FRONT OFFICE STAFF

DANNY SHINGLETON

Danny joins the Aviators with experience as a General Manager in both professional and summer college baseball. Most recently Danny served as General Manager of the New England Knockouts of the Frontier League and was also the GM of the Princeton Rays, the rookie league affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays. He was also the General Manager of the Princeton Whistlepigs, a summer college team in the Appalachian League.

He began his journey in sports in 2016 with Rhino Sports and Entertainment as a human resource consultant. Danny would move on to the ACC Championship as a seasonal ticket sales representative before heading back to Rhino Sports and Entertainment for Duke University football. He would later become an account representative for the Greensboro Swarm (the G League affiliate of the NBA Charlotte Hornets).

Danny is a retired Navy Chief with over 31 years of military service. He has spent time in Camp Lejeune, NC, Pensacola, FL, San Diego, CA, Norfolk, VA and a tour in Djibouti, Africa.

He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and a Masters Degree from West Virginia University in Sport Management.

BRIANNA MENDEZ

Brianna is thrilled to join the Aviators for her first season as the Director of Game Presentation & Digital Assets. A proud graduate of Purdue University in May 2024, Brianna studied video production and sports marketing, where she combined her creativity and love for athletics by working behind the scenes at countless Purdue Athletics events.

During her time as a Video Board Operator, Brianna played a pivotal role in creating unforgettable moments for fans, capturing the energy and excitement of game day. From the roar of Mackey Arena to the electrifying atmosphere of Ross-Ade Stadium, she worked across sports like men’s and women’s basketball, football, volleyball, baseball, and softball. After graduation, Brianna returned to her home state of Florida to freelance as a graphics operator for the Tampa Bay Rays, further refining her expertise in live sports entertainment.

Originally from Miami, FL, Brianna grew up with a love for sports, both watching and playing them—including earning a black belt in martial arts. These days, when she’s not behind the scenes, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and her two crazy dogs, Halle and Beau. She proudly cheers for her alma mater and brings that same passion to supporting her hometown team, the Miami Dolphins. Brianna is thrilled to channel her energy, creativity, and passion for sports to the Aviators this season.

GRANT MCGRAW

Grant is heading into his third season with the Lafayette Aviators as the Director of Ticket Sales. In the 2022 season, Grant worked with the Aviators as a ticket sales intern before returning last season as the Ticket Sales Manager. While Grant was an intern, he sold season tickets and various group packages. In conjunction with last season, he oversees all ticketing aspects.

Grant recently graduated from Purdue University while majoring in selling and sales management. Grant is ready to bring his sales expertise from Purdue, and his past experience with the Aviators to this season. With his love for sports and creating a great experience for fans, Grant is set for success.

Grant grew up in Frankfort, Indiana and went to Clinton Prairie High school. He enjoys hanging out with friends, watching/attending sporting events, and spending time with family. Grant has grown up being a huge Purdue fan and Indianapolis Colts fan. With all this being said, Grant is eager to get the season underway with the Aviators this year.

DUSTIN ELLIOTT

Dustin returns for his third season with the Lafayette Aviators as the Director of Concessions Management. In the 2022 and 2024 season, he served as the Food and Beverage Manager for the Lafayette Aviators. Over his three seasons with the Aviators, Dustin has overseen all aspects of the food and beverage department at Loeb Stadium.

He enters his 12th season in Sports Event Management. He began his career in 2011 at Purdue University in concessions event management. Dustin spent most of his time doing event setup/supervision of Purdue Athletics. Dustin also has experience with the Indianapolis Pacers, the Indianapolis 500, Indy Eleven Soccer, Indian Wells BNP Paribas Open, and various concerts in the Indiana area. With a passion for food and beverage that was passed down to him from his father, Dustin wants to enhance fan’s game day experience by providing unique food and beverage offerings.

Dustin was born and raised in Lafayette, Indiana. He is a 2012 graduate of Lafayette Jefferson High School. In his free time, Dustin enjoys spending time with his mother and friends. It’s no surprise that Dustin enjoys cooking given his chosen profession, but he also likes comedy, sports, music and movies. He is a fan of the Purdue Boilermakers and Detroit Tigers. Dustin dreams of one day being a comedian – until then he will gladly provide you with a hot dog and an icy cold beverage.

FRONT OFFICE STAFF

DANNY SHINGLETON

BRIANNA MENDEZ

GRANT MCGRAW

DUSTIN ELLIOTT

STUDENT INTERNS-SPRING

STUDENT INTERNS-SUMMER