Former Major League Baseball executive joins area consulting firm

TAMPA — Former Tampa Bay Rays executive Mark Fernandez has joined Stonehill, a Tampa-based strategic consulting firm, as a principal.

Fernandez, according to a press release, will oversee operational and sales services that include creative development, brand storytelling, marketing and business growth strategies. His background includes a 10-year stint with the Rays as a senior vice president responsible for corporate sales and marketing, ticket sales and service, broadcasting, community relations and the Rays Baseball Foundation. He also spent a decade with the Arizona Diamondbacks in a similar executive role. 

“Mark is a core leader in the community” Stonehill founder and CEO Doug Pace states in the release. “His vast experience in executive leadership makes him an excellent addition to the team.”

Most recently, the release states, Fernandez served as executive vice president and chief marketing officer at Valley National Bank, overseeing digital and traditional marketing, e-commerce, corporate communications, social media, content creation, creative development and community impact. 

“The opportunity to join Stonehill right now is very exciting,” Fernandez states in the release. “Our potential is unlimited.”