As current board members of First Tee-Western New York, we are fortunate to see the value in our youth and the impact we can make by investing our time. We believe in the mission of our organization and encourage you to join us in supporting it.
The board needs a variety of skills including, but not limited to accounting, human resource, legal, technology, and media expertise, as well as those connected to local foundations. The Board Development Committee is accepting applications until May 31, 2023, and those interested in board service or serving on a committee can complete an application below or contact Timothy Karches, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 716.250.3355 for more information.
Board of Directors
| Dan Misko Board President Pegula Sports Senior Vice President | Andrew Bennett Board Treasurer The Children’s Hospital of Buffalo Foundation Vice President | Katherine Lindahl Board Secretary Co-Ceo Rochester Midland Corporation | Lisa Scally Golf Professional Oak Hill Country Club |
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| Kevin Berchou M&T Bank Head of Internal Communications | Gary Hall Jr. Executive Director Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Niagara Community Center | Lisa Bolognese Director of Information Technology Town of Cheektowaga | |
Patrick Sgroi Board Member Emeritus Sgroi Financial, LLC |
Staff
Tim Karches
Executive Director
TFT Recognized Coach
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Tim Karches also know as Coach Tim has been involved as a coach with the First Tee of Western New York since 2007. Tim took over the Executive Director role in the summer of 2022.
Tim is grateful for the First Tee which allows him to combine his passion for golf and skills as an educator to extend opportunities to young golfers who may otherwise not be introduced to the game.
Janet Battaglia
Outreach Coordinator
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How I got involved with The First Tee of WNY…
I was first introduced to The First Tee of WNY as a PE Teacher in the Amherst Central School District. Out staff was trained in The First Tee National School Program. I retired from Amherst in 2017 and began volunteering with the summer The First Tee of Western NY Life Skills Programs at Brighton and Grover Cleveland Golf Courses. I enjoyed the opportunity to continue working with children and especially bought into the Core Values and Healthy Habit components of The First Tee curriculum. In January of 2018, I was asked to work more extensively in the organization as the Outreach Coordinator. In this capacity I work with area schools and community groups to help grow our program locally. Additionally, I coach Life Skills Classes that run during the year.
Golf Related..
I have enjoyed getting back into golf in recent years. I appreciate the natural setting, panoramic views, the exercise and socialization. I have worked at improving my game by playing more often and focusing on the mental aspects of the game. I believe golf allows you to get a better understanding of yourself, your actions and reactions and your mental approach to situations.
Personal..
I have been married to my husband, Pete, for 35 years. Together we raised three great children and have one grandson and another on the way. In my time at Amherst, I coached many different sports but mainly was involved in Lacrosse at the high school and middle school levels. I have run an area summer girls lacrosse camp at Amherst for 20 years.
Erich Spitz
Program Director
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Kristen Bromley
Kristen Bromley
Director of Outreach
and Fundraising
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I first started golfing when I was about 5 years old and it certainly helps having a twin brother just as competitive (on and off the golf course) motivating me to get better. I attended Pittsford Sutherland HS and played on their Varsity Girls Team 7th – 12th grade. I attended Siena College in Loudonville, NY where I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. I was on the Women’s Golf team and we won the MAAC Conference Championship in 2014, earning us an NCAA bid at regionals hosted by Oklahoma State University. I served as the Student Athlete Mentor and Co-Captain my junior and senior year.
Upon graduating, I traveled to Belfast, Northern Ireland as part of the Sport Changes Life Foundation for a year. I attended Ulster University and received my Master’s Degree in Sport Coaching and Development; coached junior golf at Holywood Golf Club; and mentored a variety of youth groups in the Belfast community using sport as the outlet.
For the past year, I worked at Brook-Lea Country Club as the Membership & Marketing Director and have also worked for the Danielle Downey Credit Union Classic hosted by Brook-Lea since 2015.
I’m excited to be apart of The First Tee of WNY in Rochester where I’m confident we can continue to introduce and grow the game we all love!