FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – The president of the Fresno Grizzlies, Derek Franks, is leaving the organization after over two decades with the club.

Wednesday’s announcement marks the end of a career that began in 2004, when Franks started working for the club as a Ticket Office Intern.

According to the Fresno Grizzlies, Franks oversaw more than $15 million in improvements to Downtown Fresno’s Chukchansi Park and helped shape the introduction of the Fresno Tacos alter ego, the Taco Truck Throwdown and Tequila Fest.

“The past 22 years have been a dream come true,” said Franks. “I grew up in this organization, and it shaped far more than my career… It shaped my life. I met my wife because of this job. My kids grew up at the ballpark. I’ve built friendships here in Fresno and throughout Minor League Baseball that I know will last a lifetime.”

A new General Manager of the Fresno Grizzlies is set to be announced next week.