Board of Directors
Matt Gibson
President
Growing up playing soccer in Portage, Matt has known Coach Neil and Coach Rich for over twenty years. What a ride that has been! After moving back to the area from Atlanta five years ago, Matt joined the board in anticipation of his two young sons taking an interest in soccer. That has come to life as both boys are now involved with the club. In his professional career, Matt has a long history in corporate finance. He started his career in investment banking, including mergers and acquisitions, and currently is a North American executive financial lead for a global advertising firm. His goal is to foster an environment for growth and development continuing TKO’s long-standing history as a premier club in southwest Michigan.
Andy Lincoln
Vice-President
Andy has been part of the Kalamazoo Community since 1998, and is raising his two daughters in Portage. He has worked locally at Stryker Instruments since 2001 and is currently the Senior Director of Global Quality. Andy’s daughters have been in the MUFC / TKO program since their beginnings in organized soccer.
Quote: “The opportunity to give back to the club and the families that have meant so much to my family over the years makes it an honor to serve as a member of this board. I believe in the direction we are heading and that our best days are ahead”.
Kristen Hawn
Treasurer
Kristen has worked in Finance since relocating back to Kalamazoo in 2000. She is currently a Finance Manager at Stryker where she has worked for the past 7 years. Her family has been with the club for 10 years now with her youngest starting when he was just five years old.
Brian Richardson
Director of Technology
Brian has worked in the IT field in the Kalamazoo area for the last 20 years. He is currently a Software Engineer for Infor. He has been coaching with Midwest United FC/TKO Premier SC since 2005.
Quote: "I feel honored to serve on the board for TKO Premier Soccer Club. I feel this is my way to give back to the soccer community."
Todd Chappa
Secretary
Having grown up playing TKO in the late nineties, Todd counts it as a privilege to serve on the TKO Board as the Secretary. The beautiful game runs deep in Todd's DNA. He has played since the age of four, captaining Portage Northern to a state title and Hope College to an elite eight appearance. With three children playing in the club, Todd is invested in the future success of this top notch, arguably greatest, soccer club in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. He believes the role of Secretary suits him since he currently teaches ELA at Portage West Middle School.
Alice Woodrow
Member
Alice has been a special education teacher and administrator for 22 years. Currently she is the Director of Special Education for the Otsego Public Schools and countywide programs for students on the Autism Spectrum. Her daughter has played for MUFC/TKO for 4 years with the '08 Royal team. Besides being a mom, she has dedicated her life to creating opportunities to develop the potential of all kids. Her role on the TKO Board fits perfectly into that mission.
Leah Casper
Marketing Director
Leah grew up around Kalamazoo but soccer was not a part of her life until her boys fell in love with it at the age of 4. She has worked as a Project Manager in Marketing & Advertising for the last 9 years so organization and planning are second nature to her. With two boys in the club, it's a perfect opportunity to share her skills with an organization she loves being a part of.
Lea Hammond
Registrar
Lea has been part of the Kalamazoo community for almost 30 years, and currently works in Human Resources at Bronson Healthcare Group.
She has enjoyed watching the growth and development of her son during his time with our club, and is excited to support our families in the role of registrar.
Casey Alger
Sponsorship Director
Born and Raised in Richland, Casey played TKO under Coach Rich Labadie. He was a Captain of the Gull Lake High School varsity soccer team, as well as a member of the 1993 State Championship Team.
Casey is a Realtor® at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services. In addition, he is an enthusiastic member of the community: Trustee of the Ascension Borgess Health Foundation, Board President of the Kalamazoo Covenant Academy, and Co-Chair of the Jim Gilmore Jr. Foundation Golf Outing.
In his free time, Casey enjoys cheering on Chelsea FC and PSV Eindhoven, landscaping in his yard, playing golf, and being on the water.
“Please email me for information on Sponsorship or Student Scholarships donation opportunities.”