Executive Committee
Chief Executive Officer
Dan Burke is the Chief Executive Officer of First Tee — San Francisco, a leading youth development nonprofit that empowers young people through golf and life-skills education. Since joining the organization in 2014, Dan has helped expand its impact across San Francisco through innovative programs, community partnerships, and strategic growth initiatives. A graduate of Santa Clara University, where he played on the men’s golf team, Dan previously spent more than 15 years as the PGA Head Golf Professional at Lake Merced Golf Club. He is widely respected for his leadership in youth development, fundraising, and community engagement.
Chief People & Operations Officer
Kai’s journey with First Tee — San Francisco began in 2004 as one of the organization’s first participants. After building a career in the corporate world, she returned in 2018 as a coach and HR consultant to give back to the program that helped shape her life. Holding degrees from San Francisco State University and Golden Gate University, Kai is passionate about creating opportunities for youth, especially those from underrepresented communities, and helping participants build confidence, leadership skills, and lifelong connections both on and off the course.
Chief Programs Officer
Jon has been part of First Tee — San Francisco since 2004, beginning as a volunteer after discovering the program at TPC Harding Park. A graduate of San Francisco State University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing, he is passionate about combining golf and youth development to create opportunities for young people across San Francisco. Jon is dedicated to building inclusive spaces where participants can develop confidence, resilience, and life skills both on and off the course.
Program Manager
TK has been with First Tee — San Francisco for nearly four years, growing from a part-time coach into a Program Manager through his reliability, adaptability, and passion for youth development. A graduate of SUNY University at Buffalo with a degree in Business Administration, TK is driven by First Tee’s mission to provide young people with both access to golf and the life skills needed to succeed on and off the course.
He is passionate about creating safe, welcoming spaces where youth, especially from underrepresented communities, can build confidence, resilience, honesty, and respect. TK believes the game of golf teaches perseverance and presence, lessons that extend far beyond the course. He is especially focused on expanding opportunities for participants across San Francisco and helping more young people pursue higher education and long-term success.
Program Manager
Kelly has been part of First Tee – San Francisco for over 14 years, starting as a 5th-grade participant in the Classroom to Clubhouse program. A graduate of the University of San Francisco with a degree in psychology, she grew into roles as a coach, volunteer, and now Program Manager at the Sandy Tatum Learning Center.
As a first-generation college graduate and Tatum Scholar, Kelly is passionate about creating an inclusive, welcoming environment where youth—especially from underrepresented communities—can build confidence, develop life skills, and feel a true sense of belonging.
Staff
Office Assistant
Kevin joined First Tee — San Francisco in 2026, inspired by a desire to give back to the community and support youth development. Having benefited from similar programs growing up, he is passionate about helping young people build confidence, character, and life skills. Outside of First Tee, Kevin enjoys cooking, exploring San Francisco’s food scene, and attending live music events.
Justine Simpson
Volunteer Coordinator
Justine’s Bio
Be part of the movement.
Support our initiatives and help more young people discover the game and themselves.
