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Why were you interested in First Tee?  Golf has been a part of virtually my entire life, so the opportunity to use golf as a way to impact children of the next generation through intentional and proven curriculum drew me to this chapter. Moreover the opportunity to engage with board members, supporters, parents and participants all in the same day is something that re-energizes me every day. Additionally, the opportunity for us to grow our reach in the community was a huge draw to this position specifically. We have such an amazing story to tell about the impact we make in the lives of children from a wide variety of backgrounds. I love our commitment to giving every child in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky the opportunity to participate and be shaped by our programs.

What is your background?  I’m originally from Williamstown, KY and I played golf at NKU from 2004-2008. I had the chance to go to grad school at Ohio University for an MBA and Masters in Sports Administration. I spent about seven years in College Athletics (Northern Kentucky and Xavier), specifically in development where I had the opportunity to fundraise so that student-athletes could have a great experience. Now, I have that opportunity to use those experiences in our efforts at First Tee GCNKY . 

What is your favorite part about First Tee?  There is nothing more rewarding than when a child flips the switch from parents bringing them to class to “catching the bug” and getting excited to come to programs. Our goal through the early stages of the program is to create curiosity for learning through the sport, so my favorite part about First Tee is the curriculum. It’s truly the secret sauce and what truly shapes children who join our program. We teach them such critical life skills that are specific to their cognitive development at various ages and their progression through the game- I love seeing the participants grow up and graduate equipped to tackle life! 

If you weren’t working at First Tee, what would you be doing? OR When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up?   When I was little, I wanted to be a Special Education teacher before I decided I want to take a path down the road of the Sports Industry. 

Where would you like to travel?  In the US, anywhere we can be outside and hike! We haven’t been to the National Parks out west, so we are excited to go to Park City, Utah for our Honeymoon in the fall. We have much more travelling out west on our bucket list! Next time I go to Europe, we want to go to Italy and to the Swiss Alps!

Tell us about your family.  I’m currently engaged and will be getting married in Fall of 2020. Brian and I love to go hiking and spend time outside with our dog, Larkin. I also can’t wait for my Niece to become a First Tee participant! We’ve got about four more years before she does, but we’re trying to start her early! 🙂

Why were you interested in First Tee? I grew up around golf and wanted the same for my kids. I knew about First Tee before my kids were born and knew when my oldest turned 7, I wanted to enroll him. At that time, I just thought of First Tee as a golf camp. As my son started taking classes, I saw it was much more than golf and knew I wanted to be a part of it.

What is your background? I’m a Cincinnati native. I attended Bellarmine College in Louisville, playing on their women’s golf team and then University of Cincinnati studying Business Administration. Prior to First Tee, I worked as a paralegal for a law firm downtown and I also coached the varsity girls’ golf team for Seton High School for a number of years.

What is your favorite part about First Tee? The kids! I love that First Tee gives all kids the chance to try a sport that they can play for the rest of their lives while learning valuable life skills that are used on the golf course and off.

If you weren’t working at First Tee, what would you be doing? OR When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? If I wasn’t working for First Tee, I’d likely go back to school to become a nurse. They are amazing people!

Where would you like to travel? I would love to travel with my family out west or I would love to go back to Scotland and Ireland and play golf this time or try some place new like Spain.

Tell us about your family. I am married to my husband, Chris, and we have 2 sons – Will (13) and Alex (7).  We love to swim, golf, play endless games of Uno and go on hikes with our goldendoodle, Snacks…we obviously let the kids name our dog. 😊

Why were you interested in First Tee? Growing up around the golf world, I have always known about First Tee but didn’t know there was a local chapter in my area.  When I learned that and then saw an open position, I knew I couldn’t pass up the chance to work within the awesome organization.  I had been looking for a job in which I could use both my sports and business knowledge and be able to make a difference.  It has been a perfect fit!

What is your background? I started playing golf when I was 12 but had grown up in a golfing family.  I played several sports when I was younger but decided to play only golf after freshman year of high school.  I then went to the University of Cincinnati to play golf.  After graduating undergrad I went to the University of Southern Mississippi for graduate school and was the assistant women’s golf coach for two years.  When I graduated I returned to Cincinnati and worked in the corporate world for 4 years before coming on board with First Tee. 

