First & Gold Foundation Announces New Board of Directors to Support 2025 Growth and Expanded Youth Development Programming

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — December 15, 2025 — First & Gold Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to using football as a foundation for leadership, character, and long-term success on and off the field, today announced the appointment of its new Board of Directors. The nine-member board brings together accomplished leaders across technology, finance, law, communications, risk management, and talent development to guide the Foundation through a critical period of growth in 2026.

As First & Gold Foundation continues to scale its impact, including expanding its elite 7v7 football programs and strengthening its off-field development initiatives such as financial literacy, career readiness, and mentorship, the newly formed board will play a key role in advancing strategic growth, governance, and long-term sustainability.

“Our board represents the leadership, expertise, and shared commitment needed to support the next phase of First & Gold,” said Xavier Boyce, Co-Founder & Managing Director. “As we set ambitious goals for 2026, this group will help ensure we grow responsibly while staying true to our mission of developing young athletes into confident leaders prepared for life beyond the game.”

2026 Growth Focus

In 2026, First & Gold Foundation aims to:

• Deepen off-field development offerings focused on financial literacy, career readiness, and mentorship

• Increase access through scholarships and community partnerships

• Strengthen operational infrastructure to support long-term impact

By pairing elite athletic competition with holistic development, First & Gold Foundation is redefining what youth football programs can deliver for student-athletes and their families.

Board of Directors

• George Burnette is a tax and estate planning attorney with a decade of experience across the legal and financial services industries. He is a graduate of Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A licensed attorney and member of the North Carolina Bar, George brings legal and governance expertise to the board and lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with his family.

• Mark Bagdoian is the Insurance Director at Odeko, Inc., with more than a decade of experience in risk and emergency management. His background includes roles with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey during Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts, Hilton Hotels as a Security Manager, and US Risk as an underwriter leading professional liability programs across the U.S. and U.K. Mark brings deep expertise in risk management and operational resilience.

• David Kinne is a senior operator and product leader with extensive experience scaling technology-driven businesses across financial services and education. He has held executive roles at Red Ventures and Discovery Education, leading strategy, product development, and partnerships. Based in the Charlotte area, David supports mission-driven work that strengthens communities through systems-minded leadership.

• Kevin Donovan is a retired Chief Operating Officer with more than 30 years of leadership experience across operations, sales, and marketing. He has driven organizational transformation, led major turnarounds, and delivered consistent revenue and profitability growth across privately held firms and Fortune 500 companies.

• Tori Kramer is the Chief Marketing Officer at Abdou Law Offices and a communications leader with over 15 years of experience in strategic planning, media relations, and brand management. Her background includes leading communications efforts for nonprofit organizations such as the United Brotherhood of Carpenters, Women Corporate Directors Foundation, and the French American School of Princeton. She brings deep expertise in storytelling, crisis communications, and stakeholder engagement.

• Girish Gajwani is Vice President of Technology at Barclays and a recognized technology leader with more than 20 years of experience in digital transformation and innovation. A thought leader, keynote speaker, and author, Girish is also an active mentor committed to leadership development and responsible technology use. He supports strategic planning and partnerships for the Foundation.

• Ryan Stene is Vice President of Global Talent Attraction and Engagement for a global financial institution and a recruitment leader specializing in recruitment technology and AI. With more than 18 years of experience across companies including Crocs, Thomson Reuters, and Best Buy, Ryan brings expertise in talent development and organizational strategy. He is also deeply engaged in youth sports, serving as a football coach at Lakeville South High School in Minnesota.

• Justin McDonald co-founded First & Gold Foundation to create equitable access to elite football development paired with real-world life skills. His vision and leadership continue to shape the Foundation’s mission, programming, and community impact.

• Xavier Boyce co-founded First & Gold Foundation with a shared commitment to youth development, mentorship, and opportunity. His work focuses on building programs that empower student-athletes to succeed on the field and beyond.

About First & Gold Foundation

First & Gold Foundation is a nonprofit organization committed to using football as a platform for leadership, character development, and long-term success. Through competitive 7v7 programs, training, camps, and off-field initiatives including financial literacy, career readiness, and mentorship, the Foundation equips student-athletes with the tools they need to thrive in sport and in life.

Media Contact:

Ebony Ivey

ebony@goldandfourth.com

(612) 642-1719