About

In January of 2018, Michael Brown was named Board President of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia, taking over for long time President, Jay Sigel. Michael Brown, “Brownie,” grew up on Magdalena Street across from the first green at Walnut Lane Golf Club, now headquarters of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia. He started playing golf at Walnut Lane at the age of 12 and he was involved in the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association Classic. Founded by Jack Gross, Greg Gaul, and Walter Smith in 1978, the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association (GPSGA) began on the tenet of providing equal access to golf for all young people and was the predecessor organization prior to integrating with First Tee in 2004.  Michael played and placed in the first GPSGA Championship in 1979.

Michael remained local and graduated from Temple University with a B.A. in Accounting and a Masters Degree in Public Administration.  In 1999, he launched Brown + Partners, Inc., a print management company that offered services to clients at both the local and national levels. In 2000, Michael was a founding partner of Kelly + Partners, a document management company. After the sale of Brown + Partners in 2007 to InnerWorkings, Michael directed day to day operations (Philadelphia) and strategic business development initiatives for Innerworkings, headquartered in Chicago.

Michael Brown echoes departing President Jay Sigel’s sentiment that golf has a social conscience and we all need to give back.  Giving back is the opportunity that excites Michael the most about being the President, saying, “I am going to do everything I can.  I will give back at every chance I get.” Michael has been a passionate community advocate with a career-long commitment to the organizations and people that strive to improve the lives of others.  

John Lupica is Vice Chairman of Chubb Group and President, North America Major Accounts & Specialty Insurance. He has executive operating responsibility for Chubb’s retail commercial property and casualty (P&C) insurance businesses that serve the large corporate market in the U.S. and Canada, the excess and surplus lines (E&S) market in the U.S. and Bermuda, and the agriculture insurance market in the United States. Prior to CHUBB, he served as Senior Vice President for Munich-American Risk Partners, Inc. and held various management positions at American International Group.

“The First Tee is so much more than a golf program, it is a program that teaches the participants life lessons and skills to embed core attributes that assist in developing our next generation.  Those skills will help them add to society in a positive way.  Golf and all that it teaches provided me with so much, I feel strongly about giving back and assisting in any way I can to deliver that value to others.”

David is Chairman and owner of Easton Coach Company, a regional provider of passenger transportation services with locations throughout eastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. He has held senior positions at various companies involved in a variety of industries including banking, mortgage banking, title insurance, bulk chemical trucking, safety training, directional drilling and passenger transportation.

“As a board member of First Tee, it’s so rewarding to see our kids develop life skills in a golf-oriented environment with a focus on the nine core values. This is a great way to give back and to participate in a charity where you can see the tangible results of our efforts and contributions. I also like working with Bill Hyndman, helping to shape the chapter, not just for today but into perpetuity.”

Tom Spano is a 2004 graduate of Saint Joseph’s University with a BS in Finance. Tom also has an MBA and a post-Masters Certificate in Financial Planning from Saint Joseph’s University. Tom is a Director at Hirtle Callaghan and leads their institutional and family relationships across the Southeast.

He was a 4-year letter-winner for the Saint Joseph’s University Golf Team.  He still competes in amateur events on the local, state, and national levels. Tom joined the First Tee of Greater Philadelphia in November of 2016 and currently serves on the Executive Committee as Treasurer. He is a Trustee and the Vice Chairman of the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust and a board member of Community Backstop, a local charity helping neighbors in need. He is a long-standing member of Llanerch Country Club where he sits on the Greens Committee. He resides in Bryn Mawr, Pa with his wife, Kelly, and their three children (Grace, Ella, and Jack).

“Golf is truly a special game and I am so lucky that my Father put a club in my hand at a young age. I started at the age of 12, competing in junior tournaments while caddying at various country clubs and working for a golf course in my hometown of Spring City, Pa. The game has played an important role in my life and I hope to help others discover a passion for the sport while also helping them pave their way through life. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is an organization that I have always admired. The Nine Core Values that the First Tee teaches students will guide them for the rest of their lives. We teach golf lessons as well as life lessons to many walks of life. The lives that we change is what makes it all worth it.”

