Brandon Baker

Experience

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  The First Tee of Chattanooga

  Sept 2008 - Dec 2008

  Assistant Program Director

  - Develop and deliver lesson plans, promoting The First Tee concepts and core values using golf as a medium- Schedule and train volunteers to help with programming and events- Update organization’s website with program events and other relevant news

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  YMCA

  Jan 2009 - Mar 2010

  Program Director

  - Oversaw the management of a $1.3M program budget across two facilities for the largest Y statewide- Successfully recruited, trained, and retained staff and volunteers to lead and assist in the implementation of various program offerings - Led in the development and operations of youth and adult sports/recreation programs. Responsible for supervision of youth sports instructional programs, youth sports leagues, adult sports leagues, sports clinics, teen programs, and active older adult programs- Participated as a state advisor for the Y’s Youth & Government program, educating countless young people on our democracy and the future role they will play in it Show less

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  First Tee of Howard County

  Feb 2009 - Mar 2010

  Associate Executive Director

  Responsible for defining and executing the operational responsibilities of the organization. Work to promote the organization through developing and executing a marketing plan, and ensure the sustainability of the organization by leading all fund development initiatives. - Define and execute fundraising events and opportunities in partnership with the Board of Directors exceeding budget goals by 15% and ensuring positive net income during the 2009 recession- Implemented a marketing plan to improve brand awareness and increase program enrollment including the generation of press releases, flyers, online articles, and media interviews with local outlets- Developed the organization’s online registration platform transitioning the organization from paper registrations to to 100% digital enrollment for over 600 families- Established partnerships with local community partners to grow and diversify our program offerings Show less

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  First Tee — Triangle

  Apr 2010 - now

  Responsible for providing leadership and direction to fulfill the organization’s mission. Work to promote and expand the efforts of the organization within the community. Report to, and partner with, a Board of Directors to create the strategic direction and have full operational responsibility for all staff, programs, expansion and execution.- Generated growth in our annual operating budget from $232,000 to $1.69M by building a strong case for support, diversifying our revenue streams, and delivering high-impact programs to generate positive outcomes- Established better long-term sustainability for our organization by increasing assets from $24,000 to $7.9M including the creation of an endowment fund, a board-directed reserve, and property acquisition- Cultivated major gifts to the organization including the successful solicitation of capital gifts in excess of $500,000 and operating gifts at $50,000 and above- Achieved the ACE-Level designation for our organization, being one of just three chapters to receive this recognition by First Tee headquarters in each of the last three years, showing our commitment to excellence and impact- Oversaw all key aspects of a successful non-profit organization including board governance, philanthropy, strategic planning, fiscal management, volunteer and community engagement, program development, and human resources- Successfully recruited a staff that has grown from two full time employees and seven part-time employees to a staff consisting of seven full-time and 74 part-time employees- Participated in the evaluation, planning, and subsequent execution of a national rebrand to better position First Tee as a premiere youth development organization- Enhanced our overall program enrollment from 208 to 1,723 children including the development of our signature Drive4Success program in partnership with Wake County Public Schools that supports nearly 500 low-to-moderate income children in 14 area elementary schools Show less - Create, run, and manage life skills programs in line with national requirements at 18 program locations throughout the Triangle, increasing participation by over 400%- Design methods to measure outcomes of The First Tee program and work with our board, staff, and volunteers to articulate that impact to the community- Develop a budget to support annual program goals in the best interest of the organization- Work with our team to develop our annual business plan and strategic plan, allowing us to adequately measure short and long term goals- Collaborate with partner organizations and local school districts to implement, manage and grow The First Tee program in a variety of academic and recreation environments- Recruit, manage, and train staff and volunteers to deliver program curriculum in communities throughout the Triangle and develop skills necessary to achieve the organization’s mission Show less

  • President/CEO

    Oct 2013 - now

  • Director of Programs

    Apr 2010 - Oct 2013
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  State of Golf NC

  Jan 2024 - now

  Owner/Founder

  State of Golf is an innovative multisport simulator bar, coming to downtown Durham in May 2024. This state-of-the-art venue integrates Full Swing Golf’s advanced technology, offering an immersive experience that allows guests to play virtual golf on the world’s most prestigious courses, as well as enjoy 30 other dynamic sports simulations, including baseball and soccer. State of Golf caters to a diverse audience, offering friends, families, teams, and companies a unique setting for bonding, informal meetings, and celebrations. Situated in close proximity to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Blackwell Street, State of Golf aims to be the go-to destination for game day gatherings. Show less