About

Bob joined The First Tee of Delaware in August of 2017.  As a life-long golfer and coach of various sports, Bob brings to the organization his passion for golf and his coaching experience.  As a coach, Bob helped children to grow athletically and to develop an understanding of how sports can shape a person’s life by focusing on respect, integrity, and perseverance.

Before The First Tee of Delaware, Bob’s experience included 40 years focused on business improvement and financial management for Fortune 100 companies, large Big-4 and niche consulting firms.  His clients included services and manufacturing companies as well as government and non-profit organizations.  The key to his and his clients’ successes was the teamwork and partnerships he established with his stakeholders, utilizing improvement methods to increase organizations’ productivity, effectiveness and enhancement of the customer experience.

As a Senior Executive, Bob served his clients by bringing value through improved business and personal results.  Bob’s expertise includes executive management and leadership coaching, strategic planning and execution, improvement program design, deployment of transformation and change management initiatives, and organizational assessment.

Bob is a proud Delawarean.  He is married to Debbie Hess Norris.  His family includes two daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren.

Program director

Email:  charma.bell@thefirstteedelaware.org

Charma Bell, Program Director, has been with the program since 1994. Her initial start was due to her oldest daughter’s after school program selecting a handful of 5th grade students to participate in “something new.” Saint Peter’s Cathedral School and the Salvation Army were part of small group to join the LPGA Urban Youth Golf Program of Wilmington. Charma began as a parent volunteer, site coordinator, volunteer instructor, assistant instructor and lead instructor. In March of 2003, she agreed to become the program’s Community Relations Director. Prior to her employment with the LPGA UYGP, Charma worked for Smith Barney Corporate Trust Company for over 11 years. Her duties included being a Trust Administrator and Officer, in addition to being a Notary Public for the State of Delaware, United Way Coordinator and Adopt-A-Family representative. Since 1994, Charma has witnessed and assisted in the program growth from 100 youth in the City of Wilmington to over 3,000 statewide. Her current responsibilities include introducing golf fundamental and life skills education, communicating with local, city and state school officials, non-profit organizations and other statewide agencies in Delaware and selected parts of Pennsylvania and Maryland. Charma has always been involved in community service and has volunteered with the following organizations: Kiwanis Club of Wilmington – Member and First Vice President Catholic Youth Ministry – Athletic Advisory Board Member NCBW – Delaware Chapter – Member and Former Treasurer Padua Academy – Member, Former President 2006, Vice-President and Treasurer Christina Cultural Arts Center – Member and Former Board of Director Secretary Read A Loud – Reading Volunteer for Head Start children Salvation Army of Delaware – Member and Volunteer St. Mary’s / St. Patrick Church – Current CCD Teacher, Member and Volunteer St. Peter’s Cathedral School, – Member, Volunteer and Athletic Coordinator NAACP – Member and Volunteer Metropolitan Wilmington Urban League – Member and Volunteer Salesianum School – Parent Volunteer Ronald McDonald House of Delaware – Member and Volunteer In the fall of 2007, Charma completed her coaching requirements and became The First Tee Coach. To become a recognized coach, you must complete an extensive 3 year training, which focuses on the seamless approach to teaching golf instruction and life skills education. The primary goal is to make a positive impact on the lives of children in a safe and fun environment, which is a goal we strive to meet everyday.

David has been a business/corporate trial lawyer for thirty years, spending the last 23 years with the international firm, Blank Rome LLP, where he is a partner, and resident in the firm’s Wilmington, Delaware office.  When representing clients in complex corporate or commercial matters, he proactively, and promptly, solves his clients’ business and legal problems, employing efficient, creative and effective litigation strategies.  The breadth of his practice includes all aspects of litigation, from pre-litigation counseling on strategy and business resolution scenarios, to litigation through trial and appeals.  He combines a deep understanding of his client’s business, culture, and values with an uncompromising passion, loyalty and drive to achieve the best and quickest resolutions possible for his clients.