Frank Shuman, a member of the Philadelphia Golf Course Superintendent’s Association, graduated from The University of Cincinnati in 1972 and served as a Trustee on the University’s Foundation. Undertaking management of his grandfather’s business, Frank managed Philadelphia Turf Company from 1972 to 2007. Philadelphia Turf Company is a toro distributor which services 400 golf courses in Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and New Castle County Delaware. He is also a member at Lehigh Country Club and Lookaway Golf Club and resides in Doylestown, PA.

“My involvement with First Tee is all about the kids. We are helping young people to not only learn the game of golf, but also to set kids up for success in life. Given my career in the golf industry, I also enjoy my work with Walnut Lane Golf Club. To know that the work of First Tee — Greater Philadelphia also benefits the public golfer gives me great satisfaction.”

Jeff Armbrister is a Managing Director on Hamilton Lane’s Co-Investment Team, where he is responsible for sourcing, due diligence and execution of direct investment opportunities on behalf of the firm’s dedicated co-investment vehicles.

Jeff has over 20 years of private equity and public market investing experience and has served on the board of directors of several portfolio companies and non-profit organizations. Prior to joining Hamilton Lane in 2018, Jeff was a Managing Director at Versa Capital Management, where he focused on making control-oriented, special situations and debt and equity investments in middle market companies across a variety of industries. While at Versa, Jeff participated in all major investment functions and his responsibilities included origination, underwriting, transaction execution and portfolio company development. Prior to joining Versa in 2003, Jeff was an Equity Research analyst at Oppenheimer + Close. He has also held private equity, venture capital, corporate development, and investment banking positions at Berwind Financial Group, Redleaf Group, ICG Commerce and Wheat First Butcher Singer, respectively.

Jeff received a B.A. in Economics from the University of Virginia.

“I am involved in the First Tee because I have experienced first-hand the benefits golf can provide both personally and professionally. Although I was introduced to the game at an early age, I relied on many people to help gain access to practice facilities and quality instruction. Now, through the First Tee, I can help provide those same opportunities to young kids learning the game and all the life lessons it offers.”

As the Chief Executive Officer of Global Leadership Academy Charter School, Dr. Naomi Johnson-Booker is leading one of the most academically successful charter schools in the School District of Philadelphia. Dr. Johnson-Booker has worked for more than 40 years in public education and has dedicated her entire professional and personal life to the children of Philadelphia. After retiring from the School District of Philadelphia in 2004 following a successful career as a teacher, principal and area superintendent, she was called back into the service of the children to turn around a failing charter school. In 2007, Global Leadership Academy Charter School was born. Her dedication was never more evident than when she faced a life-threatening medical crisis in 2009 and a devastating fire that destroyed the school in 2011. Dr. Johnson-Booker has never wavered in her commitment to Global Leadership Academy and support of its students, families, and employees. She also has become an advocate for public charter schools in Pennsylvania.

“I, Dr. Naomi Johnson Booker, am an avid golfer. I believe that this is a life-long sport that supports my belief in lifelong learning. After seeing the program in action at the First Tee Walnut Lane, I knew I wanted to get involved and provide the opportunity for my urban scholars.”

Mike is a co-owner and Executive Vice President of Floratine Products Group. Mike’s diverse background includes seven years as a U.S. Marine pilot flying over 100 relief missions in support of Operation Restore Hope: Somalia and Africa. Leaving the Marines as a Captain, Michael then worked for 12 years as a sales and marketing executive in the pharmaceutical industry. In 2001, Mike helped launch the commercial operations for the biotech startup OraPharma, which was purchased by Johnson & Johnson in 2003, where he served as the Executive Director of Marketing and Director of Sales. In 2007, Mike merged his love for scientific sales, small company dynamics, and the game of golf and purchased Floratine Products Group in partnership with his brother, Kevin, and a private equity firm.

