Press Release
The First Tee of Silicon Valley Board President Selected to Receive The First Tee’s National Leadership Award
The First Tee of Silicon Valley Board President to receive The First Tee’s 2017 Jack Stephen’s Leadership Award
(Silicon Valley, CALIFORNIA, November 6, 2017) – The First Tee of Silicon Valley is proud to announce that Board President, Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr. will receive The First Tee’s national award, The Jack Stephen’s Leadership Award. This prestigious award is given to an individual or entities who demonstrate service, leadership and commitment to the mission of The First Tee.
In addition to Victor’s board leadership, he is also the founder of The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Under his leadership, which spans from 1999 to present, over 17 years, The First Tee of Silicon Valley has grown and expanded both in East San José and throughout Santa Clara County.
Victor’s nomination focused on his tireless advocacy for The First Tee of Silicon Valley, Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course and the youth of East San José, an underserved and largely Latino area of Silicon Valley. His efforts have made The First Tee of Silicon Valley and Rancho del Pueblo Golf Course a point of stability in the lives of thousands of youth. Victor has single-handedly raised over $3M and volunteered over 3,000 hours for The First Tee of Silicon Valley and Eagles since 1999.
“Under Victor’s sustained board leadership, The First Tee of Silicon Valley has truly thrived, increasing its impact in so many key areas.” said Kelly Martin, Chief Operating Officer of The First Tee. The Jack Stephens Leadership Award will be presented on Thursday, November 9, 2017, during the first general session of The First Tee’s Network Meeting in Orlando, Florida.
“The First Tee of Silicon Valley community is very proud of Victor. He is a larger than life character, who has made it his personal mission to enrich the lives of our youth and community. I truly cannot think of a more ideal individual to receive this prestigious, national award.” said George Maxe, Executive Director of The First Tee of Silicon Valley.
“Victor has made such a big impact and positively influenced and inspired so many kids at such an early age through his leadership and passion for the game. We congratulate Victor on such a well-deserved honor.” said John Poch, Executive Director of the San Jose Sports Authority.
Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr is currently the Regional Manager of State and Local Government Relations for HP, Inc. and the founding and current Board Chairman for The First Tee of Silicon Valley. Victor’s history with The First Tee of Silicon Valley began in 1999 when he was Board Chairman of the San Jose Sports Authority and helped found the Eagles at Rancho junior golf program. In 2005, he led the effort for Eagles to become a chapter of The First Tee.
About The First Tee of Silicon Valley
The First Tee of Silicon Valley (
www.firstteesiliconvalley.org) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit youth development organization whose 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. With its office in San José, The First Tee of Silicon Valley reaches young people on golf courses, in schools and at other youth-serving locations from East San Jose to Gilroy to East Palo Alto. In 2016, The First Tee of Silicon Valley served over 1,200 participants in its certifying classes, and over 6,000 in its outreach programs. More than 55,000 youth have participated in The First Tee of Silicon Valley’s programs since 2005.
George Maxe,
[email protected], 408-288-2937 (office)
About The First Tee
The First Tee (www.firsttee.org) is located at World Golf Village in St. Augustine, Florida.Since its inception in 1997, The First Tee has grown its network to more than 150 chapters to deliver programs in all 50 United States. In 2016, The First Tee brought character education through the game of golf to more than 5.3 million young people. The First Tee’s Founding Partners are LPGA, the Masters Tournament, PGA of America, PGA TOUR and the USGA. Johnson & Johnson is The First Tee’s Legacy Partner and Southern Company is its Education Patron. Former President George W. Bush serves as honorary chair.
Jane Fader,
[email protected], 904-940-4330 (office)
Sara Henika,
[email protected], 904-940-4341 (office)
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