Dr. Leigh Byron
Executive Director
Dr. Byron, who joined Starfinder in this role in September 2007, directs
all phases of foundation activities.
Dr. Byron’s interests and skills in program design, development, and enhancement in organizations serving children, coupled with his extensive background in fund and facility development and resource optimization, will heighten and accelerate Starfinder’s actions in developing leadership, character, and positive attitudes through soccer.
He earned a doctorate and master’s degree from Columbia University; another master’s degree was received at Long Island University; the bachelor’s degree was awarded by SUNY Stony Brook.
His three daughters are active soccer players, and possess many other wonderful traits.
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Robin A. McCarter
Chief Administrative Officer
Cell: 215-779-2220
Robin@StarfinderFoundation.org
Robin joined the Starfinder team in December 2007. She has depth and breadth
in operations management experience, particularly in restaurant and events-planning
organizations. In addition to this experience, she has a comprehensive background
in sales in a variety of venues. Her bachelor’s degree in psychology
was earned at Philadelphia University.
Robin is involved in every aspect of the foundation. Her chief responsibilities
include but are not limited to addressing all managerial, operational, programmatic,
and human resource matters. Further, she takes a leading role in fund-raising
activities.
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Nick Chrisanthon
Co-Director of Academies and After-School Programs
Cell: 215-435-1383
Nicholas@StarfinderFoundation.org
Nick became a member of the Starfinder team in December 2007 after a successful
seven-year career as a professional soccer player, including a stint with the
Philadelphia Kixx. At Lafayette College, where he earned his bachelor’s
degree in business and economics, he was captain of the varsity soccer team.
Nick’s soccer background also includes the roles of assistant coach
of the woman’s soccer team at Villanova University, and assistant coach
of men’s soccer at Widener University. He was also the head coach of
youth soccer teams in Reading. Nick, along with his co-director partner Jeanette
Hibbs, coordinates the after-school and the academy programs.
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Jeanette Hibbs
Co-Director of Academies and After-School Programs
Cell: 215-384-6889
Jeanette@StarfinderFoundation.org
Jeanette came to Starfinder in April 2008 after volunteering in our programs
for several months. Her extensive soccer career features coaching tenures at
the youth level in Montgomery County (PA) and Virginia Beach, at the collegiate
level at Temple University.
Jeanette played soccer at the semi-professional level, in addition to her
playing at Temple University, where she earned her bachelor’s in business
administration. Jeanette, along with her co-director partner Nick Chrisanthon,
coordinates the after-school and the academy programs.
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Coaching Qualifications: UEFA 'B' license and USSF National 'D' license
Kristy Petersheim
Executive Assistant
Tel: 215-764-5410
Kristy@StarfinderFoundation.org
Kristy joined Starfinder in July 2008. She is the personification of multi-tasking:
two jobs (one at Starfinder and one as an assistant manager at Bella Trattoria,
one of the premier restaurants in Philadelphia) while pursuing her bachelor’s
degree.
At Starfinder, Kristy coordinates all office functions, and assists in activities
related to fund-raising and finance.
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Heidi Warren
Finance Manager
Heidi has been a dedicated member of the team since September 2004, having
served as chief operating officer before launching her current successful independent
consulting firm. In order to remain at Starfinder, Heidi structured her role
at the foundation to a part-time one, managing the financial affairs. Her perseverance
and exactness in attacking problems are a perfect match for the needs of the
position. Her experience with many facets of Starfinder, and knowledge of the
workings of the organization, makes her an invaluable member of the team. Heidi
earned her BA from Haverford College, majoring in urban studies.
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Bob Kozlowski
Soccer Public Relations
Cell: 215-208-8264
Bob "Koz" Kozlowski is in charge of Starfinder's soccer public relations. He comes to Starfinder having served as the Community Recreation Leader for the Philadelphia Department of Recreation for thirty-eight years and the Chairman for the PDR Outdoor Soccer League for nineteen years. He has also served as the Registrar and Director of Public Relations for the PDR Outdoor and Indoor Leagues as well as the PDR Soccer Liaison, where he coordinated events and programs with EPYSA, professional teams, businesses, foundations, and others. He serves as a Trustee on the board of the Philadelphia Oldtimers Soccer Association (and is a member of their Hall of Fame!), is an NCAA high school and youth soccer referee, and serves as the Program Coordinator for the PDR Inner City Soccer Camp. Additionally, Koz taught English and Business courses at Father Judge High School in Philadelphia for thirty-six years. He has a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Economics from LaSalle University.
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Tony Williams
President Emeritus and Founder
The vision of Starfinder really began when Tony Williams traveled
from his home city of Liverpool, England on a ferry to Belfast,
Northern Ireland. Armed with a sack of soccer balls over his shoulder,
he had a burning desire to make a difference in the lives of young
players. Unable to afford a car, Tony traveled by taxi to nine
elementary schools throughout the city of Belfast recruiting children
to attend a weeklong soccer school.
For the next ten years, Tony worked on youth development programs
for professional soccer clubs in England. Today, many of the children
Tony coached are now playing as top professional and full international
players.
During this time, Tony was funded by the Northern Ireland Office
to bring Catholics and Protestants together through soccer and
brought forty-eight underprivileged children to participate in
soccer tournaments in Florida. After witnessing the soccer explosion
and realizing the potential for developmental impact, Tony moved
to the United States in 1996.
Over the last six years Tony has strived to understand the needs
at every level of the game, from creating a "Big Fun Soccer Nursery" for
three-year-old children to becoming a national scout for the United
States Soccer Federation and being invited to accompany the Men's
National Team during their World Cup preparations.
It was through these experiences that Tony recognized the need
for soccer programs in the inner cities and how such programs could
enhance the character and academic development of the participants
as well.
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