Michael earned a B.S. in Marketing from Penn State University, both airplane and helicopter pilot certifications from U.S. Navy Flight School in Pensacola, FL., Aviation Mishap Investigator certification from The Naval Post Graduate School, and a M.B.A. from New York University. He resides in Newtown, PA with his wife, Christine.

“I’ve been in business all my life and never really had a chance to slow down and work on a meaningful project until the First Tee. The First Tee uses a great game to a great end. There are so many vital principles in golf that are also important in life. It’s amazing to give kids a chance to experience the game and all of the values that come with it.”

Bill Corcoran has been in the Golf Course Maintenance Industry for over 30 years. He started out working in the Turf Maintenance Department at Merion Golf Club. In 1992, he began a career in Turf Equipment sales at the Philadelphia Turf Company. Bill is currently the Territory Sales Manager for Ventrac Tractors where he is responsible for the Mid-Atlantic and North Eastern USA. Bill is also a Board Member of the Philadelphia Golf Course Superintendents Association.

“I had the opportunity to play in a TFTGP event at Walnut Lane GC a few years ago with Board member, Frank Shuman, and one of the students. After learning what a life-changing program it was, I wanted to use my relationships on the turf industry side to help improve the facility and the experience for the students. Through the Philadelphia Golf Course Superintendents Association, we have been able to continue to make great strides in turf conditions and in the end, give the children a constantly improving golf course to play.”,

Dom DiJulia is the founder and owner of DiJulia Golf, Philadelphia’s only Golf
Channel Academy, located at Jericho National Golf Club in New Hope. Since 2007, he
has been listed among GOLF Magazine’s Top 100 Teachers, the industry’s most
widely accepted list of top teachers. He was also included on Golf Digest’s “Top 20
Under 40” list in 2007-2008. Dom is a two-time Philadelphia PGA Teacher of the
Year award recipient and was the 2007 Philadelphia PGA Horton Smith Award
winner for contributions to PGA education.

Dom is a PGA Master Professional in Instruction and PGA Master Professional
Faculty member. He is one of only 12 TrackMan University Partners worldwide,
placing him alongside other Partners such as Nick Faldo, Jim McLean, and Martin
Hall. He also sits with Martin Hall and six other industry leaders on Golf
Channel Academy’s advisory board, is a Swing Catalyst Ambassador and sits on the
advisory board for Dr. Rick Jensen’s Certified Golf Coach program. He holds
advanced certifications from The Golfing Machine, Titleist Performance Institute, K-
Vest, GolfPsych, and Science and Motion PuttLab.
The DiJulia Golf philosophy helps players “master the game, not just its techniques.”
Dom resides in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with his wife and two daughters.

Senior Managing Director leading Accenture’s North East Financial Service client portfolio – this includes overall responsibility for client satisfaction, relationships, go to market innovation and strategy, and P&L across Banking, Capital Markets and Insurance in North East of North America.

Gary brings 31+ years of client service experience in Financial Services – delivering large scale business and technology transformation programs.  As a transformation leader, he has focused on bringing the best of Accenture’s 5 business (Digital, Strategy, Consulting, Technology, and Operations) working across Insurance, Capital Markets and Banking organizations helping transform and innovate to deliver client value.  

Gary lives in Haverford Pennsylvania with his wife Christina and 3 boys Zach, Victor and Luke.

Ellen Hudock serves as Head of Legal Operations at GSK and serves as Chief of Staff for James Ford, SVP and General Counsel.  Prior to this, Ellen served as Head of Operations for Global Pharmaceuticals Legal and was a member of the Global Pharma Core Legal Leadership Team.  From 2012-2017, Ellen served as lead Anti-Bribery and Anti-Corruption investigations lawyer charged to direct and oversee internal ABAC-related investigations and other privileged investigations worldwide and spearheaded development of the Company’s internal investigation platform.  She also supported the Company’s global anti-corruption compliance and investigation efforts and resolution of major international investigations including by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Department of Justice, U.K. Serious Fraud Office, and China corruption authorities.  From 2005-2012, Ellen was Assistant General Counsel in the Dispute Resolution & Prevention Group managing government investigations, product liability matters and commercial litigation.