What is your favorite part about First Tee? My favorite part of First Tee is being able to teach the life lessons I learned on the golf course and am still able to use in my daily life.  The First Tee curriculum is truly one of a kind and I am excited to continue to build character and shape the younger generation.  

If you weren’t working at First Tee, what would you be doing? OR When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was little I wanted to be a dolphin trainer.  However if I wasn’t working for First Tee, I would probably be making crafts and gifts for other people.

Where would you like to travel? One bucket list trip would be to go to Scotland and Ireland to play golf especially St. Andrews.  Hoping to make a trip across the pond for the 2026 Ryder Cup in Ireland.  I also want to travel through Europe (Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Austria, Germany, among the others)

Tell us about your family. I recently got married in June 2019.  My husband, Colin, and I live in downtown Cincinnati and are currently house hunting!

Why were you interested in First Tee? I was interested in First Tee because I liked the idea of working with kids and teaching them life lessons through sport. Being involved with a sport has made a lasting impact on my life and working for First Tee GCNKY is a good way to give back.

What is your background? I have a Master of Education in Sport Administration from Xavier University. My most recent job before working at First Tee was at NKU in the Office of Student Financial Assistance. I was responsible for keeping records of student-athletes’ financial aid and ensuring compliance with NCAA rules and regulations. Growing up I was a volleyball player and was fortunate to play Division I at Morehead State University. As far as golf goes, I learned golf when I was a child and used to play with my grandma. Although I still have a lot to learn, I enjoy the game and appreciate the beauty of being on a golf course.

What is your favorite part about First Tee? I love the flexibility this job offers. I can be at home to take care of my family while also having a great balance of getting to interact with other adults and kids outside of the home when I go to work.

If you weren’t working at First Tee, what would you be doing? OR When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? When I was young I wanted to be an architect. I have a curious fascination with houses and floor plans and would one day love to draw up my own dream home!

Where would you like to travel? I would like to travel the east coast and west coast of the United States. Hawaii would be a great place to go, too!

Tell us about your family. My husband and I met while I was a graduate assistant volleyball coach at NKU and he was playing basketball there. We were married in April 2010 and have three kids – Layna (9), Kenzi (7), and Vance (3). We reside in Union, Kentucky. 

Why were you interested in First Tee? Being a former student of the First Tee, I know the impact that this organization has in community and in the lives of young people. But the one aspect of the First Tee that has always interested me is how this organization uses the game of golf as a way of introducing children to critical life skills and core values. That blend of sport and life skills programming truly differentiates the First Tee from other organizations because the learning goes well beyond the sport itself.

What is your background? I am from Erlanger, Kentucky and I have lived there my whole life. I graduated high school from Dixie Heights High School in 2014, and in the spring of 2020, I graduated from Northern Kentucky University with a bachelor’s degree in Sports Business and Event Management. As a student at NKU, I had the opportunity of being a student manager for the university’s baseball team for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Furthermore, in 2019, I interned for the Florence Freedom (now Y’alls) while also volunteering for the Cincinnati Bengals and Cincinnati Reds.

What is your favorite part about First Tee? My favorite part about the First Tee is getting to interact with the students on a daily basis. To me, there is no greater feeling than seeing them grasp both the life skills and the golf instruction all while having fun in the classes. That aspect alone makes the work we do so rewarding and enjoyable.

If you weren’t working at First Tee, what would you be doing? OR When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? Growing up, I always wanted to play baseball in the MLB. I have played or watched baseball for the entirety of my life, and the atmosphere of the sport is unlike any other. In college, I interned for the university’s baseball team and I absolutely loved it. So, if I wasn’t working at First Tee, I would probably be pursuing a career in baseball.

Where would you like to travel? I really don’t know how this desire started, but I have always wanted to visit Norway. I think the country is so peaceful, and it has a wonderful balance of nature and urban life. I could easily spend a whole month there if I ever had the chance.

Tell us about your family.I am the youngest of 5 siblings. My mom (Malinda) and my dad (Richard) had me very late in life by most standards which left a 15-year gap between me and my next closest sibling. In all, those siblings have 16 children – making me Uncle Ben. So, to say the least, I have a very big family!

Why did you get involved with First Tee?  Golf has always been a large part of my life and when I learned of the mission of the First Tee it immediately struck me as this would be an excellent way for me to give back to a game that has had such a positive impact upon my life.