David received his BA in Economics and History from Bucknell University in 1983, and his JD degree from Georgetown University Law Center in 1986.  David has also had significant involvement in legal organizations (past Chair, Litigation Section of the Delaware State Bar Association) and charitable endeavors (leading United Way Campaigns at Blank Rome, supporting Catholic Charities, and regularly engaging in the provision of pro bono legal services).  David is also an active volunteer and believes strongly in “giving back.”

Not only has David been a lifelong golfer, but golf is also the prime family activity he has enjoyed with his wife and son.  Golf, because it parallels life more than any other sport, has had an extreme impact on him and his family.  The game’s expectation that players will conduct themselves honestly, and with respect for others, mirrors how we expect ourselves to be in life.  Intense affection for the game and its unique lessons drew David to The First Tee of Delaware.  The First Tee’s philosophy of instilling the nine core values and nine healthy habits through the game of golf seemed like the perfect combination!

First, he served for five years on the committee that organized the Mayor’s Cup Tournament at Rock Manor in Wilmington, Delaware, benefitting The First Tee of Delaware.  Then, he trained for and qualified to be a First Tee Certified Level I Coach, delivering The First Tee’s Life Skills programming to Delaware’s youth.  This “hands on” experience has provided mentoring opportunities and has shown David first-hand the undeniable impact that the program has on its participants, who not only grow to be successful adults, but their First Tee experience makes those around them, who interact with them, better human beings.

His love of the program’s impact led to expansion of his service when he joined The First Tee of Delaware’s Board of Directors in 2014 which led to the honor and privilege of serving as Board Chair beginning January 1, 2016.  In addition to providing pro bono legal services to the organization, he continues to work with the Board and The First Tee’s remarkable staff, coaches and volunteers to expand the organization’s influence throughout the entire state in an undeterred effort to impact the lives of as many of Delaware’s youth as possible.

Michael C. Bree, CLU®ChFC, CFP® is the President and founder of Pillar Wealth Advisors, LLC. His passion for golf started at an early age playing and working at the DuPont Country Club. This led to his being a member of University of Delaware golf team. He is the proud father of 4 children and has introduced golf to all of his children. As the vice-chair of The First Tee of DE, Mike wants to help provide kids the opportunity to get exposed to this great game and learn the core values that make golf a game for life. The First Tee provides a structure, process and plan to help kids succeed in the game of life!

Raymond F. Book, III, MST, CPA/PFS

President of Book and Associates, PA 

During his thirty plus years in public accounting Ray has acquired extensive experience with privately owned, closely held businesses and their shareholders, non-profit organizations, individuals, estates and trusts.  The services he provides are:  tax planning and preparation, business consulting and planning, investment and wealth advisory services. He uses his knowledge and experience to assist clients in achieving their financial goals. Ray received his BS in accounting from the University of Delaware and a masters  in taxation from Widener University.  He earned the designation of a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.  Ray is also a Registered Investment Advisor Representative with Wealth Management Group, LLC. Over the years Ray has donated much of his time to the community.  In addition to being the Treasurer of The First Tee of Delaware, he has served on many non-profit boards in various capacities.  He is currently Recording Secretary of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of the Lower Delaware Gridiron Club, Treasurer of the Caesar Rodney-Dover Athletic Club, Treasurer of Port Lewes Homeowners Association, board member of the Children’s Beach House, and serves on several committees with his church.

Along with Ray’s enthusiasm for The First Tee’s National School Programs and his desire to connect with and inspire more of Delaware’s youth, he brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to The First Tee of Delaware’s Board of Directors.

Secretary

Email: yvonne101@verizon.net

My involvement with The First Tee started in 2007 when the City of Wilmington’s former Mayor James Baker, appointed Tom Quinn and me to represent the City of Wilmington on the TFT Board of Directors.

The Mayor was anxious to get Urban Youth involved in playing the game of golf. The reason for his decision coincided with the Core Values of The First Tee.

Personally, I see this as an introduction to an individual sport that can be played throughout Life. The Core Values of The First Tee can also be used throughout life and passed on to the next generation.

