On Wednesday August 26, 2026, the Daviess County CEO Cohort traveled to Indianapolis for a unique opportunity to learn about business, leadership, and career development from members of the Indianapolis Indians, the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The cohort was welcomed by Matt Guay, Vice President and General Manager; Bryan Spisak, Director of Business Systems and Talent; and Sarah McKenney. The speakers provided students with an inside look at the business side of professional baseball while sharing advice that can be applied to almost any career.
Bryan opened the discussion with a powerful reminder: “Where you’re from will shape you.” He encouraged students to recognize how their background and experiences influence who they become while continuing to grow beyond those experiences.
Interviewing and making a strong first impression were also major topics. Bryan explained that candidates may have only four or five minutes to make an impression, making preparation, confidence, communication, and professionalism extremely important. He also stressed the importance of connecting people to an organization’s mission and understanding how their individual role contributes to the larger team.
Students were surprised to learn about the significant increase in staffing required during the baseball season. The Indians strategically bring in additional employees during peak periods and even utilize retired individuals to help meet seasonal staffing demands.
Throughout the conversation, the speakers shared several lessons for the students to carry forward:
^ Take the lessons you learn from every experience.
^ Be unique and understand what sets you apart.
^ Find a career that connects with your passions and interests.
^ Reach out to mentors and learn from those who have experience.
^ Don't be afraid to ask questions—thoughtful questions can leave a lasting impression.
^ Remember that getting outside your comfort zone leads to growth.
Before the presentations, the cohort enjoyed a partial tour of the stadium and gained a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the facility. The students then had the opportunity to take a memorable group photo on the field.
The day concluded with the cohort enjoying part of an afternoon Indianapolis Indians game. Experiencing the stadium and seeing professional baseball in action provided a fitting ending to a day focused on the many career opportunities and business operations behind the game.
The Daviess County CEO Cohort extends a sincere thank you to Matt Guay, Bryan Spisak, and Sarah McKenney for their time, hospitality, and willingness to share their experiences. Their advice reminded students that career success is about more than having a job—it is about learning from every experience, building relationships, asking questions, discovering your unique strengths, and having the courage to continue growing.