Jacksonville Sharks
2017 & 2019 NAL CHAMPIONS
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Staff

Front office

Steve Curran

President
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Tim Johnson

Senior Vice President
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Johnson brings many years of professional sports experience to the Jacksonville Sharks organization. From 1999-2006, Johnson served as the Director of Operations and Sales for the Jacksonville Barracudas hockey team. As Director, Johnson was responsible for all corporate sales and promotions as well as game-day operations.

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Johnson brings many years of professional sports experience to the Jacksonville Sharks organization. From 1999-2006, Johnson served as the Director of Operations and Sales for the Jacksonville Barracudas hockey team. As Director, Johnson was responsible for all corporate sales and promotions as well as game-day operations.

From 1996-1998 Johnson served as Operations Manager for the Jacksonville Barracudas USBL team, overseeing sales, promotions and game-day operations. From 1991-1996 Johnson served as the Assistant General Manager of the Jacksonville Bullets, a minor league hockey team. With the Bullets, Johnson handled day-to-day operations as well as managing ticket sales, game promotions and advertising. In 1984, Johnson was named Assistant Marketing Director for the Jacksonville Bulls of the USFL. In this role Johnson was responsible for corporate marketing sponsorship's as well as creating special promotions and functions in the Jacksonville community. From 1975-1980, Johnson was the General Manager of the Lakeland Tigers, the Detroit Tigers Single A affiliate. As the G.M. of the Tigers, Johnson was responsible for managing the sales, marketing and stadium support staff for Spring Training. In his time serving as G.M. the Tigers increased attendance by 40 percent. Johnson was named General Manager of the Year by the Florida State Baseball League. In addition, Johnson was awarded the Governor's Award for his work with Youth Programs in the Lakeland area. Johnson began his professional career in Jacksonville where he was the Assistant General Manager of the Jacksonville Suns from 1970-1975. While the Assistant G.M. of the Suns Johnson was responsible for corporate sales as well as game day operations. Senior Vice President Tim Johnson has been with the Sharks since 2011 and continues to spearhead corporate partnership for the Sharks along with many of his other duties with the team. 

In his free time he likes to spend quality time with his loving wife Karen.

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Dave Gleeson

Vice President - Group Sales and Community Relations
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Dave Gleeson is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and attended Penn State University. During his time at Penn State he received his Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration / Finance. Moving to the warm weather of Neptune Beach, FL Gleeson found his way to the Sharks after spending 23 years in Medical / Device Sales. Gleeson has built a presence in the Golf Community in Jacksonville, FL volunteering for the PGA Tour, Web.com, and Players Championship over the last three years. David's experience in sports ranges from hospitality, group sales, fan experience, and special events.

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Dave Gleeson is a native of Pittsburgh, PA and attended Penn State University. During his time at Penn State he received his Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration / Finance. Moving to the warm weather of Neptune Beach, FL Gleeson found his way to the Sharks after spending 23 years in Medical / Device Sales. Gleeson has built a presence in the Golf Community in Jacksonville, FL volunteering for the PGA Tour, Web.com, and Players Championship over the last three years. David's experience in sports ranges from hospitality, group sales, fan experience, and special events.

In 2015, Dave joined the Sharks as an aid to the Assistant General Manager of the Jacksonville Sharks. In 2016, Dave was promoted to the Group Sales Manager, overseeing sponsorships, suite sales, team projects, fundraisers, group outings and community events. Gleeson has a passion for business networking and excellence. Currently, Gleeson is a member of the JAX Chamber of Commerce and has grown the team presence in the Jacksonville Business Community. Following the 2017 season David was promoted to Director of Group Sales. In 2018, Gleeson continued his success in group sales and was promoted to Vice President of Group Sales following the conclusion of the 2018 season. Following the 2019 Championship season, the Jacksonville Sharks named David Gleeson Vice President of the Jacksonville Sharks and will continue the Sharks league leading pursuit of excellence with the organization.