Community Involvement:

President of Upper Eastside Neighborhood Association

Corporate Board Member Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware

City of Wilmington Ethics Committee Member

Vice President Fraim Senior Center Board of Directors

Board Member of the Rock Manor Golf Corporation

Board Member of the Inter-Neighborhood Foundation

Scott Allen has been a member of The First Tee of Delaware’s Board of Directors since 2009 and is a Class A member of the PGA of America. His involvement with The First Tee began 20 years ago, as an instructor with The First Tee of Washington, DC. He later served as the Executive Director of The First Tee of Washington, DC from 2001-2008.
Allen grew up in Newark and is a double alumnus of George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in International Affairs. He was a four-year starter on the GW golf squad, lettered four times and served as captain for three seasons. He was named team MVP as a senior and led the Colonials in scoring average and top-five finishes in each of his last two years. He then spent 14 years as head coach of GW’s golf program, which he departed as the winningest golf coach in GW history. In 2006 he led the Colonials to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 60 years, and four years later was inducted into GW’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Scott served as Director of Golf at the University of Pennsylvania from 2008-2012. Leading the women’s team to their first ever Ivy League Championship in 2010 and then guiding the men to the title in 2012. Scott currently serves as George Washington’s Director of Athletic Alumni Programs and manages all of GW’s Regional Alumni Networks east of the Rocky Mountains.
Scott and his wife Angela, have three daughters, Maclaren, Yeardley, and Campbell.

Beryl began her association with the Urban Youth Golf Association (now The First Tee) as an Advisory Board member back when the organization’s funding came mainly from the LPGA McDonald’s Championship which was held each year at the DuPont Country Club.  She was then part of a small group that helped guide the organization to its eventual affiliation as a Chapter of The First Tee, and has served ever since on the Board of Directors.

She remembers wondering why her father became so obsessed with the game of golf when he took it up late in life, only to find herself pursuing the game with the same passion when she took it up in her early 30’s.  Beryl believes, first and foremost, that The First Tee program is superior in its incorporation of essential, character building life skills into its programming, with the added benefit of learning a wonderful, individual sport that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Beryl loves serving the Lord as an active member and music director of her church.  In addition, she recently retired from a long and rewarding career with Wilmington Trust/M&T Bank.

Michael is the Relationship Architect at Insurance Associates Inc. in Newark, DE and responsible for growing commercial insurance business as well as working as in-house marketing director.  Michael is also the Head Golf Coach at Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, DE.

A 2010 graduate from the University of Delaware, Michael played golf at Delaware and was Captain his senior season where he lead the team to 4 consecutive victories.  Golf has always been a passion and before Michael’s current position at Insurance Associates, he worked with the Tiger Woods Foundation’s PGA Tour Event in Newtown Square, PA for 2 years and the International Junior Golf Tour in South Carolina for a season.

A lifelong Delawarean, he resides in Newark with his wife, Tara, and daughter, Eloise.  Michael has been playing golf since the age of 6 and continues to play in state championships as well as club events at Newark Country Club.  He is passionate about growing the game of golf in the State of Delaware by using his love of the game to show the young golfers at The First Tee of Delaware where the game of golf can take them in life and around the world.

Joseph A. Cooke, Jr. is a proud Delaware native.  He is a 28 year veteran of the Delaware Army National Guard (DEARNG) focusing on communications, operations and personnel administration.  Joseph has managed for over 29 years, building effective teams for diverse missions across the state, nation and globe.  He is a critical thinker with an extensive background in strategic planning.

Joseph Graduated from Delaware State University in 1995 with a dual major in Physics with Engineering Emphasis and Mathematics.  He obtained his Masters of Science degree in Geophysics from Stony Brook University in 1997.  Joseph began his career as an Information Systems Manager, building and maintaining the Information Technology network for the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation in the Bronx, NY before returning to Delaware as a full-time member of the Delaware Army National Guard.

Joseph is a proud and devoted Christian, attending the Word of Life Christian Church in Newark, DE.  He is a lifetime member of the Signal Corps Regimental Association and the National Guard Association of Delaware.  He is a former Board member of Malik Fraternity, Incorporated and a proud supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project, United Service Organizations (USO), United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware and Easter Seals of Delaware.

