Executive Director, First Tee-Metro Atlanta
Class of ’02 | Board Position: Member
Mr. Jenae D. Jenkins, a passionate advocate for Youth Development who believes in the potential of the next generation, serves as Executive Director for First Tee Metro Atlanta. In this role, he is responsible for the leadership and management of an organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with life skills curriculum, First Tee Metro Atlanta creates learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do.
For over a decade, he previously served as the chapter’s Director of Programming, focusing on instruction coordination, curriculum development, and year-round programming. He also developed Participant engagement opportunities, such as the Participant Leadership Council, the annual Teen Summit, and Teen Tank.
Prior to joining First Tee Metro Atlanta, Jenkins spent 4 years with the American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) in various roles. He holds a B.S. in Sports Management from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA. As a recognized Program Director and First Tee Coach, he is tasked with facilitating national training and opportunities for First Tee staff and participants from all over the country.
Outside of First Tee, he is a leading voice in sports-based youth development and is proud to be a part of the current Elevating Black Leaders in Sports national cohort. He has served on the Leadership Council for Sport for Good Atlanta, as well as created and hosting various training sessions for other Youth Development Specialists via Laureus USA. He continues to exhibit his commitment to positive youth development as a trauma informed professional, as he is currently engaged with world renowned child psychologist Dr. Bruce Perry and the Neurosequential Model in Sports.