First Tee of Greater Detroit Appoints National Leaders to Board

New board members bring expertise in technology, communications, law, and media to expand youth development programs.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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First Tee of Greater Detroit, a nonprofit that uses golf to teach young people essential life skills, has announced the appointment of five accomplished national leaders to its Board of Directors. The new board members represent executive leadership across technology, telecommunications, law, culture, and media, and will help the organization expand its reach and impact across Southeast Michigan.

Why it matters

The expanded board will provide First Tee of Greater Detroit with national expertise and perspective to strengthen its youth development programs and prepare more young people for success in school, careers, and life through character-building opportunities.

The details

The newly appointed board members include Dedra Clark, retired executive of AT&T; Trina Scott, founder of Culture Communications LLC; Dawn Beatty-Bobby, senior executive at Microsoft; Christopher Messing, attorney at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C.; and Akil Alvin, CEO and Global Chief Creative Officer of Digital Detroit Media. Collectively, they bring decades of experience guiding organizations at the highest levels and will help advance First Tee of Greater Detroit's work and expand opportunities for young people in the region.

  • First Tee of Greater Detroit announced the new board appointments on February 16, 2026.

The players

First Tee of Greater Detroit

A nonprofit organization that uses golf as a platform to teach young people essential life skills, including confidence, integrity, resilience, and leadership.

Dedra Clark

A retired executive of AT&T with decades of experience in corporate leadership and operations.

Trina Scott

The founder of Culture Communications LLC, a nationally respected strategic communications and culture consultancy.

Dawn Beatty-Bobby

A senior executive at Microsoft, bringing global technology and innovation expertise.

Christopher Messing

An attorney at Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton, P.C., offering deep legal and governance experience.

Akil Alvin

The CEO and Global Chief Creative Officer of Digital Detroit Media, one of the nation's leading, globally trusted, award-winning creative executives.

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What they’re saying

“We are intentional about the leaders we invite to steward this organization. This group represents some of the brightest minds and most accomplished professionals from around the country. Their leadership, perspective, and commitment to young people will help us expand our reach, strengthen our programs, and continue shaping the next generation of leaders in Detroit.”

— Carl Bentley, Chief Executive Officer of First Tee of Greater Detroit (michiganchronicle.com)

“The impact First Tee Greater Detroit (FTGD) has on young people would not be possible without the leadership of our team and a supportive, engaging Board of Directors. These newly appointed members will expand the depth and breadth of our board, positioning FTGD to be the ultimate game changer for this generation and those to come.”

— Tanya Hill, Board Chair (michiganchronicle.com)

What’s next

The new board members will work with the existing leadership team to develop and implement strategies to expand First Tee of Greater Detroit's reach and impact across Southeast Michigan.

The takeaway

The appointment of these national leaders to the First Tee of Greater Detroit's Board of Directors demonstrates the organization's commitment to providing young people in the region with access to character-building and life-skills development opportunities that prepare them for success in school, careers, and life.