Ellen joined GSK in 2005 as Senior Counsel from the Buchanan Ingersoll law firm.  At Buchanan, Ellen was an associate in the firm’s commercial litigation group. In 1998-99, she was a law clerk to the Honorable Ronald L. Buckwalter in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.  

Ellen received her J.D. degree from the Dickinson School of Law of the Pennsylvania State University in 1998 and graduated magna cum laude from Denison University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature in 1995.

“I am very interested in becoming involved in the First Tee and excited for the opportunity to be considered for the Board.  I am extremely passionate about golf (I first began playing in law school) and about community service – especially those programs that support children and young adults.  The First Tee is an amazing organization and I strongly believe in its mission to empower youth. I especially love that I can combine these interests in one commitment and give back, have fun and be engaged while doing it.”

Josh chairs the General Litigation Practice Group and co-chairs the Real Estate & Construction Industry Group of Cozen O’Connor. He also formerly served on the board of directors at Cozen O’Connor. He is the past president of the Philadelphia Association of the Defense Counsel and is also a past committee member of the Pennsylvania Defense Institute and the Philadelphia Bar Association’s State Civil Committee. He currently serves as a trustee on the Board of Trustees for the Mercy Career and Technical High School located in North Philadelphia. He is on the board of directors for Old York Country Club as well as the club’s Golf Chairman. He attended West Chester University of Pennsylvania, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in 1981, and earned his J.D. from Widener University School of Law in 1988. At West Chester, he was a member of the golf team from 1977-1981 (Captain 1981).

“Golf has been an important part of my life. The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia is a great organization with great goals and values and being a part of the organization gives me an opportunity help kids get involved with the great game of golf which I love.”

Jeff has over 28 years of experience in the insurance industry and has been with Aon for 15 years. Before joining Aon, Jeff spent 8 years at a major competitor serving in various roles including Deputy Liability Manager, Client Executive and Team Leader of the Relationship Management Department. Over the years, Jeff has developed an expertise in working with clients in the Professional Services and Private Equity sectors. He is currently a Senior Vice President & Executive Director responsible for developing new client relationships and introducing the value-added services that Aon offers to its clients and prospects.

Jeff currently holds the CPCU and ARM designations and has a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Pennsylvania State University. He has been a board member of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia since 2004. He joined the First Tee Board to help kids find a place to learn life lessons in a safe and nurturing environment. Over the years, he has seen some of these young kids who could hardly hold a club develop into accomplished golfers and more importantly impressive individuals.

He is a member of Aronimink Golf Club and lives with his family in Newtown Square, PA.

John MacDonald is the recently retired President and CEO of Impact Services Corporation where he oversaw the organization’s growth of all divisions, including employment, housing, community development, education, and economic development. The years he spent in retail management, teaching in the Philadelphia Public Schools, and the insurance business prepared him to lead Impact. In addition to The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia, he currently sits on the Boards of the John Dyniewski Foundation, Tacony Charter School, and First Philadelphia Preparatory Charter School. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Master’s degree in Education from Temple University.

“Being introduced to golf at a young age turned out to be one of the most important discoveries of my life. I met so many different types of people during my 13-year caddie career that I became a pretty good judge of character. I also learned how to play the game and became the first member of my family to go to college as a result of an athletic scholarship. In an effort to give as many youngsters as possible the opportunity to grow with the game as I did, I accepted a seat on the Board”

Michael B. McLelland was President and CEO of Berwind Corporation from 2007-2016. Berwind is a family-owned investment management company that has evolved from its beginning as a coal mining company to a diversified portfolio of highly successful manufacturing and service companies. Mike served as the President of Berwind’s largest portfolio company, Colorcon Inc., from 1994-2006.

