Board Showcase – Jennifer Nguyen

The role of Secretary for a Board of Directors can be described using a range of verbs from daunting, cumbersome and underappreciated to essential, critical and fundamental – all spilled over in one long breath of conversation. It’s a need that makes one feel constantly in and out of the conversation during a board meeting as you’re trying to accurately account for the meetings happenings while also engaging in critical conversation. And, probably, one of the most difficult roles to fill and keep for a full term. Jennifer Nguyen, full time proud parent of three The First Tee participants, Real Estate Broker with Berkshire Hathaway, Vacation Property Management Owner, Military Family Support Group leader and Wife added ‘The First Tee of the Sandhills Board Member and Secretary” to her list of roles in 2013. At the time the chapter’s Board of Directors felt it was important to have a seat on the board for a parent of a participant. Someone that could provide an additional set of eyes and ears within our programs while also offer a different perspective to the rest of the board. What they didn’t realize they were getting was a fiery and passionate, kindhearted and grounded, momma bear that was ready to put her stamp on the programs and make a difference in our communities in any way that was needed. It was early last year when the phone rang at our office and our Board President, at the time, Dorson White, was on the other end. His business and personal schedules had crumbled and he needed to back out of attending The First Tee’s Network Meeting in Dallas, Texas. After a brief moment of panic, as it was mandatory that a board member attend the annual meetings, Jennifer came to mind. Her daughter, Lizzy, a high school Sophomore at the time, was set to receive recognition at the meetings as well as speak to an audience of 800 key business leaders. So, in theory, it would be a perfect fit and ask. I remember the conversation going something like this, “Hey Jennifer, it’s Courtney – at The First Tee”, “Hey, What’s Up!?!”, “I need your help”, “Of course, what is it?”, “I need you to come with us to Dallas for Network Meetings”, “Umm….. Ok…. Let me get back to you.” What felt like hours went by and then, finally, “Ok, I’m there”. We barely knew each other but our passion for The First Tee’s mission, vision and opportunities aligned and that got us on a plane to Dallas. After a round of margaritas, a heart to heart about the future for The First Tee of the Sandhills, and a side of chips and salsa, a special bond had been formed. One that meant she would support me when I was headed in the right direction and was ready to tell me when I needed to look at things from a different perspective. What I learned about Jennifer that night was that she’s had a wide range of life experiences. Experiences that make her who she is and bring a special skill set to our board room. From her family’s travels with husband Thong’s position in the military, her capability to find job opportunities in new cities, and her amazing outlook and ability to move past bumps in the road with her head held high. Jennifer was, and still is, fully submerged in her role and responsibilities as a member of the Board of Directors. She’s a self-proclaimed “lifer” to The First Tee and we couldn’t be more grateful.