Golf Affiliations: Joseph began playing golf in Augusta, GA as a young signal officer.  He fell in love with the game his first time on a course, immediately purchasing a set of clubs at the end of his round.  His home course is the Back Creek Golf Club in Middletown, DE.  Joseph is a proud husband and devoted father of three children, all participants in the First Tee of Delaware since 2013.  Joseph is a dedicated First Tee volunteer coach and board member.  He has a passion for teaching and developing today’s youth and is committed to helping First Tee participants apply the program’s core values in their lives.  Additionally, Joseph has a sincere desire to assist students with the development of their games to heighten their confidence and evolve their golf acumen.

Mark is the Director of Business Development for BHI and responsible for extending the reach of the organization in its existing markets as well as developing new opportunities.

Mark is an engaging, accomplished entrepreneur and business operations executive. He brings significant experience to The First Tee of Delaware Board of Directors through his business background in B2B sales, marketing and new business launch. He thrives on challenges and solving problems. He lives by the motto “say what you do and do what you say”. He has taken a unique career path with highlights that includes 3 startups, performing for over 2,000,000 people while traveling to 49 of our 50 states, successfully restructuring an $18mm company and leading a team of 60 into a new organization.  His leadership and problem-solving skills will serve The First Tee of Delaware well.

A lifelong Delawarean, he resides in Newark with his wife April, daughter Ryan, and Golden Newfie Divot. Mark is an avid golfer who has been lucky enough to play and visit a few of the most special courses in the world. He is passionate about inspiring others to develop a love of the game and about encouraging others to share his motto and live by The First Tee Nine Core Values.

Karen is the principal of Neraki Corporation as well as a Manufacturers Representative in the Photography Industry.  Her demanding job requires frequent travel, yet she still finds time to be actively engaged with The First Tee of Delaware. She is a faithful volunteer and financial supporter of TFTDE.  Being a TFTDE volunteer coach for 12 years and participating in several Coach Training seminars, Karen has earned the status of Level 3/Recognized Coach.  She is the Lead Coach at our Back Creek program location where she manages six class levels, over 50 participants and 14 coaches. In addition, Karen has served many years on TFTDE’s Mayor’s Cup Committee (our largest annual fundraiser) and volunteers to support select TFTDE outreach activities. As a Board Member, Karen would like to increase TFTDE’s visibility by connecting with organizations within the communities we serve. Karen is married and resides in Elkton, MD.

Dan was born in Brooklyn, New York.  He graduated Pace University with a B.B.A. in Accounting and received his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University.  He was admitted to the New York State Bar in 1972, and in 1990 attended the Advanced Management Program of the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Dan began his career with Allied Chemical (now Honeywell) and has had extensive experience in international taxation with various major corporations including BHPBILLITON from which he ultimately retired as Vice President Taxation –BHP Minerals. After retirement from the corporate world, he has consulted on organizational assessment and re-engineering of tax and finance teams.  He currently is an Adjunct Professor at Wilmington University focusing on International Business.

Besides enjoying golf, tennis and bird watching, Dan devotes time to charitable causes. He has been a First Tee of Delaware Board Member since 2012 and is currently a Board member and Treasurer of Save Our Lakes Alliance 3 (SOLA3) which he joined in 2014.

Dan has served many non-profits in various capacities including Delaware Interfaith Power and Light, Wardrobe for Opportunity (Oakland, California) and STAND! (Concord, California). He is also a Rotarian and a Junior Achievement volunteer and former Board Member.

Dan and his wife Ceil reside in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware . He is a member of the Rehoboth Beach Country Club and serves on the RBCC membership committee.

member

Email: tq4318@aol.com

Company: City of Wilmington

Yachira is the Principal of Nativity Preparatory School (a tuition free Catholic middle school for boys).  Her other non-profit experience includes:  The Central Branch YMCA, Worcester, MA; mentor for Yawkey Scholars, Boston; Board of Trustees, College of the Holy Cross; and Advisory Council for the Jesuits.

