Our Staff
Our staff brings a variety of experience and skill-sets together to execute our mission. Please feel free to reach to any of our staff members and we would be happy to help you!
Our staff brings a variety of experience and skill-sets together to execute our mission. Please feel free to reach to any of our staff members and we would be happy to help you!
Brandon began with First Tee — Triangle in March of 2010 as Director of Programs. He was named Executive Director in October 2013. He came to the Triangle with multiple years of experience in First Tee’s network, having served as Associate Executive Director with First Tee — Howard County (MD), and as an Assistant Program Director for First Tee — Chattanooga (TN). Prior to joining First Tee’s network, Brandon worked for the Y of Central Maryland and the VCU Athletic Department in various capacities. Brandon holds a Masters degree in Recreation, Parks, and Sports Leadership from VCU. He is recognized in First Tee’s network as a Master Executive and a Recognized Coach. Also, Brandon was inducted into the Triangle Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 class of 2016. In his spare time, Brandon enjoys playing golf and following the Houston Texans.
Katie graduated from Villanova University and received her Event Planning Certificate from New York University. Katie’s non-profit experience comes from her development, finance and event roles at Susan G. Komen and The Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. She moved to Raleigh in 2015 from New Jersey with her husband, Kevin. In her free time, Katie enjoys spending time with her dogs, Rooney and Chester, playing board games with her husband and cheering on Villanova basketball!
A native of Greensboro, NC, Matt attended Western Carolina University where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Parks & Recreation Management. After finishing his undergraduate studies, Matt went on to attend Virginia Commonwealth University where he obtained a Master’s Degree in Sports Leadership. During his time at VCU, Matt worked for the Athletic Facilities, Operations and Events team, as well as coached high school basketball at the Collegiate School.
Before joining First Tee — Triangle, Matt was a Marketing Assistant for the Carolinas Section of the PGA, and most recently was an Athletic Facilities, Operations & Events Assistant within the Georgia Tech Athletic Association.
In his free time, Matt enjoys spending time with family, playing golf, watching sports, traveling, and doing graphic design.
Jeanna is transitioning to First Tee — Triangle from a career as a Healthful Living Teacher. She earned her degree in Kinesiology with a minor in Health Policy and Administration from Penn State University. Working in a variety of youth summer camps is what fostered her desire to serve children. She taught K-12 Health and Physical Education in Baltimore City before moving farther south to teach in the Triangle. After teaching several of First Tee — Triangle’s programs, and witnessing the positive impact they had on the young golfers, she decided to join the team full-time with the hope and goal of contributing even more to support their growth. Outside of work, Jeanna loves to cook, read, travel, and play board games with her daughter, Ellie.
Prior to graduating college, Jordan joined First Tee — Triangle as an intern in February of 2016. After completing her Bachelor of Science in Sport Management and Minor in Business Administration, Jordan moved into the position of Program Coordinator in August 2016 and has been the Director of Programs since the end of 2018. Before her time at First Tee — Triangle, Jordan was a High School Softball coach and served as a member of the Special Events Staff for the Carolina Hurricanes. In her free time, Jordan enjoys playing golf and softball, fishing, and following all sports.
Betsy joined First Tee — Triangle in February 2017 as Philanthropy Associate. A graduate of Binghamton University, Betsy has held positions in software and business consulting, as well as office administration and bookkeeping. She moved to Raleigh in 2001 with her husband, Dave. Most recently, she has spent time in various volunteer positions while staying at home with her son, who is participant of First Tee. Betsy enjoys knitting, reading, baking, and walking with her dog, Zoey.
Emily joined First Tee — Triangle in February of 2019 serving as Volunteer Coordinator. She then started her new role as Marketing and Philanthropy Coordinator in December of 2019. A graduate of Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Emily completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Public and Nonprofit Administration with a minor in Sociology. She moved to Raleigh in 2018 from Michigan with her fiancée Adam. In her free time, Emily enjoys practicing yoga, reading, and exploring Raleigh.
Matt is from Lancaster, PA and moved to the Raleigh area when he was eight years old. He attended Green Hope High School and was a member of the golf team. Matt pursued his dream and played college golf at Millersville University and earned a degree in Geography. He earned First Team All-PSAC honors as well as Ping All-Region honors his senior season. Matt graduated in May of 2020 and began working at TriGolf in September as an Operations Assistant. He quickly fell in love with working with young kids and began leading First Tee classes in December. He started his new role as an Operations Coordinator as well as the Lead Golf Instructor at the TriGolf facility. Outside of work, Matt enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing golf, and traveling.
Our chapter is one of many in the First Tee network. First Tee is reaching young people in all 50 states and select international locations on golf courses, in elementary schools and through other youth-serving organizations.