Tommy Viola
Chief Communications Officer
Knothole Foundation
Find Tommy Viola on LinkedIn
Tommy Viola is a communications and public relations executive with more than two decades of experience in Minor League Baseball. In February of 2025, he joined the Knothole Foundation as the team’s Chief Communications Officer, where he leads media relations, marketing, social media, brand development, public affairs, and community outreach efforts in support of youth baseball programs.
A native of Brooklyn, NY, Viola first immersed himself in the game as a youth playing Little League Baseball and attending New York Mets games with his father. At age 10, his family moved to the Poconos (PA), where he continued his love of baseball. His passion for the game went to new levels thanks to playing baseball and attending Minor League Baseball games at Lackawanna County Stadium, home of the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Red Barons.
After graduating from Pocono Mountain High School in 1999, Viola attended Penn State Hazleton for two years where he played for the PSU Hazleton baseball team. He later moved on to the main campus of Penn State University in State College, PA, where he earned a journalism degree in 2003.
His professional baseball career began in 2004 as a photography intern with the Altoona Curve (Double‑A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates). From there, he advanced into communications and media relations roles, working with the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Triple‑A) in 2008-2099, and the Reading Phillies (Double‑A) in 2010-2011.
During his time in the Phillies organization, he had the opportunity to assist the major league communications staff during the 2010 National League Division Series, which included Roy Halladay’s postseason no‑hitter.
In January 2012, Viola was hired by the Charlotte Knights (Triple‑A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox) as Director of PR/Media Relations. Over subsequent years, he rose to Vice President of Communications, helping elevate the team’s media presence. He was frequently found making the rounds on morning TV and radio throughout his 13 years with the Knights, establishing a major presence in the Charlotte media.
At the Knothole Foundation, Viola is charged with shaping and executing the foundation’s communications strategy to further its mission of increasing access to youth baseball, academic support, and life skills development in underserved communities across the Carolinas.
Outside of work, Viola is passionate about community engagement, youth sports, and fostering opportunities for young players. He lives in Charlotte with his wife, Angela, and their two children. For the past four years, Viola has been the head coach for his son’s baseball through three levels (T-Ball, Machine Pitch and Minors).