What is your favorite part about being involved in First Tee?  Witnessing first-hand and hearing the stories from the kids of the relationships that they have built with staff, coaches, volunteers and other participants.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  I am blessed that I can continue to have playing golf as part of my life and I greatly enjoy playing with friends and also meeting new people on the course.  I also enjoy almost any outdoor activity.

Where would you like to travel to and why?  I would like to have a motorhome and travel to most/all of the National Parks in the continental US.  I would like to experience all of the beauty of our country.

Who is someone you admire and why?  I admire Bill Gates.  He was born with a brilliant mind and he has used that to build a life changing business and now is focused on making the world a better place for all.

When did you start playing golf?  I started playing golf when I was about 10 years old.  I grew up caddying at Losantiville CC and this is how I started being exposed to and playing golf.

How did you first learn about First Tee? While I had certainly heard of the national organization, I was invited to attend the Chapter’s Core Values luncheon in 2013.  Seeing the Core Values of the organization while using golf as the platform resonated with me.  I reached out to Taylor Metcalfe who was on the Board to learn more and I was asked to join the Board later that year.

Tell us about your family.  My wife Beth and I are blessed with 4 adult children.  Kelly, Connor, Rachel, and Patrick. 

Why did you get involved with First Tee? I wanted to be part of an organization and on a Board that I could personally connect with and felt strongly about.  The First Tee did both of those – outreach to our youth instilling wonderful values, while also teaching a valuable and fun trait!

What is your favorite core value and why? Honesty – not only is it an important quality to portray while on the golf course, it’s also a value I live strongly by and think others admire those who are honest.

What is your favorite part about being involved in First Tee? Seeing our students achieve a level after they’ve worked so hard at it for so long and the satisfaction and smiles!

Where would you like to travel to and why? I’d love to travel to Ireland or Scotland and play a golf course there as well as take in the amazing history, landscape and architecture they both have to offer.

What would be your personal motto? Be the change you want to see.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Work a lot less and play a lot more golf!

When did you start playing golf? My grandfather started teaching me when I was around 8-9 years old.  It was something we did together and bonded over; it is a memory I will cherish and he’s the reason I still play today!

Tell us about your family. I have been married to a fellow The Ohio State University grad, my husband Jeff, for 7 years this June.  We have a beautiful daughter, Adalyn, who is 2 years old and such a fun happy little girl.  We love to spend time as a family walking our home course, and Adalyn is learning at a young age – she loves to putt the ball into the hole!

What is your favorite core value and why? Judgement. I find it very important that kids learn how to use their judgement when making decisions. As you grow many of the decisions you face are not black and white, and practicing good judgement while young sets one up for success in the future. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? I enjoy hanging out with my family, golfing, and cooking.

What is your favorite restaurant? My favorite restaurant in Cincinnati is 20 Brix in Milford. The GM is a great friend of mine, and the chef creates the most creative dishes I’ve experienced. 

How do you want people to remember you? I want people to remember that I was kind, loyal, and willing to help others.

How would your colleagues describe you? They would say I have a short attention span.

What would you do if you won the lottery? Play golf everyday.

What do you enjoy about golf? I love being outside, and enjoying the scenery with my friends.

How do you define success? I define success as accomplishing a goal which challenges you and gives you a personal sense of accomplishment.

Tell us about your family. I married my wife Cathy in 2012. She is a teacher in the Lakota School District. We have two boys, Sam (5) and Tommy(2), and a Golden Retreiver named Desmond. The boys are obsessed with whatever sport is in season, except for golf as they play that year round. 

What is your favorite part about being involved in First Tee? The opportunity to make a difference in a charity organization that develops kids’ skills to be better people…more principled, productive, and successful. And grow the game!

How do you want people to remember you? As a good, kind, and caring person who invested in, and valued, relationships with those in his life. Someone who made a difference.

When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? One of my first ambitions was to be a garbage man! The idea of riding around standing on the back of the truck in the fresh (!) air seemed quite appealing. That, of course, was before I got a real-life whiff from behind a garbage truck!!

When did you start playing golf? I started playing golf when I was 12…just chipping and putting at my parent’s club where we were social members. I played my first round of golf at age 15.

What do you enjoy about golf? Frankly, the social aspect. That is, the opportunity to engage and compete with friends. The camaraderie really makes a difference to me. Perhaps that is why I do not enjoy playing alone or when travelling, showing up to a new course and hope to pick up a game!