Outside of work, Dave enjoys rooting for his alma mater and local sports teams, going to the beach, and enjoying time with his family. 

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David Diana

Director of Ticketing
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David is a native of Bronx, NY he has been with the Sharks for 10 seasons with the Sharks but started his sales career back in 1993 working for Tandy Corporation. Due to his passion for customer service, he was quickly promoted to Store Manager. In this role, he was responsible for store operations, sales, hiring and training. David soon expanded his sales experience by becoming a successful owner of Satellite Connections, an authorized sale agency for Direct TV & Dish Network.

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David is a native of Bronx, NY he has been with the Sharks for 10 seasons with the Sharks but started his sales career back in 1993 working for Tandy Corporation. Due to his passion for customer service, he was quickly promoted to Store Manager. In this role, he was responsible for store operations, sales, hiring and training. David soon expanded his sales experience by becoming a successful owner of Satellite Connections, an authorized sale agency for Direct TV & Dish Network.

David’s worked as an Account Executive with with the Jacksonville Sharks from 2012-2021 and was promoted to Director of Ticketing for 2022 season he builds on his passion for sports. Having played, coached and mentored a variety little league sports, he is now fulfilling his lifelong dream of working in a professional sports organization. In 2022, David Diana received Alignable's Urban Core Local Business Person of the Year award. 

David lives in the Orange Park, FL and In his spare time enjoys spending time with his family, fishing, working on his hobby as a DJ, and supporting his favorite NFL team the Dallas Cowboys. 

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Steven Shotola

Director of Multimedia
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A native of Port St. Lucie, FL, Steven enters his sixth season with the Jacksonville Sharks as the Director of Multimedia. Steven graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Film from Jacksonville University. During his time at Jacksonville University he worked as a Game Day IP Director and Video Editor with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Steven's passion for film landed him multiple invitations to film festivals in Jacksonville, Columbus (OH), Los Angeles, New York and even the 2012 Cannes Film Festival where his Film "Duality" screened at the Cannes Short Film Corner in France. 

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A native of Port St. Lucie, FL, Steven enters his sixth season with the Jacksonville Sharks as the Director of Multimedia. Steven graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors Degree in Film from Jacksonville University. During his time at Jacksonville University he worked as a Game Day IP Director and Video Editor with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Steven's passion for film landed him multiple invitations to film festivals in Jacksonville, Columbus (OH), Los Angeles, New York and even the 2012 Cannes Film Festival where his Film "Duality" screened at the Cannes Short Film Corner in France. 

Following his graduation, Steven accepted a Head Intern position with Beast of the East Productions, a Film Production company in New York City. This opportunity allowed him to work on major Commercials, Short Films, a Television Pilot, and Music Videos. Steven became the Assistant Director of a music video produced for  the Legendary Rock Band The Zombies, the music video "Any Other Way" featured on MTV and was a cover story for rollingstonemagazine.com. Shortly after the production of the music video Steven accepted a position with the New York Jets where he spent the 2013-2014 seasons as a Multimedia Editor. During his time with the Jets he worked on multiple shows for newyorkjets.com including "Jets Talk Live", "Inside the Huddle" and also worked on Network Television collaboration show "Jets Flight Plan" which aired on SNY locally.

 After his time with the New York Jets, Steven accepted a position as a Lead Audio Visual Technician with PRI Productions in Jacksonville, FL. This position led for him to reunite with the Jacksonville Jaguars as the team's Robotic Camera Engineer. In 2015, Steven became the Jacksonville Sharks Multimedia Director, where he continues to expand the Sharks' vision for Video Production, Communications, Graphic Design and Social Media. Steven is currently a three-time award-winning Media Director as the National Arena League acknowledged his department for "Best Media" and "Best Website" following both the 2017, 2018, and 2021 seasons. Shotola also has worked as the league's host of several National Arena Championship Media Days currently serves the NAL as a media advisor. 


Steven resides in the World Golf Village area of St. Augustine, FL where he enjoys taking his daughter Shae to cheerleading practice and his son Aidan to his youth football practices as well as days at the beach and trips to Disney World.  

