As FIRST continues to grow at a rapid pace, we are pleased to welcome and introduce several new members of the FIRST Community who are helping us implement our programs around the globe and recruiting more young people, volunteers, and sponsors to FIRST. (Click on name links to read more about each individual.)
FIRST Regional Directors… work collaboratively to create and maintain volunteer driven, self-sustaining, and growing FIRST programs in a named geographic area.
FIRST Senior Mentors... "Make Magic Happen” by seeking out, recruiting, and fully supporting Team Mentors and Event Volunteers for FIRST programs and other initiatives in the geographic area in which they reside.
FIRST Americorps*VISTAs… work to create awareness of FIRST in their community, focusing particularly on the needs of the underserved initiative, while seeking sponsors, mentors, and volunteers for FIRST programs.
FIRST International Coordinator… supports our international contingent as FIRST looks to expand into other countries throughout the globe.
Carla Proulx, Manchester, NH
Connie Haynes, FIRST Regional Director for Georgia and Tennessee
About ten years ago, I was introduced to FIRST by chance. My husband, daughters, and I had gone to Disney World for a dual purpose – a few days in the parks and to check out this new FIRST organization for possible sponsorship from my husband’s company. Naturally, the girls and I left work to my husband and we headed off to the park for another day of Mickey. When I received a call from my husband saying, “You have got to get over here and see this. You are going to be blown away!” Little did I know that the focus of my volunteer work was about to change. After learning that our current home state, Georgia, was poorly represented, we both vowed to change that. And that is exactly what we have been doing ever since.
Being an educator for many years, I have seen the next best thing in education come and go many times. From the beginning of my involvement with FIRST, I saw something different – something that excites students with real-world application and fosters a ‘can do’ attitude from many who were simply coasting along. Not only does FIRST change attitudes about success in the areas of science and technology, it brings together a group of kids, at every level of FIRST, who develop a peer group that is so important in their educational career. I have been privy to many success stories. That is why I am still with FIRST and feel privileged to have the opportunity to take GeorgiaFIRST to the next level. My home state of Tennessee is poised to be one of the next growth areas for FIRST and I am excited to lead this charge as well.
I look forward to a long, productive relationship with FIRST and commit myself to bringing this program to as many of today’s youth as possible. Our future depends on the scientists, engineers, and leaders we develop today. FIRST’s future depends on us!
Dan Holzmiller, Assistant Regional Director for Wisconsin
Dan will be working with FIRST Regional Director, Susan Lawrence. He brings 10 years of FIRST experience with him and a wealth of knowledge of FIRST in the state of Wisconsin. In addition, he has been a Chemistry teacher which will be a great help in his new role recruiting teams, teacher/mentors, and building FIRST programs.
Stan Toney, FIRST Regional Director for Maryland
Stan has spent his career in high technology and is currently teaching Physics and Chemistry in the state. Stan will be a team member in the "Capital Region" which includes the FRC Regional events at Chesapeake, Washington, DC (new) and NASA VCU, working with Regional Director, Pattie Cook.
Jessica Jankowitsch, Senior Mentor, Pittsburgh, PA
Jessica, a former member and President/Treasurer of the 2003 Chairman’s Award winner, Team 103 “Cybersonics,” has grown up in FIRST. Currently she is busy wrapping up her BS Degree at Carnegie Mellon. Jess is on an accelerated pace to gain her mentoring experience, and has been described by many of us as presenting a serious challenge to the Energizer Bunny.
Denise Lewis, Senior Mentor, Washington, DC
Denise is a dedicated educator, consultant, and community volunteer extraordinaire. She holds both a BA degree in Economics and a MS degree in Education. She is a veteran FIRST Coach and Mentor. Currently, she serves as leader of the Robotics Ministry at the Mount Airy Baptist church in DC.
Sally Sylvester, Senior Mentor, Virginia
Sally, a former BCBS Training & Development Professional, has begun her Senior Mentor career in grand style by hosting FLL Coach Orientation & training calls. She is a 4-year veteran FLL Coach and parent volunteer with an FRC Team.
Jane Young, Senior Mentor, SE Texas
When she’s isn’t busy running the Legal Services office at the University of Texas, Austin, Jane keeps busy as a FIRST Senior Mentor. After 6 years as a team mentor for the FRC Team 418 “LASA Robotics,” she still continues taking “breaks” by volunteering at FIRST events or running NEMO workshops.
Clinton Clegg, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Pittsburgh
Indiana University of Pennsylvania grad, a background in Computer Technology, and a talented song writer/musician, Clinton is well equipped to inspire students about FIRST.
James Conlon, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Philadelphia
Bucknell U. Grad, Roller Hockey – Team Founder & Coach, Boxer, Guitar Instructor, and now a FIRST VISTA. And… he’s just warming up!
Joshua Dallaire, AmeriCorps*VISTA Leader, New Hampshire
Josh has just completed his inaugural and successful term in Maine as a FIRST AmeriCorps*VISTA. He enters his second season wearing a new hat: “VISTA Leader.” We congratulate Josh on his accomplishments and look forward to a spectacular season with our FIRST VISTAs and Senior Mentors.
Eileen Phillips, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Massachusetts
Eileen begins her FIRST VISTA service with a tool bag full of degrees, experience, skill, and a deep passion and commitment for helping youth to realize their goals. Look out Massachusetts… Eileen is not shy about having her way…
Adrianna Lynn Saar, AmeriCorps*Vista, New Jersey/New York City
Adrianna is a recent graduate from Rutgers University in Business Management. A lady of many talents, she will be guiding the Media and communications support for underserved organizations in New Jersey and NYC. Welcome to FIRST, Adrianna!
Nathan Smith, AmeriCorps*VISTA, Maine
Nate is highly skilled in Computer Technology. Nate has also logged more than 10 years in FIRST beginning as a FRC team member & mentor to a career of providing outstanding service as a Field Support volunteer. Welcome home, Nate!
Carla Proulx, International Coordinator, FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)
This newly created position will provide support to our international contingent as FIRST looks to expand into other countries throughout the globe. In addition, Carla will continue to provide support to FRC Director Bill Miller, engineering management, and the entire FRC HQ team.
In her previous role as VP of Operations for Severn Trent Environmental Services, Carla saw firsthand the void of new engineers entering the environmental field. She shared the concern of her senior colleagues that more needed to be done to attract students to careers in engineering in order to meet the increasing industry demand. She worked on many initiatives with the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) and the NH Water Pollution Control Association (NHWPCA) to encourage an interest in the field through exposure and mentorships within the environmental community. High on that list was introducing female students to the many career opportunities available to them and how the industry had evolved over the years.
Leaving big corporate behind, Carla accepted a yearlong contract to help launch New Hampshire’s first middle/high school dedicated to students with an interest in math, science, and engineering. The Academy for Science and Design opened its doors in Merrimack, NH in the fall of 2007 and has doubled its student body in just one short year.
Carla joined FIRST in December of 2007 after hearing so much about the program from Academy students. She’s heard countless stories and sees the difference FIRST programs make in the lives of these students. “I see some great future engineers in these kids and THAT makes me very happy!”