turkey, American cheese, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, mayo)
- Roman Delight (Wheat wrap: romaine, parmesan, crushed croutons, grilled chicken, Caesar dressing)
- Alamo (Tomato basil wrap: pepper jack cheese, lettuce, tomato, red onion, avocado, chipotle aioli, grilled Cajun chicken)
- Jersey Greek (Spinach wrap: lettuce, tomato, red onion, feta cheese, kalamata olives, Greek dressing, grilled chicken)
- Cyprus Sun (Vegetarian option: Spinach wrap, tomato, red onion, cucumber, feta cheese, spinach, Italian dressing)
Please complete the short form below to let us know if you plan to attend and whether you’ll be enjoying the buffet. You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch if you prefer. The form includes an option to pay in advance (preferred to help us plan and provide a quicker check-in experience), though cash and tap-to-pay will also be available at the door.
Monthly Meetings are free for members. Non-members are welcome to attend one time each year as a guest. Additional meetings are $10/meeting, which may be paid in advance through the same form.
