Front Office
Brian Slipka is the founder and serves as the leader of True North. The vision of True North began as, and is now a result of, Brian’s desire to do business differently: to chase something bigger than simply profits or selfish ambition. By applying a winsome approach to relationships and leadership, he began to forge the cultural imprint of what is now a diverse holding company that independently manages and operates business across many platforms and industries, across the country.
In 2021, Slipka and Anthony “Twan” Albanese purchased the Canaries under True North Sports and Entertainment, LLC. With a passion for business and baseball, upgrades and improvements were immediate including a new scoreboard and infield turf. The team had its first winning season since 2010 in 2023, when the team eclipsed the 50-win mark for just the 5th time in the Canaries 31-year history.
In addition to making an impact on the field, Slipka and Albanese also started The Canaries Community Fund. “The Canaries are so much more than baseball,” said Slipka. “People will see this when they come to games!”
Mr. Albanese is the co-founder of a national leading men’s grooming company, Duke Cannon Supply Co. He and fellow co-founder Sam Swartz grew the company from conception to being recognized as one of the most highly respected and fastest-growing consumer goods brands in the country. Duke Cannon has created a cult-like consumer following both online and at key retail partners, such as Target, CVS, Carhartt, Duluth Trading, and Hy-Vee. Duke Cannon products are made in the USA and the company donates a portion of all proceeds to veterans’ causes. The company recently partnered with strategic investment firm Main Post Partners to accelerate long-term growth and Mr. Albanese remains the company’s brand innovation leader. Previously, he served as a marketing leader at PepsiCo, on the Gatorade brand, and worked as a consultant at the Boston Consulting Group.
Check Out Duke Cannon's Amazing Products: www.dukecannon.com
Brian Jamros has served as President of the Sioux Falls Canaries since August 2022, bringing years of experience in athletics administration to the organization.
During his tenure, the Canaries have achieved notable milestones, including back-to-back playoff appearances in 2023 and 2024—the first in team history—and their first playoff win since 2010. The team also recorded consecutive 50+ win seasons for the first time.
Off the field, Jamros has focused on improving the fan experience and enhancing The Birdcage as a community venue. Recent updates to the stadium include new upper-level seating and other amenities. Under his leadership, ticket sales have reached new heights over the past two seasons.
In 2024, Jamros helped bring a new festival to The Birdcage in partnership with Social House Entertainment. The event welcomed more than 15,000 attendees, adding to the stadium’s role as a gathering place for the Sioux Falls community.
Brian lives in the Sioux Falls area with his wife, Ashley, and their two daughters, Grace and Olivia.
Staff
Duell Higbe enters his twelfth season with the Sioux Falls Canaries, and tenth season as the General Manager. Higbe joined the organization prior to the 2013 season as a Stadium Operations Intern before joining the staff full time as the Assistant GM. He served as General Manager for 6 seasons beginning in 2016.
Higbe played college baseball for Iowa Western Community College, making two trips to the D1 Junior College World Series in Grand Junction, CO. His teams finished 5th in the country in 2008, and 9th in 2009.
The Austin, MN native earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Sport Management with a minor in Exercise Science from Mayville State University.
He and his wife Kate have two children: Lennon and Harrison. When not in the office, Higbe likes to spend time in the gym and the outdoors.
Ali Lindner is entering her fifth season with the Sioux Falls Canaries, where she manages the internship program, oversees game day entertainment, and handles internal marketing and social media. Ali began her career with the Canaries in 2021 as a Gameday Intern and later worked as a Game Operations and Activation Intern in 2022. She graduated from the University of Minnesota in May 2022 with a degree in Sports Management and was a member of the university's softball team, making an appearance in the Women’s College World Series during her freshman year.
Outside of work, Ali enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, and watching movies.