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John Pearce

Comptroller/Merchandise manager
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John Pearce is a native of Scottsdale, Arizona and moved to Florida in 1999.  He is a proud father of daughter Grace, who is 11 years of age and may be the smartest kid he knows.  John received his degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and went on to serve in the Air Force for 12 years after. John was stationed in The Presidio of Monteray, where he studied Spanish. He was also stationed in Omaha Nebraska and worked for the Commander of Strategic Air Command.  He finished his active duty and served eight years in the National Guard, where he served in operation deny flight in Vieste Italy during the Bosnia conflict.  

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John Pearce is a native of Scottsdale, Arizona and moved to Florida in 1999.  He is a proud father of daughter Grace, who is 11 years of age and may be the smartest kid he knows.  John received his degree in Accounting from Arizona State University and went on to serve in the Air Force for 12 years after. John was stationed in The Presidio of Monteray, where he studied Spanish. He was also stationed in Omaha Nebraska and worked for the Commander of Strategic Air Command.  He finished his active duty and served eight years in the National Guard, where he served in operation deny flight in Vieste Italy during the Bosnia conflict.  

 

John has over 13 years experience in professional sports.  From 1999 to 2003 John served as the controller for the Orlando Predators of the AFL and the Peoria Pirates of the AF2 League.  He oversaw all areas of accounting as well as game day operations.  He was part of two championships seasons 2000 (Predators) and 2002 (Pirates).   John has been with the Sharks since 2010 and has served as Controller and Merchandising Manager and was part of their 2011 championship season.  

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Emerald Painter

Events and Operations manager
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Emerald enters her third season as the Sharks Operations Manager. Emerald first came to the Sharks as a Game Operations Intern where she worked for the team from 2016-2017, in 2018 she was promoted to Game Day Producer before receiving her role as Operations Manager before the start of the 2019 season. Emerald oversaw game day production, live sponsorship execution, event management, and fan entertainment. Under Emerald's leadership, the Sharks won their fourth straight "Best Game Day Entertainment" award by the National Arena league. Emerald also played a key role in the Sharks National Arena League Championship Game and NAL Award Banquet. 

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Emerald enters her third season as the Sharks Operations Manager. Emerald first came to the Sharks as a Game Operations Intern where she worked for the team from 2016-2017, in 2018 she was promoted to Game Day Producer before receiving her role as Operations Manager before the start of the 2019 season. Emerald oversaw game day production, live sponsorship execution, event management, and fan entertainment. Under Emerald's leadership, the Sharks won their fourth straight "Best Game Day Entertainment" award by the National Arena league. Emerald also played a key role in the Sharks National Arena League Championship Game and NAL Award Banquet. 

Emerald received her A.A. in Sports & Fitness Administration at the Florida State College of Jacksonville and earned her Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of North Florida. During her time as UNF she also served as a Marketing Assistant for UNF Athletics. 

Beyond College, Emerald has spent time with multiple local sports teams including the Jacksonville Jaguars where she was a Game Day Fan Experience Representative, and the Jacksonville Armada as a Match-Day Fan Services Supervisor. In her spare time Emerald enjoys dogs, travel, supporting U.S. Womens Soccer, and going to Universal Studios & Islands of Adventure. 

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Miguel Ziolko

Account Executive

Miguel Ziolko was born in 1977 in the city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. His parents met while his father was stationed there while in the Navy. In 1979, they moved to the United States to Springville NY followed by a move to sunny Pensacola, Florida in 1980, then a final move to Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 where Miguel graduated High School at Clay High in 1995. 

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Miguel Ziolko was born in 1977 in the city of Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Spain. His parents met while his father was stationed there while in the Navy. In 1979, they moved to the United States to Springville NY followed by a move to sunny Pensacola, Florida in 1980, then a final move to Jacksonville, Florida in 1994 where Miguel graduated High School at Clay High in 1995. 


