As current board members of First Tee-Western New York, we are fortunate to see the value in our youth and the impact we can make by investing our time. We believe in the mission of our organization and encourage you to join us in supporting it.
The board needs a variety of skills including, but not limited to accounting, human resource, legal, technology, and media expertise, as well as those connected to local foundations. The Board Development Committee is accepting applications. Individuals interested in board service or serving on a committee can complete an application below or contact Timothy Karches, Executive Director, (716) 250-3355 for more information.
Board of Directors
| Dan Misko Board President Pegula Sports Senior Vice President Business Development Buffalo Bills | Chales Pezzino Board Vice President Accounting & Auditing Partner Tronconi Segarra & Associates | Ryan Gilbert Board Treasurer Partner PWC | Board Secretary |
| Andrew Bennett Chief Development Officer Kaleida Health | Kevin Berchou M&T Bank Head of Internal Communications | Lisa Bolognese Director of Technology Town of Cheektowaga | Travis Geiger Akamai Technologies |
| Gary Hall Jr. Executive Director Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Community Center | Dan Kelly Partner Hodgson Russ | Michael Knott Lawley Insurance | Jamie Miller Account Vice President The Arthurs Malof Group UBS Financial Services, Inc. |
Brian Pilarski Executive Director Seneca Babcock Foundation | Lisa Scally Assistant Professional Oak Hill Country Club | Victoria Schiro Executive Director WNY PGA | Billy Stojanovski Xerox |
Frank Vacanti Keybank | Jeremy Wabick West Herr Auto Group |
Staff
Tim Karches
Executive Director
TFT Recognized Coach
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Tim Karches also know as Coach Tim has been involved as a coach with the First Tee of Western New York since 2007. Tim took over the Executive Director role in the summer of 2022.
Tim is grateful for the First Tee which allows him to combine his passion for golf and skills as an educator to extend opportunities to young golfers who may otherwise not be introduced to the game.
Janet Battaglia
Outreach Coordinator
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How I got involved with The First Tee of WNY…
I was first introduced to The First Tee of WNY as a PE Teacher in the Amherst Central School District. Out staff was trained in The First Tee National School Program. I retired from Amherst in 2017 and began volunteering with the summer The First Tee of Western NY Life Skills Programs at Brighton and Grover Cleveland Golf Courses. I enjoyed the opportunity to continue working with children and especially bought into the Core Values and Healthy Habit components of The First Tee curriculum. In January of 2018, I was asked to work more extensively in the organization as the Outreach Coordinator. In this capacity I work with area schools and community groups to help grow our program locally. Additionally, I coach Life Skills Classes that run during the year.
Golf Related..
I have enjoyed getting back into golf in recent years. I appreciate the natural setting, panoramic views, the exercise and socialization. I have worked at improving my game by playing more often and focusing on the mental aspects of the game. I believe golf allows you to get a better understanding of yourself, your actions and reactions and your mental approach to situations.
Personal..
I have been married to my husband, Pete, for 35 years. Together we raised three great children and have one grandson and another on the way. In my time at Amherst, I coached many different sports but mainly was involved in Lacrosse at the high school and middle school levels. I have run an area summer girls lacrosse camp at Amherst for 20 years.