Entering her second season with the Sioux Falls Canaries, Ali is actively elevating the team’s brand and strengthening its presence across the community. With a solid foundation in marketing and media, she is currently focused on reminding Sioux Falls of the incredible summer experience that awaits at our beautiful, family-friendly stadium. From promoting baseball games to hosting a variety of non-baseball events, Ali is working to make the ballpark a central hub of local entertainment. Her efforts ensure the Canaries remain a vibrant part of summertime in our community, creating memorable experiences for fans of all ages.
Outside of work, Ali and her husband Tony stay busy with their three daughters, who are active in both sports and church. The family shares a love for travel, often seeking out destinations that offer plenty of adventure, whether it’s hiking scenic trails, braving roller coasters, or splashing down waterslides.
Preston enters his fourth season with the Canaries front office after moving from the Twin Cities where he worked as a Membership Sales Specialist at a local community center. Prior to then, he interned for the Mankato MoonDogs as a Promotions Intern during the summer of 2021 after graduating from Minnesota State University-Mankato with a degree in Sport Management with a minor in Marketing.
When Preston is not in the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Hannah, and their family and friends. He also enjoys staying active and reading when he can.
Bailey is entering his third season with the Canaries after moving from Minneapolis where he worked as a Footwear Specialist with Scheels – Eden Prairie. Bailey was born and raised in Edgerton, MN before graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Business & Marketing Education and a minor in Sports Coaching. In his free time, you can catch Bailey coaching youth sports, rooting on his favorite Minnesota sports teams, and reading.
Bailey and his wife Brooklyn currently reside in the Dell Rapids, SD area.
Jesse enters his first full-time season as a Sales Executive with the Canaries after interning in the Sales & Ticketing position during the 2024 season. Jesse was born and raised in Brandon, SD before graduating from the University of South Dakota with a degree in Sports Marketing and a minor in Psychology.
In his free time, he enjoys watching sports, traveling, and spending quality time with family and friends.
Ryan joined the Canaries as an intern for the 2023 season and was promoted to Baseball Operations Assistant and Clubhouse Manager in 2024. Entering his second season in this role, Ryan will support the General Manager throughout the year, with a primary focus on managing both the home and visiting clubhouses.
Ryan played baseball for five years at Concordia University St. Paul, earning a degree in Sports Management with a minor in Coaching. He later completed his master's in Coaching and Athletic Administration.
Outside of work, Ryan enjoys spending time with his fiancée, Abby, and playing golf in his free time.
Sterling has been a familiar face to the team, having worked part-time with the organization since 2022. In his role, he will focus on stadium maintenance and upkeep throughout the Canaries season.
A graduate of Southeast Technical College with a degree in Sports and Turf Management, Sterling enjoys golfing and spending time with friends and family when he's off the clock.
Mascots
#0
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Throws/Bats: Right Wing/Right Wing
Weight: 195 pounds
Height: 6’ 8”
Favorite Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Favorite Video Game: Angry Birds
Favorite Song: Bird is the Word
Role Model: Big Bird
Hometown: Sioux Falls, SD
Throws/Bats: Right Wing/Right Wing
Weight: 195 pounds
Height: 6’ 8”
Favorite Movie: One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
Favorite Video Game: Angry Birds
Favorite Song: Bird is the Word
Role Model: Big Bird
Peep is back for his 11th season with the Canaries after nesting with Cagey down South over the winter. Peep couldn't wait to get back to cheer on the Canaries and flap around the birdcage making people laugh.
Giving feathery hugs and pecks on the cheek, taking pictures with the fans, and giving high fives are what he does best!
He can also shake his tail feather...and the splits and the worm are just the beginning of his dance moves!
If you see Peep flying by the Peep mobile or hover board, you might want to step out of the way - he is a bird after all!
Cagey and Peep have hatched some fun plants for this summer - you never know what these cracked up Birds will be up to.
Hometown: Sioux Falls
Height: Short, but growing fast! (It's a touchy subject!)
Weight: Light as a feather
Bats: Ahh! Scared of bats! they are ugly with big, sharp teeth!
Throws: Strikes, fits, tantrums!
Hatch Date: 8-1-13
Favorite Food: Sunflower seeds