Our Team
Greg Wright
Executive Director
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Greg comes to First Tee with a long history in the nonprofit world, working both in international roles, as well as serving here in Central Ohio. Greg is a lifelong Central Ohio resident who loves spending time with his family (wife and three kids) and enjoying the game of golf, though his handicap doesn’t reflect his enjoyment! He cares deeply about kids and impacting the next generation of leaders. He is tasked with leading our Central Ohio team, partnering with our Board of Directors, and helping craft the vision for reaching more kids in Central Ohio through First Tee.
Cheri Jenkins
Director of Operations
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Cheri’s first golf experience included spending Sunday mornings on the course with her dad developing a strong bond and learning many of her dad’s nuggets of wisdom. As a kid, Cheri experienced the power of mentorship and benefited from programs that developed leadership skills and strong character, just like First Tee. Her years of experience in the golf world and her love of kids have landed her here, as our Director of Operations, overseeing all program operations, school and community partners, and the programming team.
Ethan Pinckney
Player Manager, LSE & Community Partners
Certified Coach Trainer
Level 4 Certified Coach
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Ethan has many titles (including new dad!) because he has so many skills. Developing creative programs and positive experiences for kids is his passion! Ethan leads our team of coaches and volunteers in finding fun ways to create safe and welcoming spaces for kids. Notice his near-spitting image McConaughey impression (psst – check out the cover work for Greenlights).
Denise Vermillion, LPGA
Player Manager, LPGA*USGA Girls Golf
Level 4 Trained Coach
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Our Girls Golf Director believes in her heart and soul that golf can be just as much a girls’ sport as it is a boys’. And she proves it. Helping direct our team of female volunteers and expanding our programming efforts, she consistently shows just how much a woman can achieve when she puts her heart into it. Don’t forget, she also knocked out her LPGA certification just a few years after picking up a golf club for the first time, showing it’s never too late to try something new.
Jonathon Wilson
School & Volunteer Engagement Manager
Level 2 Trained Coach
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Jonathon (aka Coach J-Wil) joins First Tee – Central Ohio by way of Southern Virginia and has spent the past eleven years working with youth at the Danville Parks and Recreation Department. Jonathon is passionate about creating programs that help expose youth to new thoughts and ideas, while also creating positive experiences through the art of play. When he’s not on the golf course, you can still find him enjoying the outdoors either hiking or camping with his wife and two pups.
Kristen Murray
Development Assistant
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Kristen joins the First Tee team after 10 years at Young Life in Central Ohio. She is passionate about investing in the next generation. As our Development Assistant, Kristen helps the team stay organized and run smoothly by offering administrative support. Outside of First Tee, Kristen loves spending time with her four daughters.
Janae Miller
Marketing and Development Manager
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Janae brings more than 10 years of marketing experience to the First Tee — Central Ohio team. Having grown up in Central Ohio, she is passionate about serving the local community – especially its youngest members! Janae is responsible for telling First Tee — Central Ohio’s story and communicating to anyone who needs to know about the wonderful work the organization does (which is everyone!). When not at work, Janae keeps busy spending time with her family and enjoys getting outside, photography and any kind of baking.
Beth Taggart
Program Operations Coordinator
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Beth brings over 20 years of administrative experience to team, after previously applying her skills in the medical field. Her expertise will support our programming team and ensure smooth operations for our classes, camps, and clinics. She has been involved in giving back through volunteer work since she was 14 and enjoys making a positive impact on those around her. Beth’s passion for sports and children is evident as she supported her own four children through various athletic activities. Now, she eagerly looks forward to her grandson becoming a First Tee participant!