Prior to joining Berwind, Mike worked for FMC Corporation where he was responsible for their Food and Pharmaceutical Products Division. Early in his career, Mike was employed by Northwest Industries and Arthur Andersen.
Mike currently serves on the Executive Committee of the Golf Association of Philadelphia and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board at the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business. He is a former President of Chester Valley Golf Club and served on the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Philadelphia.

Mike earned a B.S. in Biochemistry from Michigan State University and an M.B.A from the University of Michigan. He and his wife Nancy reside outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and have three children and two granddaughters.

“I am involved because I love golf and love being around young people. I see coaching at TFT as a great opportunity to introduce kids to the game while also teaching and reinforcing valuable life skills. I get the biggest kick out of seeing the smiles on their faces when they make a putt, hit it pure, or learn a new skill. I can’t tell you how much I look forward to Tuesday’s at Walnut Lane. Thanks for letting me be involved.”

Bill Mckee

Jeff, a Vice President within Goldman Sachs Private Wealth Management Group, joined the firm in the summer of 2002. He is a part of a nine-person team that manages over $5 billion of client assets for 50 families and institutions. Prior to this position, Jeff had internship positions in Goldman Sachs’ Hedge Fund Strategies Group and Foreign Exchange Sales and Trading Group.
Jeff is currently a Trustee of the Philadelphia Outward Bound School and the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust. He was President of the Bond Club of Philadelphia. Jeff graduated from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College and Smeal College of Business with a B.S. in Finance in 2002. He lives in Wyndmoor, PA with his wife, Krista.

“Our family looked to partner with an organization that delivered education and opportunity to young people in our broad, diverse Philadelphia community. The First Tee Program does exactly that. As passionate golfers, the fact that the program’s unique deliverables center around golf is a welcome bonus”

James Nam is a co-founder of US Hole In One and Interactive Promotions Group. US Hole In One provides Hole in one insurance in all 50 states and currently covers over 9,000 events a year. US Hole In One was the first in the prize indemnity space to create an online platform to purchase hole in one coverage via the web. Interactive Promotions Groups specializes in casino contests, online games, event insurance and sports insurance for major league and collegiate teams. James leads the business development and marketing of both companies.

James started US Hole In One his senior year at Franklin & Marshall College in 1998. His passion in life has always been the game of golf and spending time with his wife and daughter. James has spent some time serving on the board of Germantown Academy, fundraising for numerous local charities and coaching young kids in golf. He also developed and started Nike Golf Camps in Pennsylvania.

“I hope one day to help the kids at The First Tee love the game as much as I do. I was lucky to be introduced to the game early in his life and hope the First Tee students will appreciate all the life lessons from the game.”

Rhonda LaHue-Mordy, D.O. retired from active medical practice in 1999 to raise her family, become a volunteer and Board Member for many organizations including Gladwyne Montessori School, Interfaith Hospitality Network of the Main Line and Bryn Mawr Hospital Women’s Board. Her passion for golf is shared with her husband and she has participated in many leadership roles in the Women’s Associations at Aronimink Golf Club and St. Davids Golf Club.  Always having a focus on community service, education and health/wellness of women/children, First Tee  — Greater Philadelphia is a natural extension of her life work and passion.

Rhonda is the incoming chairman of the Bryn Mawr Hospital Women’s Board; steering the committee, the fundraising efforts and community projects.  She received her Internal Medicine training at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and followed with a Geriatric Fellowship at The Philadelphia Geriatric Center/Albert Einstein Medical Center.  She was the Medical Director of AEMC Hospice Department until her retirement. She practiced geriatrics in private practice and at Bryn Mawr Hospital’s Transitional Care Unit.

 “I am so happy to be involved with First Tee — Greater Philadelphia. It is such a great organization that really works on Building Game Changers! We all know life is challenging for any youth… therefore, helping many discover the beautiful game of golf through First Tee’s program which reinforces values, life skills, fitness and outdoor appreciation is a lifetime gift.  Helping youths to be happier and healthier through in-school, after-school, weekend and summer programs is just a starting point as they become better versions of themselves with support and guidance.  We never know where the next Tiger Wood or Annika Sorenstäm will get their start or possibly receive a high-school/college scholarship. Our youths will have all these skills as they navigate teen and adulthood with confidence.”

