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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.
JACK BURTON
Jack is our newly appointed Executive Director, who has served on the board since joining in 2021. Jack is a consultant and has been instrumental in developing our Junior Banners program, as well as bringing his NCAA hockey experience to the ice. Coming off our 20 year anniversary, Jack is committed to carrying the legacy of the Banners.
NOEL ACTON
Noel is our founder and has been appointed Executive Director Emeritus. He has been working with our kids for over 20 years and is grateful to pass the baton to continue working one on one with the kids. Since his retirement and the start of Tender Bridge, he has dedicated his life to our mission and programs.
MATT LEONE
Our Board Chair, 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 the 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 youth 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.
LAURA LEONE
Laura has helped behind the scenes as Matt's better half since 2020. Laura currently manages the Baltimore County Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and is using that experience to run our Volunteer Committee. When Laura isn't onboarding volunteers, you can find her selling every bit of Banners merchandise we can get our hands on
JAMAL PERKINS
Jamal joined Tender Bridge in 2019 and is a native of Baltimore. He is an active member of multiple committees especially our Bridge to Independence Program. Jamal is currently an Operations Specialist at Brown Advisory.
GEORGE CARLSON
Another newcomer to the board, George has taken his years of professional counseling work and brought them to our program. George has been a big part of developing our Bridge to Independence curriculum, and it has shown in the success of our players. He can stop a puck too!
JAYQUAN WASHINGTON
Jayquan is one of our veteran Banners, who has been huge in fulfilling our mission of full circle service. Jay has recently used his playing skills to help coach of Junior Banners teams. He has a knack for teaching new players how to skate for the first time, and is a great voice for the players in our board room.
ISAAC MEYER
Isaac has been instrumental in improving the structure of our board. His intergovernmental relations background has been a useful addition to our board. On the ice, his slapshot is one of the hardest you'll see.