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BOARD MEMBERS
The board that bridges.
Since our founding, The Tender Bridge has developed and grown in a positive direction. We’re very proud of our staff, and their abilities to contribute their own unique experiences and skills to our success. Find out more about some of our team members below.
NOEL ACTON
Noel is our founding Executive Director, and has been working with our kids for over 20 years. Since his retirement and the start of The Tender Bridge, he has dedicated his life to our mission and programs.
ANTOINE GREENE, SR.
Antoine is our Board Chair, and one of our lead mentors, and has seen his two children and several nephews participate with the Banners program as well. Antoine is a key contributor to both our Banners program, and our Bridge to Independence efforts as well.
MATT LEONE
Our Vice Chair of the Board, Matt joined Tender Bridge in 2020 and also chairs the Communications and Fund Development Committee. Matt is a Civil Engineer working for Baltimore County DPWT, and enjoys the relationships he has formed with the Banners players and coaches.
BILL SMILLIE
Bill brings experience with other non-profit organization boards, and was The Tender Bridge's first ever Board Chair. He also enjoys playing the game of hockey, and is inspired by the attitudes and achievements of of Banners.
JIM RODGERS
Jim is a retired CPA and currently chairs our Program Development Committee. He is also on the ice regularly with the Banners and Junior Banners, designing and leading skills drills for our hockey players.
KYLE BLACK
Kyle is a manager at Provider Partners Health Plan and has been a Board member for over 6 years. The Tender Bridge gives him the opportunity to exercise his passion for hockey while giving his support to the marginalized kids of East Baltimore.
MIKE BAILEY
Mike Bailey is an analyst for Brown Advisory and a long-time hockey coach in our Banners programs and an avid hockey player himself. He also serves on our Fund Development and Communications Committee.
TAYLOR HANDLETON
Taylor Handleton is an EMC engineer working in the aerospace industry. Taylor was recently named Head Coach of the Baltimore Banners. He has been one of our hockey coaches for almost a decade, and loves watching our kids feel the joy and pride in learning the game of hockey.
JAMAL PERKINS
Jamal joined Tender Bridge in 2019 and is a native of Baltimore. He is an active member of multiple committees in instrumental in Bridge to Independence. Jamal is currently an Operations Specialist at Brown Advisory.
JACK BURTON
Jack is a consultant and joined Tender Bridge in 2021. Jack has been instrumental is developing our Junior Banners program, as well as bringing his NCAA hockey experience to the ice. Jack also serves on the Communications and Fund Development Committee
JEFFREY KENT
Jeffrey is our newest Board member, and is a renowned Baltimore artist and curator. More importantly, Jeffrey has been instrumental in assisting our older Banners in finding work, growing their network, and starting their own business as part of his apprentice program at The Peale.
KEITH SWEETMAN
Keith is currently an MBA candidate at NYU Stern School of Business. Keith has been instrumental in creating our Strategic Plan, and is a member of the Communications and Funds Development Commitee.
ABIGAIL MATTHEWS
Abigail is a Morgan State University Alumna. She serves as our Director of Communications documenting our news and events with skills in brand strategy, photography, and content creation.