Board of Directors Archives - First Tee

First Tee-Howard County Welcomes New Executive Director

First Tee-Howard County’s board of directors is thrilled to announce our new executive director, Steve Weathersbee! A familiar face to many in our community, Steve became involved with First Tee-Howard County in 2016 when his daughter joined the program, and is a certified level 4 First Tee chapter trainer who has been coaching at our chapter for nine seasons.

With more than 20 years of experience coaching and mentoring youth in Howard, Baltimore, and Anne Arundel counties, Steve has taught group lessons for Columbia Association and Howard County Parks and Recreation, in addition to private golf lessons. Steve is also a PGA Associate, actively pursuing full PGA membership.

“I am beyond excited to be given the opportunity to continue the 20+ years of excellence that Don Van Deusen brought to First Tee-Howard County. It truly is an honor to be asked to lead the program he built. I am committed to making sure we continue the fantastic work of First Tee and offer all of our participants the best experience possible,” Steve commented.

Coach Weathersbee assumes his new role today, April 15; please join us in welcoming him! Steve can be reached at [email protected].

Q&A with Daniel Schrider, our newest board member

Our Board of Directors is comprised of a group of committed volunteers from the community who lead our fundraising efforts. We’re pleased to welcome Dan Schrider, President and CEO of Sandy Spring Bank, to our board. A resident of western Howard County, Dan has been married to his wife Dedi for 33 years, and is a proud father of three and grandfather to two, soon to be three, grandchildren. For the past 31 years, he has worked for Sandy Spring Bank, serving as CEO for the past 12 years. In his free time, Dan enjoys golfing, hunting, playing basketball and traveling. We caught up with Dan recently to learn more about what brought him to become involved with First Tee.

Q: Thinking back to your youth, were there any programs or mentors that helped shape you as a leader?

A: When I was 14, I began working at a local butcher shop where I remained for 7 years. The other employees happened to be men who were much older and had served in WWII. Listening to their stories of commitment and sacrifice coupled with the way in which they served the many weekly customers of the shop demonstrated, by example, how to treat people with humility. Those examples stuck with me.

Q: In your role leading Sandy Spring Bank, what one or two characteristics do you notice consistently in your most successful entry-level employees?

A: There are many characteristics that I would look for, but I really notice when a new employee brings the combination of a strong work ethic and willingness to be a part of a team player. Those tend to be the employees who have the great potential to advance in their career, whether that is in banking or in other areas where they are lead to pursue.

Q: What aspects of First Tee’s mission do you believe make it stand out among the many youth development programs in our region? I really believe that the focus on the 9 core values and life skills set the First Tee apart from many other programs targeting young people and the results speak for themselves. For many years and throughout many chapters, the lives of young people have been impacted positively while enjoying the fun offered through the game of golf. Additionally, the care offered by the First Tee’s coaches can make a lasting impact in a young person. Thank you, Dan, for sharing your experience and commitment with us!

Delegate Frank Turner Confirmed to Board of Directors

The First Tee of Howard County is honored to have Maryland State Delegate Frank Turner join our Board of Directors. A resident of Columbia, Delegate Turner has served in the Maryland House of Delegates since 1994, and currently serves as vice chair of the Ways and Means Committee, which oversees legislation relating to education, elections and taxation. Delegate Turner made history when he was elected, becoming the first African American to represent Howard County in the general assembly. He also spent 41 years as a professor of business law at Morgan State University. An avid golfer and champion of children, Delegate Turner will be a tremendous asset to our Board of Directors.