(Atlantic Cape Community College Communication major student Ethan Vance wrote the original version of this story.)
MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College alumnus Aris Theofanopoulos always lived for sports and now it’s his full-time job as Assistant General Manager – Marketing & Entertainment of the Knoxville Smokies, a Southern League Double-A affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, located in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Theofanopoulos grew up in Atlantic City, attended Absegami High School and enrolled at Atlantic Cape in 2010 as a communication major.
From a young age, Theofanopoulos always had his mind made up that a life in sports was for him.
“You know, I’ve always liked sports ever since I was a child and I knew I wanted to work in sports,” said Theofanopoulos, 33.
At Atlantic Cape, Theofanopoulos studied communication by taking classes like journalism and other related courses with Professor of Communication Keith Forrest.
“Professor Forrest is a big reason of where I am in my success. He is a great mentor. He always dedicates time to his students, and he really listens to each and every person.”
After transferring to Rowan University to major in Radio/TV/Film with a minor in journalism, Theofanopoulos took on various roles in their sports program to help build his resume. He worked as a public address announcer for numerous athletics programs from volleyball and soccer to softball and many others.
Following his graduation from Rowan in 2014, Theofanopoulos secured a spot as an on-field host for the Lakewood BlueClaws (now known as the Jersey Shore BlueClaws), a South Atlantic League High-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. During his time with the team during the 2015 season, he learned to operate replay machines, along with the daily routines of the press box.
“It was very competitive and just thinking about all of the people there (Rowan University) that wanted the same job as I, it was a little bit intimidating.”
The following year, he was hired as the Manager of Promotions with the Inland Empire 66ers, a California League Single-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners. He gained invaluable experience by overseeing a litany of tasks, such as creating theme nights, research/write content for ‘Inside Pitch’ magazine, selling group/season ticket packages, managing game-day promotion staff, managing social media accounts and much more.
After three years, Theofanopoulos was hired by the Smokies as the Director of Video Production in 2018 and eventually was promoted to assistant general manager – marketing & entertainment in 2022.
Theofanopoulos helps the team behind the scene including theme nights, giveaways, and promotions. Apart from the behind the scenes he also helps with switching camera angles, feeding the play-by-play announcer’s information, and inputting score bug graphics. He also oversees all of the team’s social media accounts.
Theofanopoulos has received praise from former professors too. Dr. Joy Jones, a former communication professor at Atlantic Cape, had positive words about Theofanopoulos.
“He was always setting goals for himself and then working towards accomplishing those goals and he was always driven. He had a strong work ethic,” said Dr. Jones, associate professor of business administration & management, Stockton University.
Theofanopoulos was always dedicated during his time at Atlantic Cape in the communication program and for this he was named the “Communication Alumni of the Year” at the Annual Communication Awards in 2025.
“Aris has been bold in his career choices. He definitely exemplifies the three rules of the communication program: hard work, support each other, and get involved,” said Forrest.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Established in 1964, Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and workforce development professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with several four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to earn a bachelor’s degree without having to leave home.