How did you first learn about First Tee? I was introduced to the First Tee by two of the founding members of our chapter…Lamar Johnson and Larry Kellam, two friends, fellow golfers and fellow P&Gers who founded the chapter in 2006.

How do you define success? Let me begin by saying, success, I believe, is (and should be) defined individually. What success is for me is different than my brother, my neighbor or fellow Board member. Life success for me is defined by a combination of having great relationships, giving back, and sharing God given skills within my network/community.

Tell us about your family:  I am blessed with a wonderful family. My wife, Torey, is not only the love of my life and my best friend, but she is a beautiful and kind person…inside and out. I have two brothers and two sisters. Each is extremely talented and kind…all successes. My many nieces and nephews are also special people. My mother is in great health, kind, and a wonderful role model. 

Why did you get involved with First Tee?  I love golf.  I love children. I love TFT mission.

What is your favorite core value and why?  Perseverance.  There is no time or condition in life when it does not apply.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  Gardening, weather permitting. Walking. Sudoku. Golf.

Where would you like to travel to and why?  South Africa.  I also love animals!

How do you want people to remember you?  As a person who is reliable, dependable and caring.

When did you start playing golf?  Early 20’s.   Never got much better!

What do you enjoy about golf?  Exercise, being out in nature and socializing with people.

How do you define success?  Doing one’s best and being pleased with the outcome.

What is your favorite core value and why?  All of the core values are so important, it is difficult to choose a favorite.  I would have to say Respect, it encompasses many of the other values in a way.  I believe that when you treat others with respect you are treating others, and yourself, with honesty, courtesy and confidence.  On the playing field respect and sportsmanship should go hand in hand.     

What is your favorite part about being involved in First Tee?  I enjoying meeting everyone involved, students and parents, the amazing volunteers, the staff and coaches and my fellow board members.  Everyone is here for the same goal.  I enjoy the outreach of programming to so many kids in the area and that golf can be a universal language for all of them to come together. 

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  Spending time with my family, cheering the boys on from the side lines, running, practicing yoga and Xavier Basketball. 

How would your colleagues describe you?  Reliable and caring

What do you enjoy about golf?  That almost everyone can play.  You don’t have to be great to enjoy it.  I enjoy spending the time outdoors with the people I am playing with.  Every now and then I surprise myself.  

How did you first learn about First Tee?  An acquaintance had moved to Arizona, to play more golf in his retirement.  He started volunteering in AZ and told me about his work with the First Tee chapter.  My boys were not old enough to participate, but a colleagues’ kids were, I shared the information I received with him.  Two of his kids enrolled and enjoyed their experience.    

How do you define success?  I think a person is successful when you can be proud of the end result.  If I can look back on a day or an experience and say that I did my best and treated people with respect and dignity, then I was successful.  If I learned a learned a thing or two, then that is a bonus.    

Tell us about your family.  My husband Chris and I live in NKY and have 3 boys, one who is in the program and two more who can’t wait to participate.

Why did you get involved with First Tee?  Golf has been a constant in my life and has helped me to grow and connect with family and friends throughout.  An opportunity to help have that be the same for others is very appealing to me.

What is your favorite core value and why?  For me it is a tie between Honesty and Integrity.  As a CPA and business owner these are attributes that are close to my heart.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?  Outside of my kids’ sports and family trips – GOLF of course : )

Where would you like to travel to and why?  I always enjoy playing courses that are new to me.  I’ve played just over 300 – and counting!

What is your favorite restaurant?  Any place overlooking the 18th green, outside dining preferred.

What would be your personal motto?  A bucket list is for suckers – if you need/want to do something bad enough prioritize it and make it happen.

When did you start playing golf?  When I was about 10, with my dad.

What do you enjoy about golf?  The biggest benefit to me is the ability to unplug and decompress.

Why did you get involved with First Tee? To give back to the community and assist kids with an organization that involves a sport I am very fond of.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Working in my yard.

Where would you like to travel to and why? Would like to travel to Australia, as am intrigued by the people, culture and way of life there.

What is your favorite restaurant?  Favorite restaurant is Carlo & Johnny’s

When did you start playing golf? Age 7

What do you enjoy about golf? Being outside with family and friends, enjoying and competing in a sport you love, usually on a wonderful piece of real estate!

How did you first learn about First Tee? Watching PGA event on television.

Tell us about your family. Wife Maria, son Sam, and two daughters, Emma and Sarah