What’s your background? How did you end up working with The Battery?

I joined the Charleston Battery in the Fall of 2021 as an account executive. I was promoted to senior account executive eight months later in December 2021. In January 2023 I assumed the role of director of revenue at the club leading the ticket sales and sponsorships efforts for the country’s oldest continuously run soccer club. The Charleston Battery is the Lowcountry’s premier professional soccer team celebrating 30 years in 2023. Prior to the Battery, I worked in various sales roles, branch manager at Enterprise Holding for five years, and inside sales team lead for local cyber security firm Help Systems (formally PhishLabs) for 1.5 years. I have a B.S. in Finance from the College of Charleston. I am married to my wonderful wife, Irene Villegas Diego, who works here locally as a manager at the Mediterranean Shipping company. We have a beautiful baby boy, Diego Kai, who was born on June 13, 2021.

How did you end up in CHS?

During my senior year of high school, I played soccer for a professional club’s residential academy team- Real Salt Lake- AZ. My coach at the time is the current LA Galaxy first-team coach Greg Vanney. Our U18 team traveled the country playing in showcases and against top teams from all over the world. That summer, I had the opportunity to play in the Dallas Cup where many of the world’s biggest stars made their start. I was identified by the College of Charleston coaching staff and took my official visit shortly after. In 2011, I relocated to Charleston to attend the College of Charleston and accepted an athletics scholarship for the Division 1 soccer program. For the C of C Men’s Soccer Team (2011-15), I appeared in 52 matches for the Cougars with five career goals and seven assists and helped captain the team. I played for many top coaches during my time, including Coach Ralph Lundy Sr. from 2011-2015.

What are the biggest benefits to working in CHS or with The Battery?

There are so many benefits of living and working in Charleston. The city offers a variety of advantages to the resident’s physical and mental well-being. Our city has just about perfect sunny weather all year around and offers lots of physical activities for kids and adults alike. I personally play soccer in a couple of leagues provided through the City of Charleston and Mount Pleasant Recreation. In regards to working in Charleston, our business community is very inviting and always willing to lend a hand. Businesses here make a continuous effort to not only develop their employees but to also nurture and provide opportunities to give back through volunteering, fundraising and charitable donations.

Are there any mentoring, shadowing or professional development opportunities you recommend for junior staff?

Get involved and ask questions! There are many ways to get involved within a local professional sports organization that require no experience and can help “get your foot in the door”. Those positions include ticket scanners, greeters, bartenders, box office staff and various internships. The City of Charleston and its local professional networking groups are also a great way. Since getting more involved with the Charleston Metro Chamber and local Mount Pleasant Chambers of Commerce in the last 24 months, I’ve seen the endless programs and opportunities dedicated to personal and professional development for individuals. I’ve recently joined Be A Mentor- Charleston and provide guidance to a 9-year-old boy. I’ve also been mentored through The Harbour Club’s peer mentorship program. I recommend that every person become a mentor and become a mentee when possible. Many companies will help pair you with or introduce you to folks across your industry that can help further your development.

Any misconceptions about your field, the region, etc.?

That’s a great question! I would say that there doesn’t have to be a clear path to working in professional sports. I did not take a traditional path to be where I am today, but I’ve always envisioned myself here. For example, I’ve worked in many different industries- hospitality, technology, coaching, and in management for the world’s largest car rental company. Not everything I’ve learned in these roles is directly transferable to what I do now, but I can confidently say that I’ve taken many things from each role and applied them to how I go about business now at the Charleston Battery. Communication is the biggest driver of success in building relationships with individuals, families and key decision-makers within the business ecosystem.

Describe your ideal, quintessential Charleston day.

It would start with a morning stroll in downtown Charleston along Battery Park and finish near East Bay Street. I would then grab some brunch with my family and friends to catch up on life events while eating a delicious meal of shrimp & grits. Next, I would make my way down to the beach to spend some relaxing time with the family and kick the soccer ball around with my son. We would then stop by one of the many delicious barbeque restaurants here in the city to enjoy a cold beverage and live sports. Lastly, we would head home to wind down with a family board game and time spent in our backyard together.

Questions about working in Charleston? Connect.

• Find job openings in the Charleston region
• View careers at The Charleston Battery
• Connect with Tanner on LinkedIn