(New Ambassador – Meet Chuck Elliott Published 9/8/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley is excited to welcome our newest Board Ambassador – Chuck Elliott. We asked Chuck a few questions to get to know him.
Tell us about your background, your personal and professional life.
“My wife, Kerry, and I are about as local as it gets when it comes to San Jose. Kerry attended Pioneer High School, and I attended Leland High School. We love our community and continually look for opportunities to improve the area and give back to the place that has given us so much.”
“We have two children. Our son, Nick, graduated from Cal Poly, where he was a competitive swimmer and scholarship athlete. He now lives in San Francisco and works for a cybersecurity startup. Our daughter, Brooke, graduated from the University of Arizona and now lives in San Diego, where she is living her best life and working for an advertising company whose sole client is Nike. We spend as much time with both of them as possible, and family remains the most important part of our lives.”
“Professionally, I am a wealth advisor and have spent my career helping individuals and families make thoughtful decisions about their financial futures. Our team was named Best-in-State by Forbes magazine in 2025. I also serve as Board Chair for the YMCA and have always enjoyed supporting organizations that strengthen our community, particularly those focused on helping young people. Outside of work and community involvement, I enjoy golf, spending time with family and friends, and following my favorite sports teams.”
Why FTSV?
“I believe one of the best investments we can make is in young people. What attracted me to First Tee – Silicon Valley is its ability to use golf to teach lessons that extend far beyond the course—confidence, perseverance, integrity, sound judgment, and respect for others. Golf has a unique way of revealing character while also helping to build it.”
“I have also been very impressed with the leadership at First Tee – Silicon Valley over the years. I have had an opportunity to get to know members of the management team and see firsthand their commitment to the organization’s mission. With my background in finance and fundraising, it is important for me to have confidence that the money we raise will be managed responsibly and used effectively. I feel very comfortable raising funds for First Tee – Silicon Valley because I know those resources will be used for the betterment of young people and our community.”
What are you looking forward to as an Ambassador?
“I am looking forward to learning from the other Ambassadors and becoming part of a group of people who share a strong commitment to service and the future of our community. I am also excited about helping introduce more people to First Tee – Silicon Valley and expanding its network throughout the area.”
“This role will also give me an opportunity to serve in an area of San Jose that I am not extremely familiar with, but where I know there is a great need. I hope to use my professional relationships, community involvement, and fundraising experience to increase awareness and support for the organization. Most importantly, I look forward to helping First Tee – Silicon Valley reach more young people and provide them with positive mentors, meaningful experiences, and opportunities they might not otherwise have.”
All board members, staff, coaches and instructors see themselves as Mentors. Do you have any memorable mentors?
“My mother and father were undoubtedly the most important mentors in my life. Through their example, they taught me the value of hard work, loyalty, responsibility, faith, and treating people well.”
“My mother had a wonderful heart, and her faith in the Lord was truly instilled in me. She always reminded us that we are stewards of our community and that it is our responsibility to leave it better than we found it. More than anything, she instilled in me the importance of living a life of service.”
“I have also benefited from coaches and professional mentors who believed in me, challenged me, and were willing to offer honest advice when I needed it. The best mentors do more than tell you what to do—they help you recognize what you are capable of becoming. That is one of the things I find so meaningful about First Tee – Silicon Valley: one caring and consistent adult can have an impact on a young person that lasts a lifetime.” Volunteer your time and talent as an Ambassador just like Chuck. Ambassadors coach, cultivating donors, fundraise for events or campaigns, represent FTSV at outside events, and work on special projects with the CEO.
If you are interested in joining our Board as an Ambassador, Visit our Board Page to find out more!