Our Board of Directors
Kevin Long
Kevin Long, BUF Board President, has worked in the nonprofit sports sector for over 25 years in a variety of leadership positions, including Board President, Secretary, and Executive Director. In 2019 he was selected by the US State Department to participate in a Sports Diplomacy trip to Israel where he met with numerous NGO sports organizations. He runs his own nonprofit consulting business, Forte Nonprofit Consulting.
Board President
Sam Zisette
Sam grew up in Seattle and attended Ballard High School and the University of Puget Sound. He has been involved in soccer at all levels, as a player, coach, administrator, and now being the Co-Founder and President of Ballard FC and Salmon Bay FC. He is passionate about how soccer can be a bridge to help kids learn important life lessons and become the best versions of themselves.
Board Member
Board MemberBeth Gendler
Beth Gendler spent 40 year working with a variety of communities as a social worker. She is excited to continue serving as a Board member and looks forward to helping the Board expand its impact
Board MemberShoshanna Cohen
Hi! My name is Shoshanna Cohen. I am a 20+ yr educator currently teaching science at White Center Heights Elementary. I also run all the after school sports programs. I have seen the positive change in my students when they are part of a team. Playing soccer transcends language and cultural barriers. I have so happy to help Bridges United bring soccer to more communities!
Board MemberSusan Takemoto
(Susan Takemoto Blurb)
Board MemberDebbie Countryman
Debbie Countryman has had a twelve-year career in the nonprofit sector—including roles at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Allen Institute. She brings a deep commitment to creating positive change, particularly for children. Her extensive involvement with both local and national children's foundations over the years has fueled a passion for advancing causes that benefit young people. She is enthusiastic about combining her dedication to children's welfare and love of soccer to helping further grow the impact of soccer within the community.
Board MemberLamar Neagle
Lamar grew up in Federal Way, playing soccer in the south end and eventually went on to play D1 soccer at UNLV for 4 years and in USL2 for Des Moines Menace. His professional career spanned 10 years, several with the Seattle Sounders but also sending him to Charleston, Montreal, Washington DC and Finland. He is married with 3 kids and now works in wealth management. Bridges United represents his passion for the development of soccer in the region.
Board MemberTommy Patrick
Owner of The Ballard Cut in Seattle’s northwest neighborhood in Ballard, Tommy hails from west Seattle originally. Having needed help to pay for time playing sports and traveling as a youth, this program means a lot to him. He is a Ballard Alliance member as well as a member of the national landmark board, he cares deeply about the community and wishes it to thrive.