Charlotte Bobcats President and Chief Operating Officer Fred Whitfield announced on Friday, new executive appointments in the areas of ticketing, communications, finance, research, marketing and creative services, including Mike Tomon, Marlene McDade, Kristen Peifer and Jim Dunleavy.

“This group brings a wide range of experience and expertise to the Bobcats front office,” Whitfield said. “We are committed to recognize and recruit the top industry talent as we continue to build this organization into one that the city of Charlotte will be proud to call its hometown team.”

Tomon will serve as Vice President of Ticketing, after most recently serving as Senior Director of Sales and Guest Experience with the Phoenix Suns. Tomon played an instrumental role in helping the Suns sellout the 2007-08 season in advance, marking the first time in a decade. He will be responsible for leading the ticket sales service team in new and renewal sales of season and group tickets, as well as suites and premium seating. Prior to his role with the Suns, he served as a sales consultant with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

McDade was appointed Director of Partnership Sales. She comes to the Bobcats after serving as Manager of Corporate Partnerships for the Miami Heat, where she generated over $5.2 million in new business for the team and AmericanAirlines Arena.

Peifer will join the Bobcats communications department as its Director of Corporate Communications, where she will manage and publicize all Bobcats off-the-court activities, including community relations, grassroots marketing and sales initiatives. Peifer was the Director of Corporate Communications at the Virginia Hospital Center in Arlington, Virginia. Prior to her role at the hospital, she worked in the communications department with the Washington Wizards.

Dunleavy comes to the Bobcats after his most recent role as Director of Finance at Ernst & Young. He will oversee various accounting areas, including cash management, treasury, general accounting, financial reporting and insurance for the organization.

The Bobcats also added to their executive team: Will Beason (Staff Accountant), Bobby Carter (Senior Coordinator of Research and Database Marketing), Seth Denton (Arena Finance), Stephanie Siedlecki (Graphic Designer).

“We are furthering our commitment to improving this organization in every facet, both on and off the court,” Whitfield said. “We feel adding these skilled professionals with a vast array of experience will help us achieve that goal.”