Jake Willard Named General Manager of the Springfield Drifters
Willard becomes the third General Manager in club history ahead of the 2026 season
Focusing on community outreach, team marketing and sales, the Springfield Drifters are thrilled to announce the hiring of Jake Willard as the organization’s next General Manager.
Willard has spent the past six years working for TrackTown USA and The Prefontaine Classic, where he most recently served as the Director of Brand Marketing and Engagement for the non-profit organization. He joins the Drifters front office ahead of the team’s fifth season in 2026.
“As a lifelong baseball fan, I am sincerely honored and excited for this opportunity,” Willard said. “The Drifters organization is full of passionate individuals who all believe in the team’s ability to entertain and serve its community. I can’t wait to join the staff and embed that mission into all aspects of the team’s marketing, sales, and community initiatives.”
Since the team’s founding, the Drifters organization has worked to grow the sport of baseball in the Springfield and Eugene communities while delivering an exceptional fan experience at Hamlin Sports Complex. Willard will step in and continue to support those team goals. Throughout his time at TrackTown USA, he focused on community engagement, brand direction and product line management, helping grow the sport of track and field in the Beaver State.
Willard replaces Barry Bokn, who retired this fall after one season as the Drifters’ General Manager. He will lead all business functions, including sales, marketing, stadium operations, community relations, and team services for the Drifters organization. Among his many responsibilities, Willard is eager to help drive ticket sales and cultivate corporate partnerships that benefit the communities of Springfield and Eugene.
“We’re excited to have Jake join the Drifters team,” Drifters Co-Owner Kelly Richardson said. “We believe he is the right person to guide our organization and help build stronger fan and community engagement.”
A 2019 graduate of the University of Oregon’s School of Journalism and Communications, Willard has spent much of his professional career working in sports entertainment. With over 10 years of experience working in track and field, as well as a season working with the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes baseball club in 2018, his expertise will be a valuable addition to the Drifters organization.
“From the beginning, Ike and Kelly have emphasized the organization’s mission of giving back to the community,” Willard said. “The Drifters have done a phenomenal job of this and have seen growth in attendance each year. I’m excited to help them continue that mission and growth in 2026 and beyond.”
