About

Proudly born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, I now consider myself a Michigander.  I arrived in Grand Rapids in 2006 at Calvin University, and have stuck ever since. I’ve come to love everything about the state (other than their teams – Go Bucks, Packers, Brewers, and Badgers)! 

After four years on the Calvin golf team and graduating with a BS in Business, I set out to start First Tee in West Michigan in early 2011.  Turns out you get a fancy title when you start something – Executive Director!  First Tee blended my two loves – give hope to young people (primarily from disadvantaged backgrounds) and the game of golf.  I couldn’t shake that if I could make this a career, I had to try, and I’ve stuck ever since! My favorite Nine Core Value is Perseverance. 

Outside of my time at First Tee, you’ll find me spending time with my wife Cindy and daughter Hazel on Grand Rapids’ west side, at my church (Crossroads Bible), or playing or watching a myriad of sports, including but not limited to golf, basketball and cycling.

I have happily been our Program Director since 2016. Prior to that, I was a part-time lead coach while I attended Grand Valley State University. I have a degree in Sports Management with a double minor in Business & Nonprofit Admin. 

What brought me to First Tee is sort of a unique story. I started with First Tee at the age of 7 at my local chapter in Battle Creek, MI. My brother and I participated every season up through graduating high school. I also worked at the Battle Creek chapter as a coach starting in 8th grade which got me hooked on the mission. With almost 20 years engaged with First Tee, I love everything about it and the experiences the program can bring to students who otherwise wouldn’t have a chance. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, cheer on The Ohio State Buckeyes, and work out at CKO Kickboxing Grand Rapids.

I am from Whitehall, MI. I am a graduate of Whitehall High School, Class of 1995. After high school, I attended the University of Tennessee-Martin on a golf scholarship. In 2001, I graduated with a Bachelor’s Arts degree in Sociology. I have a daughter named Taylor, she is 14.

Presently, I am the Muskegon Area Director of the First Tee Program. The First Tee provides so many wonderful opportunities for our youth, while having exposure to the game of golf and learning life skills. My favorite core value of the First Tee is perseverance. In my spare time away from the First Tee; I enjoy playing golf competitively and deer hunting.