The First Tee of Central Florida Announces 2013 Board of Directors and Officers

Darden Executive Gene Lee Joins Board of Directors

ORLANDO, FL (January 28, 2013) – The First Tee of Central Florida announced today the election of its 2013 officers and directors.

The First Tee of Central Florida’s mission is to impact the lives of Central Florida youth by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values, and promote healthy choices through the game of golf.

Matt Certo, CEO and Principal at Websolvers Inc, will continue to serve as President in 2013, as he was named to a second term.  Scott Walker, On-Air Talent at Golf Channel, has been named the new Vice President of The First Tee of Central Florida.  Walker has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2012.  Board Secretary, Sarah Lindquist Pape, Attorney at Law at Zimmerman, Kiser & Sutcliffe, P.A., and Treasurer Jon Johnston, BB&T J. Rolfe Davis, will continue to serve in their respective positions in 2013.

Gene Lee, President of Darden Restaurants’ Specialty Restaurant Group (SRG) and a member of Darden’s Executive Team joins the Board of Directors for 2013.  Lee manages and operates restaurant companies that deliver a differentiated, upscale dining experience. The current SRG brands include The Capital Grille, Bahama Breeze, Eddie V’s and Seasons 52.  Lee previously served as a Board Member of The First Tee of Atlanta.

“We are extremely pleased with the continued community support of The First Tee of Central Florida.  Through our positive momentum we are excited to impact the lives of many more Central Florida youth by introducing the life skills, core values, and healthy habits associated with the game of golf and look forward to a successful 2013,” said Matt Certo, Board President of The First Tee of Central Florida.

The First Tee of Central Florida Board of Directors:

• President: Matt Certo, Websolvers, Inc.
• Vice President: Scott Walker, Golf Channel
• Treasurer: Jon Johnston, BB&T J. Rolfe Davis
• Secretary: Sarah Lindquist Pape, Zimmerman, Kiser, & Sutcliffe, P.A.
• Jay Brennan, Gray Robinson
• Michael Crosbie, Shutts & Bowen
• Andrew Fleming, Golf Channel
• Brandon Johnson, Arnold Palmer Design Company
• Gene Lee, Darden Restaurants
• Mike McGee, ANNIKA

Advisory Board:

• Chris Barley, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney
• Will Proctor, Neuberger Berman
• Ryan Simmons, EA Sports

Honorary Board:

• Ken Griffey Jr., Major League Baseball All Star
• Mike McCarley, President, Golf Channel
• Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Boston Celtics
• Annika Sorenstam, World Golf Hall of Fame Member
• Tracey Stewart, Author, Payne Stewart: The Authorized Biography

About The First Tee of Central Florida
The First Tee of Central Florida (TFTCFL), is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization dedicated to providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Through The First Tee’s Life Skills Experience Program young people are introduced to positive life skills, core values and healthy habits while learning the game of golf. TFTCFL’s currently conducts its programs at Hunter’s Creek Golf Club in Orlando and Winter Park Country Club in Winter Park. For additional information about how area golf clubs, children, or companies can get involved with TFTCFL, please contact Tom Lawrence, Executive Director at tlawrence@thefirstteecfl.org or www.thefirstteecfl.org.