CHARLOTTE, NC – The National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) – the governing body of two-year college athletics based in Charlotte, North Carolina – has announced the creation of the NJCAA Foundation to support the mission and endeavors of the association. As the fundraising entity of the association, the Foundation will enable additional opportunities for student-athletes and member colleges through scholarships, community service projects and new initiatives.
The Foundation Board of Directors will be comprised of thirty members who will serve a vital role in the financial support of the Foundation and its long-term planning, oversight and direction.
Board Members:
Don Becker, Vice President Prepaid Card Partnerships, Commerce Bank
Robert W. Betler II, Market President, BB&T
Timothy Britt (Board Chair), Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo
Gary Broadhurst, Associate Dean Athletics, Mohawk Valley Community College
Carolina Panthers
J. Kevin Cobb, CPA, Partner, Cobb PLLC
Sean Connors, CEO, eTeamSponsor
Christine DeBiase, Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, Brighthouse Financial
Dr. Jim Forkum, Former Community College Athletic Director, Retired
Richard Giannini, Principal, Giannini Sports Consultants
Tracey Hill, Director of Treasury Services, First Reliance Bank
Garrett Hinshaw, President, Catawba Valley Community College
Donna Julian, Senior Vice President of Arena & Operations/General Manager, Charlotte Hornets Spectrum Arena
Christopher R. LaPata, MCR, CCMP, Client Leader, BHDP Architecture & Planning
Brooks Luquire, Senior Vice President/Director of Client Service, LGA
Joel Matthews, Financial Advisor, Bank of America – Merrill
Mick McDaniel - Ex-Officio, NJCAA Board of Regents Chair, NJCAA
Brian Middleton, Vice President, Atrium Health Musculoskeletal Institute
John Noonan, Director of Group Sales, Hilton Charlotte University Place
Mary Ann O'Connor, Director of Accounting, Marburger Automotive Group
Izach Porter, Senior Commercial Banking Relationship Manager/Vice President, Fifth Third Bank
Marvin Price, Vice President for Economic Development, Charlotte Regional Business Alliance
Dan Rajkowski, Chief Operating Officer, Charlotte Knights
Eric Reichard, Chief Operations Officer, Rodgers Builders
Brian Rozelle, Senior Vice President, State Street Corporation
Kristerpher Smith, Vice President Middle Market Banking, JPMorgan Chase
Dr. Karen A. Stout, President & CEO, Achieving the Dream Inc.
Dr. Kathy Turpin, President, K. Turpin Consulting, LLC
Rob Yowell, President, Gemini Sports Group
"The NJCAA Foundation is a significant endeavor that will create new opportunities for our nearly 60,000 student-athletes and over 500-member colleges across the country," stated NJCAA President and CEO Dr. Christopher Parker. "This is a monumental addition to the NJCAA and the leaders that have chosen to join the Foundation will be making history for two-year collegiate athletics in the United States."
NJCAA Foundation Board Chair and Wells Fargo Senior Vice President Timothy Britt expressed his excitement for the opportunity. "On behalf of the members of the NJCAA Foundation Board, we are proud and humbled by this opportunity to provide the leadership and networks across our communities and industries. Dr. Parker and his team will be able to sustain, enhance and expand their ability to advance all aspects of the NJCAA with the support of the Foundation."
The Foundation board members will convene for their first official meeting in March to adopt the by-laws and objectives of the Foundation moving forward. For more information or to donate to the NJCAA Foundation, visit njcaa.org/foundation.