Jeff Osberg is a Certified Public Accountant and Vice President for Siegfried Advisory, a leadership, tax and business advisory firm located in Philadelphia, PA. Jeff lives in Bryn Mawr, PA with his wife, Blaire, and children, Graham and Sloane. Jeff competes in amateur golf events at the local, state and national level and was the Philadelphia Player of the Year in 2015 and 2016. He graduated from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC and was a member of their 2005 Division III National Championship team.

“The game of golf has taught me so many valuable lessons and I strongly believe has helped mold me into the person I am today. The values and character traits The First Tee of Philadelphia and the game of golf teaches our youth will help these young boys and girls achieve tremendous success in their future. I am honored to be part of such a great organization and see the tremendous impact they make in our community.”

Matthew T. Panarese is Managing Director of Rockefeller Capital Management and is responsible for the firm’s Philadelphia and D.C. offices. Panarese advises high net worth and ultra high net worth clients as well as foundations and endowments on investment management, wealth and tax planning, complex wealth transfer strategies, and family office services. Prior to joining Rockefeller, Matt was President of the Mid-Atlantic Region for Wilmington Trust Company where he was also Founder and Head of the National Business Owner Practice Group advising privately held and family owned businesses. He joined Wilmington Trust as Managing Director, serving as a senior private client advisor for more than five years before being named Regional President for Philadelphia & Suburban Wealth Advisory. Previously, he was a Vice President at JPMorgan Private Bank. Matt is a member of Merion Golf Club where he sits on the Board of Governors and serves as Vice President. In addition, he Co-Chairs the Finance Committee and is a member of the Investment Committee and Executive Committee.  Matt is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and lives in Villanova with his wife Pam.

A first-round pick by the Eagles in the 1982 NFL Draft, Quick developed into a five-time Pro Bowler, selected consecutively from 1983 to 1987. He led the NFL in receiving yards in 1983 with 1,409 and finished second in 1985 with a total of 1,247. On November 10th, 1985, Mike Quick caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from Ron Jaworski in overtime (an Eagles team record, and tied with eleven other QB-WR combos as an NFL record), as the Eagles beat the Atlanta Falcons in the game. He retired because of severe patella tendinitis. Quick is currently a color commentator for the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles radio broadcasts on WIP-FM 94.1 and 610 AM along with Merrill Reese. He resides in Marlton, New Jersey.

“There are 2 things that I really love in life: working with kids, and the game of golf. And that’s what The First Tee is all about. The First Tee is about developing young people and teaching kids the game of golf, and in that order. Having the opportunity to reach out to kids who don’t usually have the chance to play golf or be exposed to the values of The First Tee, that’s what it’s all about.”

As a Senior Vice President of CBIZ Life Insurance Solutions, Inc., Jay focuses his practice on Employee and Executive Benefits as well as Life Insurance and Estate Planning. Jay has the Chartered Life Underwriter (CLU) and the Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designations from the American College. He entered the life insurance business with John Hancock and formed Jay Sigel and Company in 1979, which merged into the Sigel Insurance Group in 1987. Ten years later, Jay joined Posse Walsh Buckman Van Buren, which was then acquired by CBIZ in 1998. He served as President of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia from 2004 to 2017.