In 1999, Miguel went into the Air Force, where he became a Red Rope at Tech School in charge of over 500 Airman and then was stationed at Luke Air Force base in Phoenix AZ. 

Miguel has 4 children, two girls Hailee and Aaliyah and two boys Ashton and Lúcio-Miguel. 
Miguel is a people person, he loves to help anyone in need and has everyone's back. 

Miguel is fully bilingual, speaking, writing and reading Spanish fluently. He is an avid Jacksonville Jaguars fan and loves the Florida Gators as well. He is a super sports fan and can tell you alot about the subject. His sports knowledge along with his sales experience makes his a great addition to the Sharks team.

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Adam Hubbard

Account Executive

Adam graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Marketing. He brings 6 years of sales experience and 5 years of sports related experience to the Jacksonville Sharks.

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Adam graduated from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in Sport Management and a minor in Marketing. He brings 6 years of sales experience and 5 years of sports related experience to the Jacksonville Sharks.

Adam is a native of Cordova, Alabama. After High school, he joined the Marine Corps in 2009 and attended boot camp at Parris Island, South Carolina. After completing his MOS school as a mechanic, Adam was stationed in Okinawa, Japan from 2010-2012. In 2013, Adam spent his last year of his enlistment as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor in North Carolina. 

Upon returning home to Alabama, Adam began his sales career as a service writer for Firestone. After one short year, he was quickly promoted to Tire Sales Manager. Once he moved to Jacksonville, Adam started his career in sports as a promotional team member of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. 5 years and two internships later, Adam is now an Account Executive for your Jacksonville Sharks.

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Game Day Staff

Chum

Director of Excitment

Chum is orginally from Amity, NY, a town made famous by the 1975 Steven Speilberg film "Jaws." Chum's father starred in the movie and was instrumental in catching the shark. The people in Amity have always loved Chum becuase of his fathers help saving the town. People were always coming to Chum and patting him on the back, telling stories about his father and all the sharks he helped fisherman catch. Unfortunately, Chum's father went out with some fishermen one day, but the boat never came back. To this day, no one knows what happened to Chum's father. Chum tried to follow his father's path and help Amity continue to rid itself of Sharks. He had worked on some local fishing trips to help fishermen catch sharks. Chum had a tough time watch sharks killed for no reason and had difficulty coming to grips with his role in life. He no longer felt uncomfortable with the praise and adoration he received from helping the fishermen catch sharks.

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Chum is orginally from Amity, NY, a town made famous by the 1975 Steven Speilberg film "Jaws." Chum's father starred in the movie and was instrumental in catching the shark. The people in Amity have always loved Chum becuase of his fathers help saving the town. People were always coming to Chum and patting him on the back, telling stories about his father and all the sharks he helped fisherman catch. Unfortunately, Chum's father went out with some fishermen one day, but the boat never came back. To this day, no one knows what happened to Chum's father. Chum tried to follow his father's path and help Amity continue to rid itself of Sharks. He had worked on some local fishing trips to help fishermen catch sharks. Chum had a tough time watch sharks killed for no reason and had difficulty coming to grips with his role in life. He no longer felt uncomfortable with the praise and adoration he received from helping the fishermen catch sharks.

 Chum no longer wanted to help fishermen catch sharks. He instead would sneak on to fishing boats at night and dump all the bait overboard. he wanted to do whatever he could to save sharks. Chum couldn't get to every fishing boat, but he did enough damage that people in town were getting very upset. One night, while Chum was wreaking havoc on the boats, he was caught red handed by Sheriff Brody of the Amity Police Department. When news broke the next morning, the townspeople were stunned. The son of a local hero known for killing sharks and keeping the beach safe was arrested. But instead of putting Chum in jail, it was decided that Chum would be banned for Amity forever. 

As Chum sadly left his hometown, he had figured out what he wanted to do in life.... Save Sharks. This was his mission and he dedicated his life to it. Over the years, he lived along the Atlantic seaboard, trying to find a home to live out his dream. It was not until he had made it to Jacksonville, FL and learned about the Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football team that he got really excited again. Sharks that played football???? He had to find out what this was about. 

