Board of Directors

Ms. Poth was born at the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base in Oscoda, MI with Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, also known as an Adrenal Disorder. Upon the doctor’s realization that her condition was critical, she was flown via military aircraft to the University of Michigan’s Medical Center. Unfortunately, her Adrenal Disorder has forever prevented her from following in her father’s, Lt. Col. John E. Poth, USAF Ret., footsteps by serving in the U.S. military.

At the age of five, Ms. Poth was introduced by her father to the game of golf, and it has been a major part of her life ever since. She earned four letters at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. After high school, she signed a letter-of-intent with Texas A&M University due to its high level of academics, athletic standards, and strong military presence.

After college, Ms. Poth decided to set aside her competitive playing career and focus on using her Sports Management degree from Texas A&M. She set out on this journey with the goal of working for the PGA Tour (TOUR), packed up her truck, and drove from College Station, TX to Ponte Vedra Beach, FL. She spent the first six months in Florida scrubbing clubs and networking at TPC Sawgrass, ultimately earning a position traveling more than 26 weeks per year as a Shotlink Producer with the TOUR. Her worldwide travels took her to every golf course on the TOUR’s circuit at that time. After seven years working with the TOUR, she realized it was time to pursue other things.

After parting ways with the TOUR, Ms. Poth pursued a two-year master’s degree in Sports Management at Jacksonville University (JU). While attending JU, she spent the first year coaching the women’s golf team and the second year developing a for-profit consulting company named JP Golf Consulting and Design.

However, while working for herself was rewarding, bettering golf courses throughout Florida did not fulfill her lifetime desire of serving her country. Shortly after the bombings at the Boston Marathon in 2013, Ms. Poth realized a way to serve our military through the game she loves.

Mr. Gardiner is a marketing professional with over 11 years of experience in sports, brand, and retail marketing. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, and he began working in college athletics at both Texas A&M University and the University of Missouri. After his departure from university programs, he joined Genesco Sports Enterprises, a leading sports marketing agency and then served as the Sales and Marketing Manager for The First Tee of Greater Austin. Currently, Matt is Area Marketing Manager at US Foods. Matt currently resides in Austin, TX.

Lieutenant Colonel Poth, USAF Ret., earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan and an MBA from the University of Notre Dame. During his 26-year career in the U.S. Air Force, he was a B-52 Navigator / Bombardier with two tours in Vietnam and a Staff Officer at USAF Headquarters, Europe. After retiring from the Air Force, he was a real estate banker with Bank of America and its predecessors for seven years. After stepping away from banking, he spent 10 years with Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance until his full retirement. John currently resides in Lutz, FL.

Mrs. Wiese earned her degree as a student athlete at Texas A&M University. After graduation, she developed her passion for golf instruction in both Colorado and Arizona before returning to Texas A&M as the assistant Women’s Golf Coach. After 11 successful years with A&M, Mrs. Wiese founded Texas Team Junior Golf. Texas Team Junior Golf is an after school golf program throughout Texas elementary and intermediate schools. It offers access into the game of golf through a fun and educational environment in which golf skills, long-term athletic development, character, and confidence are built. Wendi currently resides in Bryan, TX.

A graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, VADM (Ret.) Jim Amerault was commissioned as an Ensign in 1965. He served at sea as Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant on board USS MASSEY (DD 778). He then served as Officer-in-Charge, Patrol Craft Fast 52 (Swift Boat), where he conducted more than 90 combat patrols in hostile waters off the coast of Vietnam. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and the Combat Action Ribbon for his service. VADM Amerault commanded USS NICHOLAS (FFG 47), USS SAMUEL GOMPERS (AD 37), Destroyer Squadron SIX, Amphibious Group FOUR, and the Western Hemisphere Group. In his final assignment, he served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Fleet Readiness and Logistics).

In addition to the U.S. Naval Academy, VADM Amerault is a graduate of the Naval Postgraduate School, receiving a Master of Science degree in Operational Research, and the University of Utah, where he was earned a Master of Arts degree in Middle East Affairs and Arabic. Following retirement from naval service, VADM Amerault served as President of Thirteenth Street Consultants, an Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at MELE Associates, Inc., Senior Vice President and Director of Business Development at Alion Science and Technology, Inc., and Chief Executive Officer at Oto Melara North America, Inc. VADM Amerault currently resides in Atlantic Beach, FL.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

Dan Shepherd is a former member of the U.S. Army’s 82^nd Airborne Division. Dan learned first-hand the value of military golf through regular play on the Ryder & Stryker Courses at the Army’s Fort Bragg, where he was stationed. “Playing golf on these courses gave us a wholesome outlet when off duty. Enjoying the camaraderie, competition, exercise and great outdoors helped us relax and rejuvenate, not to mention stay out of trouble."

After his service, Dan went on to become a journalist and then marketing executive following his honorable discharge.  He is an accomplished PR professional with nearly 20 years of results-driven experience.  Dan currently resides in Purcellville, VA and can be reached at dan@danshepherdpr.com, 703.403.5317, www.danshepherdpr.com