SAN JOSE, Calif., May 15, 2018 – The First Tee of Silicon Valley, announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously promoted George Maxe to President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.
About George Maxe
Mr. Maxe began working for The First Tee of San Jose as Executive Director in 2008. By early 2012, having grown the program substantially in San Jose at Rancho del Pueblo, he expanded it to all Santa Clara County by adding Gilroy and East Palo Alto to its service area, and changed the name to The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Under Mr. Maxe’s leadership, while the annual number of youth served has grown by over 450% (to 8,182 in 2017) and the number of staff by 400% (to 25 in 2017) he has efficiently managed the annual budget which has only risen 285% (to $1M in 2017),
Mr. Maxe, commenting on his promotion, said, “It is a true privilege to work for The First Tee of Silicon Valley. My role as the organization’s leader has enabled me to put my education, experience, expertise and background to work to help young people reach their potential. I cannot imagine a more fulfilling job, my vocation. I feel very flattered by this promotion and validation of my leadership and management of this wonderful business and staff.”
“I am thrilled to see George’s dedication and hard work pay off with his promotion to President and Chief Executive Officer of The First Tee of Silicon Valley. For the past ten years, George has been the driving force behind the dramatic growth of our program. I am very proud to have had him as a loyal partner and friend throughout his tenure.” – Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr., Board President, The First Tee of Silicon Valley
“George has a deep passion for developing youth, and he excels in mentoring our outstanding staff as well. His leadership of The First Tee of Silicon Valley has resulted in numerous awards for our organization. George frequently provides counsel and direction to other chapters of The First Tee around the country.” – Ron Hallagan, Board Director, The First Tee of Silicon Valley
Maxe’s Role
In his role as President and CEO, Mr. Maxe remains an employee of the company and will continue to oversee all daily operations as well as strategic initiatives. Efforts are underway to continue growing the number of youth served to reach 10,000 by 2020 then 18,000 by 2025. Mr. Maxe will lead the envisioned capital improvement projects in San Jose, Palo Alto and Gilroy necessary to make this leap in children impacted over the next ten years.
Mr. Maxe, reflecting on his role, said, “The next ten years will be very exciting for The First Tee of Silicon Valley. I am committed to continuing to lead the organization during this period that is so important for the youth who will be impacted and the community that will be benefited. What could be more important than investing so positively in the lives of Silicon Valley’s future talent and citizens.”
“Sending my heartfelt congratulations on the promotion! …. How happy I was to see someone who has been such a great mentor to me and my sister over the years lead this organization! I can’t wait to see where The First Tee of Silicon Valley goes and how it expands in years to come. This is so exciting!” – Divya Nekkanti, Former Ace-Certified Participant and Student at UC Berkeley
“What I most admire about George is his integrity. At a time when many of his industry peers strive to advance in fame and fortune, George always stays true to himself, his principles and his intense commitment to youth development. George can be very proud of The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s accomplishments, but I believe the best is most definitely still to come.” – Ron Hallagan, Board Director, The First Tee of Silicon Valley
About The First Tee of Silicon Valley
The First Tee of Silicon Valley is a public charity 501(c)(3) that provides life skills education to youth at low cost through the game of golf. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. Participants learn to appreciate diversity, resolve conflicts, build confidence and set goals for their future. Programs focus on The First Tee’s Nine Core Values – honesty, integrity, sportsmanship, respect, confidence, responsibility, perseverance, courtesy and judgment. The First Tee of Silicon Valley serves boys and girls from 2nd to 12th grade at locations in San Jose, South County, Moffett Field and Palo Alto. Its programs have reached over 60,000 young people since 2005 and are anticipated to impact the lives of 10,000 youth annually by the year 2020.