When Yachira moved to Wilmington, DE, a close-knit community whose values are reflected in the people’s good work, she was immediately impressed with The First Tee of Delaware. When they connected, TFTDE instantly embraced and began delivering programming to the Nativity Prep students and teachers.  TFTDE now provides students with access to a golf course twice a week for months at a time and supplies everything they need to learn the game of golf and The First Tee’s Life Skills. The students have found joy in the sport and in the members of The First Tee community. As a member of TFTDE’s Board of Directors, Yachira plans to build an even stronger relationship between The First Tee of Delaware and Nativity Prep and to use her experience and resources to help under-served youth in any way she can.

Scott Allen has been a member of The First Tee of Delaware’s Board of Directors since 2009 and is a Class A member of the PGA of America. His involvement with The First Tee began 20 years ago, as an instructor with The First Tee of Washington, DC. He later served as the Executive Director of The First Tee of Washington, DC from 2001-2008.
Allen grew up in Newark and is a double alumnus of George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in political science and a master’s degree in International Affairs. He was a four-year starter on the GW golf squad, lettered four times and served as captain for three seasons. He was named team MVP as a senior and led the Colonials in scoring average and top-five finishes in each of his last two years. He then spent 14 years as head coach of GW’s golf program, which he departed as the winningest golf coach in GW history. In 2006 he led the Colonials to their first NCAA Tournament berth in 60 years, and four years later was inducted into GW’s Athletic Hall of Fame. Scott served as Director of Golf at the University of Pennsylvania from 2008-2012. Leading the women’s team to their first ever Ivy League Championship in 2010 and then guiding the men to the title in 2012. Scott currently serves as George Washington’s Director of Athletic Alumni Programs and manages all of GW’s Regional Alumni Networks east of the Rocky Mountains.
Scott and his wife Angela, have three daughters, Maclaren, Yeardley, and Campbell.

Click Here for Becky’s Website

Throughout her career, Rebecca Dengler has been recognized by numerous golfing organizations, publications and her colleagues for her positive and innovative teaching style. Becky is one of the elite professional who is a LPGA Master Professional and Class A member of the PGA. Most recently,she was named in the Golf Digest Best Teacher in the State 2013-14 by her peers. Prior to that she has been listed as one of the 50 Best Women Teachers in America.In 2012 she was recognized as the Section Teacher of the Year by the LPGA. The LPGA named her one of the country’s 50 Top Teachers for 2008-09 with more than 1200 teaching professionals around the country voted to compile this list. She has also been named a top teacher by Golf for Women and Golf Magazine. In 2010 she was also included in the US Kids Top 50 Teachers list for her third time, and then as one of the US Kids Master Teachers following that!

Becky’s philosophy of golf teaching has been greatly influenced by some of the elite teachers in the game. Becky traveled to Sweden to spend time with golf instructors who influenced Annika Sorenstam and other Swedish players. She has studied the methods of great teachers like Fred Shoemaker, author of Extraordinary Golf. Becky has been working with Ed Feeney, an author and behavioral change expert, to further improve her skills and effectiveness as an instructor and they presented at the 2012 World Scientific Golf Proceedings. Most recently, Becky attended TPI level 3 Biomechanics.

Becky’s main goal is to provide what each player needs to meet their goals. This includes for the brand new player to the tournament player. She works with other professionals in fields like fitness,nutrition, biomechanics and equipment to provide the information and training they need. She also works with various organizations such as Executive Women Golf Association (EWGA) the largest women’s golf associaton, YESUCAN (providers of Adaptive Sport), Titliest Performance Institute (TPI) leader in Golf Fitness and Training, and ThinkQ providing the most cutting edge mental training to name a few.

Becky’s Complete Game Coaching, focuses on getting all players on the course performing at their best no matter what level. Becky wants to help players not just swing better but play better. Playing golf includes many skills not just the full swing. It also includes coordinating all the parts, physical, mental and emotional. Becky’s Complete Game Coaching Philosophy focuses on all players and all parts of the game and provides the tools they need to play their best!

PGA Certified Professional, Director of Golf at The Rookery South in the DelMarVa Peninsula near Rehoboth Beach, DE

HONORARY member

Email: jonathanhickey@emoryhill.com

Company: NAI Emory Hill Real Estate Services, Inc.

