Jacksonville, Florida, December 2, 2025
The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have made significant leadership changes with Matt Goudreau promoted to President and General Manager, effective December 1, 2025. Goudreau, previously the Assistant General Manager, replaces Harold Craw, who is moving on to a senior role with the Tampa Bay Rays. This transition coincides with the promotion of Noel Blaha to Senior Vice President. The Jumbo Shrimp aim to strengthen community engagement and enhance the local economy as they prepare for a new chapter in their history.
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Name New Leadership
Exciting changes are underway as Matt Goudreau steps up to lead the team.
Jacksonville, Florida – The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp have announced significant leadership changes with the promotion of Matt Goudreau to President and General Manager, effective December 1, 2025. This marks a new chapter for the organization as Goudreau takes over from Harold Craw, who is departing to join the Tampa Bay Rays in a senior role focused on community engagement and social responsibility. Goudreau, who joined the Jumbo Shrimp as Assistant General Manager in June 2021, comes equipped with valuable experience from institutions like the University of Memphis, the San Francisco 49ers, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
This transition in leadership follows a milestone period for the Jumbo Shrimp, including the successful renovation of VyStar Ballpark and the achievement of an International League championship in 2025. Goudreau’s track record exemplifies the resilient spirit of Jacksonville’s sports community, which has demonstrated remarkable dedication to enhancing the local economy through sports and entertainment. His prior role as the primary liaison to the Miami Marlins, the team’s MLB affiliate, adds a layer of continuity and expertise that will serve the Jumbo Shrimp well moving forward.
Promotions within the Leadership Team
In tandem with Goudreau’s promotion, the Jumbo Shrimp have elevated Noel Blaha, Vice President of Marketing and Media, to the position of Senior Vice President. Blaha’s tenure with the organization since 2015 is marked by significant contributions to marketing, merchandise, and communications strategies. This step up in leadership underscores the team’s commitment to fostering local talent and ensuring robust marketing strategies that will engage the community.
New Directions for the Tampa Bay Rays
The leadership change comes on the heels of the Tampa Bay Rays’ acquisition by an ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski, the founder and CEO of Dream Finders Homes. The transaction indicates a promising influx of resources and support, as Ken Babby will now serve not only as the owner of the Jumbo Shrimp but also as the CEO of the Rays. This dual role presents an opportunity for collaboration that could further enhance the sports culture in Jacksonville while empowering local businesses.
A Legacy of Milestones
Under Harold Craw’s tenure, the Jumbo Shrimp experienced transformative growth, characterized by the rebranding from the Suns to the Jumbo Shrimp in 2017. This move not only redefined the team’s identity but also invigorated local interest and attendance, culminating in the International League championship in 2025. Such achievements showcase the resilience and innovative spirit integrated within the Jacksonville community, reflecting a broader tendency among Florida entrepreneurs to embrace change and seize opportunities.
Impact on Local Economy
The changes within the Jumbo Shrimp’s leadership are poised to bolster community engagement and economic development in Jacksonville. By prioritizing local partnerships and innovative marketing strategies, Goudreau and Blaha are positioned to further enhance the team’s relationship with the Jacksonville community, thus fostering an environment where local businesses can thrive. Supporting small businesses is vital to the Duval County economy, and the Jumbo Shrimp play an essential role in promoting local pride and unity.
Looking Ahead
The future appears bright for the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp as they prepare for a new era of leadership. Goudreau’s experience and vision, combined with Blaha’s marketing expertise, hold great promise for the team’s continued success both on and off the field. As the organization evolves, community members are encouraged to engage with the team, celebrate local victories, and support the vibrant economic landscape that Jacksonville has to offer.
Conclusion
As Jacksonville continues to grow, the leadership changes within the Jumbo Shrimp resonate with the city’s spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience. Matt Goudreau’s ascent to President and General Manager is a testament to the values underpinning Jacksonville’s commitment to economic growth, community connection, and support for local initiatives. Residents are encouraged to support local businesses, engage with the Jumbo Shrimp, and remain active participants in shaping Jacksonville’s economic future.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who is Matt Goudreau?
- Matt Goudreau is the newly appointed President and General Manager of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He joined the team in June 2021 as Assistant General Manager and has experience with the University of Memphis, San Francisco 49ers, San Jose State University, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
- What is the role of Noel Blaha?
- Noel Blaha has been promoted to Senior Vice President of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. He has been with the organization since 2015, overseeing marketing efforts, merchandise, and communications.
- What recent changes have occurred with the Tampa Bay Rays?
- The Tampa Bay Rays were recently acquired by an ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski, founder and CEO of Dream Finders Homes. Ken Babby, owner and CEO of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, is now serving as CEO of the Rays.
- What achievements did Harold Craw accomplish with the Jumbo Shrimp?
- Harold Craw led the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp to significant milestones, including the 2017 rebranding from the Suns to the Jumbo Shrimp and the 2025 International League championship.
- What is the affiliation of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp?
- The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, playing their home games at VyStar Ballpark.
| Key Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New President and General Manager | Matt Goudreau, previously Assistant General Manager, has been promoted to President and General Manager of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. |
| Promotion of Senior Vice President | Noel Blaha, Vice President of Marketing and Media, has been elevated to Senior Vice President. |
| Leadership Change in Tampa Bay Rays | Ken Babby, owner and CEO of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, is now serving as CEO of the Tampa Bay Rays following their acquisition by an ownership group led by Patrick Zalupski. |
| Achievements Under Previous Leadership | Under Harold Craw’s leadership, the Jumbo Shrimp achieved significant milestones, including the 2017 rebranding from the Suns to the Jumbo Shrimp and the 2025 International League championship. |
| Team Affiliation | The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp are the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins, playing their home games at VyStar Ballpark. |
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