Jay enjoyed one of the more illustrious careers in the history of U.S. amateur golf. After graduating from Wake Forest University, where he attended as the recipient of the first Arnold Palmer Golf Scholarship, he became the only golfer ever to win the U.S. Amateur and U.S. Mid-Amateur in the same year, making him only the third golfer to win two USGA individual titles in the same year.  He turned pro in 1993 at age 50, when he became a member of the Senior PGA Tour, now known as the Champions Tour. He has garnered many golf awards both as an amateur and professional over his playing career. His golf accomplishments can be viewed on his website at www.jaysigel.com

Gary is a partner with PwC in Philadelphia with over 30 years of experience. He serves as the Philadelphia Metro Market Leader for PwC’s Private Company Services (PCS) practice. He also serves as the National PCS Advisory Liaison, assisting PwC engagement teams in identifying ways to assist their clients with services beyond financial statement or tax compliance. Gary is a Certified Public Accountant, a member of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Financial Executives International, The Association for Corporate Growth and the American Institute of CPAs. Gary has served as Executive Board Member and Treasurer of First Tee of Greater Philadelphia since 2010. Gary lives with his wife, Kimberly, and children, Kyle and Hannah, in Yardley, PA.

Chris Thompson “CT” graduated from Juniata College with a B.S. in Marketing and earning Varsity Letter as a member of the Golf Team.  He spent two decades in corporate tax software sales and consulting at Vertex, Inc. During his tenure, he met & exceeded sales goals annually as the company grew from several million to hundred(s) of millions in revenue.  About a decade ago he “retired” from Vertex broadening and expanding his community Board presence and participation to include Huntingdon’s Disease Society of American (Delaware Valley Chapter) and most recently The Agnes Irwin School.  Chris has been a supporter and advocate of The First Tee of Greater Philadelphia (TFT) for over a decade. He resides in Media, PA with his wife Stevie.

“I am involved in TFT due to the incredible influence golf has had in terms of shaping my life and relationships.  I still reflect on my time as a caddy at Green Valley CC and the appreciation I have for those who took time to mentor, counsel and advise an energetic young man.  Golf has given me so much; it is a privilege to be involved with TFT in a leadership role. Our kids are extraordinary and they are a true testimony that when provided a program to learn values, habits and life skills, their opportunities are limitless.”

In 1982, Elizabeth first met John Macdonald, who was the Director of the Greater Philadelphia Scholastic Golf Association (GPSGA). Her husband, John Dyniewski, passed in 1981, but prior to his death, he and John Macdonald had been meeting to discuss ways to promote junior and college golf. John MacDonald was Temple’s golf coach, at the time, and her husband John had also gone to Temple. At this time, she signed on to assist the GPSGA, which was only serving one county. Mr. Macdonald and her also established the John Dyniewski Foundation in 1983 which presently supports Junior and College golf and, also, First Tee.

The GPSGA became First Tee in 2004. Elizabeth finds the First Tee’s growth amazing and says it is remarkable how many children are now active in this organization from the eight counties in the Greater Philadelphia area.

She has enjoyed playing many years of golf, but is most proud of being a member of this wonderful organization that provides educational programs, runs two golf courses, and promotes the First Tee Nine Core Values to help young people become terrific citizens!

Will Weihenmayer is a partner at RubinGoldman and Associates, a wealth planning firm located in Bala Cynwyd, PA. He is a Certified Financial Planner® and he focuses his practice on educating his clients and implementing investment and insurance strategies that will allow them to achieve their financial goals.

Will started playing golf at the age of 6. He played junior golf at Huntingdon Valley CC and also played on the Germantown Academy and Lehigh University golf teams. During the summers he caddied at Huntingdon Valley CC, Saucon Valley CC and also interned two years for the Golf Association of Philadelphia and Pennsylvania Golf Association. He currently lives in Horsham, Pennsylvania with his wife, Nikki, and two sons, Tripp and Cole.

Will was eager to join the First Tee community in 2017.

“Golf has been such an important part of my life and I feel so fortunate that my dad got me interested in golf at a young age. I have been surrounded by golf whether it be playing, caddying or working for the Golf Association. I was constantly surrounded by good people that I admired and considered to be mentors. I truly believe that golf provides a great environment to mentor kids and an outlet to teach them core values that will make them more successful in life. For anyone that has benefited from playing golf I think it’s important to pay it forward and make sure the next generation of kids has the same opportunities.”