Chum first saw  the Jacksonville Sharks in action when they hosted the Georgia Force. When a Force fan stormed the field, Chum decided to take matters in to his own hands and help security deal with the unruly fan. Chum instantly endeared himself to the home crowd. Chum was later found at the next home game against the VooDoo and was interviewed by TJ Streit, voice of the Sharks. TJ asked if Chum would be willing to join the franchise. After weeks of phone calls and emails from Finatics, the Sharks decided to contact Chum and extend a job offer. On Wednesday, April 20, 2011, Chum accepted the offer and became the Sharks’ official mascot and Director of Excitement. Most recently, in July of 2017 the National Arena League awarded Chum "Best Mascot."

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Jack Benigno

Game Day Director

Jack has had a long and successful career in arena football. Starting with the Orlando Predators in 2010, Jack spent three seasons with the team first as a Luxury Suite Manager before being promoted to Business Operations Manager. During his time with the Preds, Jack founded the Orlando Predators Business Club and served as the Senior Coordinator of Arena Bowl XXVI. 

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Jack has had a long and successful career in arena football. Starting with the Orlando Predators in 2010, Jack spent three seasons with the team first as a Luxury Suite Manager before being promoted to Business Operations Manager. During his time with the Preds, Jack founded the Orlando Predators Business Club and served as the Senior Coordinator of Arena Bowl XXVI. 

Following the 2013 Season, Jack found his way to Jacksonville, where he became the Assistant General Manager and Director of Operations for the Jacksonville Sharks. During his tenture he oversaw both front office & game day needs for the teams from 2014 to 2017. During the Sharks Ownership shift in 2019 Jack was brought back as the Jacksonville Sharks Game Day Director where he led the Sharks Game Day Entertainment during the franchises successful 2019 championship season. Jack played a key role in the Sharks third-straight "Best Game Day Entertainment" league award.

Beyond Football, Jack has professional experience as a Relator and as a Sales & Service Representive. When he is not working Jack likes to spend time with his three kids and supporting his Phildaelphia Eagles and Phillies. 

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Fin

Assistant Director of Excitement

Finn is a native of the First Coast coming to shore out of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Finn was caught by fellow mascot Chum who was fishing during the 2014 offseason. Rather than throw him back, Chum got him a uniform and a audition with the Jacksonville Sharks arena football team. 

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Finn is a native of the First Coast coming to shore out of Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. Finn was caught by fellow mascot Chum who was fishing during the 2014 offseason. Rather than throw him back, Chum got him a uniform and a audition with the Jacksonville Sharks arena football team. 

Finn quickly impressed the Sharks staff and under the wing of his best friend and teammate Chum, the tallest sports mascot in Jacksonville got his first start during the 2015 season. During Finn's rookie year the Sharks went 10-8 and appeared in Arena Bowl XXVIII. Throughout Finn's career he has been crucial to the team winning multiple awards including "Best Mascot" and "Best Game Experience."

 

Finn's size & talent for show business is no accident, Finn's famous family is notorious for guest starring on espisodes of Discovery's "Shark Week." Finn's Famous Shark family includes his father 16 foot South African Great White Shark Colossus and his Mother famous Ashley Grace is quite famous visitor of the Cape Cod area appearing in several episodes of Shark Week. Chum's cousin Sand Tiger Shark Gus received recent facetime on Discovery's Shark Week in 2018.

 

Outside of arena football, Finn enjoys being in the community, helping chum come up with ideas, and playing two fin touch football. If you would like to book Finn for an event email: chum@jaxsharks.com 

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Josh Jackson

Public Address Announcer

The official announcer for the NAL 2019 National Champion Jacksonville Sharks Arena Football Team! 

Zander Kean

Broadcast Play By Play Analyst

Sale Key

Broadcast Analyst

DJ Dark Knight

Game Day DJ
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MC Wale

On-Field MC
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