Carrie serves as the Chief Executive Officer of First Tee – Greater San Antonio, providing leadership and oversight for the entire organization. With 18 years of experience in the golf industry followed by five years in enterprise technology sales at Rackspace, Carrie’s path back to First Tee reflects a deep commitment to giving back to the game and the next generation of young people. Leading First Tee has been a natural calling and an opportunity to combine purpose, leadership, and service.

A lifelong golfer, Carrie played collegiate golf at Purdue University as a member of the women’s golf team. Originally from Bartlett, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, she has been with First Tee for six years and continues to be driven by the impact the organization has on participants and families.

Carrie’s favorite part about working at First Tee is the people — both the participants and the team. She values watching young people grow and thrive on and off the golf course, made possible by a dedicated staff that pours heart and passion into developing the next generation.

To connect with Carrie, reach out at [email protected].

Kellen serves as the Chief Development Officer at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing development, HR, IT, accounting, and the many moving pieces that help keep the organization running behind the scenes. A San Antonio native and graduate of Texas Tech University, Kellen has worked in the sports industry since the age of 17, with experience spanning golf, collegiate athletics, and youth development.

Growing up, Kellen played a variety of sports throughout high school and was once called “the best basketball player of the previous century” according to some hometown legends, at least.

Since joining First Tee in 2021, Kellen’s favorite part about the role has been combining passions for golf, sports, business, and helping kids grow through meaningful opportunities.

To connect with Kellen, reach out at [email protected].

Nikki serves as the Executive Assistant to the CEO at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, supporting organizational operations through donor relations, Board of Directors engagement, and donor engagement initiatives. A retired Air Force veteran with 22 years of military service, Nikki brings a strong background in leadership, organization, and strategic support to the team.

Originally born in Lewiston, Maine, Nikki grew up all over the country as part of a military family before joining the Air Force herself while her father was still serving in the Army. She earned her undergraduate degree in Math and Philosophy from Boston University and later completed a Master’s degree in Strategic Intelligence from American Military University.

Since joining First Tee in May 2023, Nikki’s favorite part about the organization has been the people, from participants and families to staff, board members, volunteers, coaches, and donors. She believes it truly takes a village to achieve First Tee’s mission and values being part of a community dedicated to impacting young people.

To connect with Nikki, reach out at [email protected].

Lindsey serves as the Marketing Manager at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing social media, email marketing, website content, advertising, and overall marketing efforts. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Lindsey graduated from Youngstown State University, where she was a Division I women’s basketball player while also building a career in sports media and communications.

With experience across professional, collegiate, and youth sports in both coaching and marketing roles, Lindsey combines a passion for sports with storytelling and community impact. In addition to competing at the Division I level, Lindsey has also coached basketball, continuing a lifelong connection to athletics and mentorship.

Since joining First Tee in 2026, Lindsey’s favorite part about the role has been highlighting participants’ growth and sharing their stories with the community.

To connect with Lindsey, reach out at [email protected].

MJ Resendis serves as the Senior Special Events Manager at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing Girls Golf, ParTee events, fundraising events, coach and volunteer appreciation events, and participant tournaments. A San Antonio native, MJ brings a strong background in sports management and event planning to the organization.

A graduate of Texas Lutheran University with a degree in Sports Management, MJ has gained experience across a variety of high-profile sporting events and organizations, including San Antonio Sports, the All-American Bowl, and the 2021 Women’s Final Four. These experiences have shaped a well-rounded career in sports before transitioning into the game of golf.

With five years at First Tee, MJ has played a key role in creating engaging events and strengthening community connections. Her favorite part about working at First Tee is building and growing the community — bringing together staff, coaches, volunteers, and participants to create an environment that people want to be a part of and return to.

To connect with MJ, reach out at [email protected].

Jay serves as the Director of Program Operations at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing all program operations as well as community and school partnerships. A PGA Member with decades of experience in golf instruction, coaching, and player development, Jay has built a career centered around growing the game and mentoring young athletes.

Originally from Ames, Iowa, Jay attended the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where he was a two-time All Sun Belt Conference golfer and the 1991 Sun Belt Conference Individual Champion. His playing career also included participation on the PGA Tour and Hogan Tour. Throughout his professional career, Jay has served as the Head Men’s Golf Coach at Iowa State University, owned and operated Cyclone Golf Camps and Collegiate Prep Golf Academy, and worked as a Lead Instructor for Turner Golf Group.

Since joining First Tee in March 2026, Jay’s favorite part about the role has been working with kids and sharing his passion for the game of golf.

To connect with Jay, reach out at [email protected].

Maija Tanberg serves as the Program Manager at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing programming, coaches, volunteers, and national opportunities. A Minnesota native, Maija brings both playing and teaching experience to her role, helping participants grow through structured programming and mentorship.

Maija played golf throughout high school and competed collegiately for four years at the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. With two years at First Tee, she continues to build on her passion for the game and youth development through hands-on coaching and program leadership.

Her favorite part about working at First Tee is leading classes for participants, teaching the game of golf, and watching them build confidence and grow both on and off the course.

To connect with Maija, reach out at [email protected].

Mallory serves as a Program Specialist at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing parent communication, lesson planning, coaching, and participant surveys. Originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, Mallory brings a lifelong connection to First Tee and a passion for youth development through golf.

A graduate of Millsaps College and former Division III women’s golfer, Mallory first joined First Tee as a participant in the New Orleans chapter, where she spent nine years in the program before becoming a coach for five years. She recently joined the San Antonio chapter in 2026, continuing her journey of giving back to the game that helped shape her.

Mallory’s favorite part about working at First Tee is seeing participants improve both their golf skills and life skills while watching them grow into amazing young people.

To connect with Mallory, reach out at [email protected].

Steve Lennon serves as the Facility Manager and Coach at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing facility operations, private lessons, the driving range, rentals, and golf shop sales. A San Antonio native, Steve brings more than 30 years of experience as a Class A Member of the PGA of America and a lifelong dedication to the game of golf.

Steve turned professional in 1984 and has held several leadership roles throughout his career, including Assistant Golf Professional at Fair Oaks Ranch, Head Golf Professional at Cedar Creek, and Head Golf Professional at Northern Hills. His extensive background in golf operations and instruction has made him a valuable leader and mentor within the game.

With 11 years at First Tee, Steve’s favorite part about his role is promoting the game of golf and supporting youth development, helping the next generation build both skills and confidence on and off the course.

To connect with Steve, reach out at [email protected].

Savino Arocha serves as the Superintendent at First Tee – Greater San Antonio, overseeing the overall maintenance of the driving range, grounds, equipment, and facilities. With more than 20 years of experience in golf course maintenance, Savino plays a key role in ensuring the environment is safe, functional, and enjoyable for all participants and guests.

Originally from Floresville, Texas, Savino has been with First Tee for 14 years, bringing consistency, knowledge, and pride to the property each day.

His favorite part about working at First Tee is being outdoors and taking care of the space where participants learn and grow through the game of golf.

To connect with Savino, reach out at [email protected].