(Mentor Spotlight: Thank You Judy Deaton Published 01/15/2026) First Tee – Silicon Valley (FTSV) has positively impacted over 100,000 kids and teens throughout our 25-year history. That success is largely built on the passion, hard work, and commitment of our hundreds of mentors and staff. For this month’s Mentor Spotlight, we feature and thank Judy Deaton for her 8 impactful and influential years of FTSV leadership.
Judy Deaton came to First Tee – Silicon Valley in 2017 from the ever-fluctuating radio advertising world and became FTSV’s Development Director. At the time, FTSV needed to secure and sustain significantly more funding to support the high demand for our programs. Simply, we needed more money to help more kids and teens. Judy dove right in and fully owned FTSV’s fundraising efforts in partnership with our Board of Directors and Ambassadors. Her leadership and hard work helped FTSV grow to a whole new level financially. As a result, FTSV now serves thousands more participants.
Judy is retiring at the end of the month but will continue to be a mentor to FTSV Youth as an instructor at Rancho del Pueblo in San Jose and at Gavilan Golf Course in Gilroy. She also plans to continue advocating for FTSV as a Board Ambassador by being the main point person for the Caddy Club Majors in the Spring and FTSV partnership with the KRTY Writer’s Cup Tournament in the Fall.
What we’re saying about Judy?
“I cannot emphasize enough how important Judy has been to FTSV and our staff these eight years. As Development Director, she built a successful development infrastructure that has enable us to grow our revenues significantly. As a member of FTSV’s management team along with me and Chris, our Program Director, she was a valued thought partner and grounding force with our entire staff. Personally, she tirelessly advocated for our kids and teens, supported our character-building mission, and drove many of our key business processes to success. We are grateful to Judy for her many contributions to FTSV!” – George Maxe, President & CEO, FTSV
“Judy’s passion towards helping others is contagious and we are better at our jobs because of her. I respect her dedication to going above and beyond and her ability to rally teams around challenging initiatives. She is professional, motivating, and caring, all qualities that have made her successful as a Development Director and as a coach. I’m so glad she has been on our team and I’m looking forward to her continuing to coach and lead our youth.” – Chris Moreno-Hunt, FTSV Program Director
“I thank Judy for her dedication, heart and professionalism she’s poured into First Tee – Silicon Valley. Her leadership in development has strengthened our organization and opened doors for countless young people. Judy’s impact will be felt for years to come, and we are truly grateful for all she has built. I wish her joy, health and fulfillment in her retirement.” – Victor M. Arrañaga, Jr., Board Chair, FTSV
“I’ve walked alongside Judy through different chapters of my professional life—from our time in radio advertising to her role as a mentor, coach, and development director at First Tee – Silicon Valley. Her passion, empathy, and ability to truly listen make her an extraordinary leader. Judy has a way of seeing people, encouraging them, and helping them believe in their own potential. She is directly responsible for helping shape my career, and I’m proud to call her a mentor I never anticipated finding later in life. I’m thankful that she will continue her work at FTSV, guiding and mentoring kids with the same generosity and heart she has always shown me.” – Nicole Woodson, FTSV Marketing
Thank you, Judy, for your many years of mentoring, advocating and hard work!
If you are interested in joining our coaching staff, working as a mentor and making a difference in your community like Judy has, please visit our VOLUNTEER PAGE to learn more. No golf experience necessary. Everyone has life experience! Hope to see you out on the course.