In February 1990, Mr. Krupanski was appointed Executive Director of the Boys Clubs of Wilmington. Since this time, the organization has expanded its membership to include girls, opened thirty nine additional locations resulting in growing the number of youth served from 3,200 to 30,000 youth at forty-one locations statewide. It has become the only statewide Boys & Girls Club in the country and is now known as Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. The Club operational budget has grown from $1.8 million to $18.5 million and the endowment from $2.4 million to $5 million. The organization has completed three successful capital campaigns. In July 2017, George retired as CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware after 27 years of legendary leadership. Today, George serves as an Advisor in Government Relations and Special Gifts, as well as a Consultant for Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

George Krupanski is President of Dynamic Management Associates, a management consultant group for non-profit agencies providing training and consulting to dozens of groups such as United Way, Head Start, Nature Centers, Estuary Programs, City of Philadelphia, Churches, YMCA, Association for Non-profit Agencies, Boys & Girls Clubs and Boy Scouts in various parts of the country. For the past thirty years Dynamic Management Associates provides counsel in all aspects of non-profit operations and specializes in fundraising, board development and strategic planning.

Mr. Krupanski is an adjunct faculty of Springfield College’s School of Human Services and Wilmington University’s School of Behavioral Science. He teaches courses in behavioral science, non-profit management, fundraising, strategic planning and social change. He has served on the faculty of Pace University.

Mr. Krupanski served with the national office of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, New York City for ten years. He held a variety of positions there including the Regional Director for the Northeast. He and the staff team provided consultation to 144 agency corporations. He advised and consulted in the areas of Strategic Planning, Financial Development, Board Development, Program and Facility Management, Personnel and Public Relations. He has also worked with the Hampden County Cooperative Extension in Springfield, Massachusetts and the YMCA of Naperville, Illinois. He has authored several articles on a variety of subjects.

Mr. Krupanski has held numerous voluntary positions. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Delaware Workforce Investment Board, First Tee and the Fraim Senior Center. He is a member of the Wilmington Rotary Club. He served on the Board of Directors for Delaware Nature Society, Tower Hill School, New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Delaware, the American Humanics Program, Eastern College’s International Development Council and the Reformed Church in America’s Planned Giving Counsel. He is past president of the Board of Elders and Deacons with the Community Church in Glen Rock, New Jersey and past chairman of the Board of Trustees at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware where he remains an active member.

He received a Masters Degree from Springfield College in two program concentrations: Community Leadership & Development and Administration of Volunteer & Professional Services. He earned a Bachelors Degree from George Williams College in Downers Grove, Illinois which he attended on a scholarship through the W. Clement and Jesse V. Stone Foundation.

He resides in Newark, Delaware with his wife Carla who is the 1994 Mrs. Delaware. They have three grown children, Melissa, Matthew and Marc. Mr. Krupanski enjoys home remodeling and computer technology.

Alice Miller

Director of Golf, DuPont Country Club
Alice Miller is a professional golfer who competed on the LPGA Tour for 20 years. She is the winner of 8 LPGA tournaments, including the prestigious Nabisco Dinah Shore, one of the Tour’s four major championships. Her other victories include the McDonald’s Championship, in which she recorded four straight rounds of 68.  Alice was a member of the LPGA Board of Directors for four years, including a one-year term as President of the Tournament Players Division. Other career highlights include serving as Captain of the United States Solheim Cup Team and receiving the William and Mousie Powell Award, an award given by her playing peers for behavior that best exemplifies the spirit, ideals and values of the LPGA. After retiring from competitive play, Alice joined the LPGA Tour Operations Staff and was directly involved in running approximately 25 LPGA tournaments per year. In 2000, Alice was hired by the McDonald’s LPGA Championship, one of the Tour’s four majors. She was named Executive Director in 2002 and served in that capacity through 2009. Since 2010 Alice has enjoyed teaching and coaching golf. She is a Titleist Performance Institute Certified Level 3 Golf Instructor, TPI Certified Level 2 Golf Coach, and was recently certified as an IMPACT ZONET Master Instructor. She is a resident of Wilmington, Delaware and currently serves on the board of The First Tee of Delaware.