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Board of Directors
&
Athlete Advisory Board
Meet our Board!
President
Kalen McKenzie is the CEO of Southern Fabrication Works, a global custom food
processing manufacturer. He has over 30 years of sales and senior leadership
experience in the areas of manufacturing, construction, and healthcare. His professional
input ranges from leading and guiding start-ups through to Fortune 1000 companies.
Kalen started his career working for his grandfather’s industrial manufacturing company
in Paul Idaho where he learned the value of hard work and the necessity of building a
culture of accountability. He has a passion for helping people lead their best lives, and
to help them achieve their goals both professionally and personally. During his career,
he had the opportunity to work closely with individuals suffering from progressive
neurological disorders and those suffering catastrophic injuries. These experiences
have had a profound impact on how he views the world and the expectations that he
has personally for himself. He has learned there is never a good excuse for not giving
your all every day. Regardless of your circumstances, if you surround yourself with the
right people, you will find your self-actualization personally and professionally.
Board Member
John Chapman is a Technical Director at Eaton working to advance the way in which embedded software is developed. His entire professional career has been devoted to writing software for devices that most people don’t even think about as having software (like microwave ovens or thermostats). He is oddly satisfied that code he has written has helped improve the lives of tens of millions of people. John was introduced to a life of service by his parents while helping at a soup kitchen in 8th grade and has continued through united way and Big Brothers Big Sisters through his adult life. In an effort to carry on the tradition of service to his kids, he and his son volunteer at monthly climbing events with Catalyst Sports in Louisville, KY. John is excited to further expand his volunteerism by helping to guide Catalyst!
Vice Chair
Laura is a Startup Advisor, BoD Member, and ex Wall Street and two decade CFO in the CPG Food & Beverage industry. In addition, she is the Founder of MUUVGRUPP focused on ensuring access to knowledge, experience, and capital for under networked founders. In addition, she earned a BBA from UGA Terry Business School and a MBA from University of Chicago Booth. She is an Ultra Athlete, philanthropist, Mom of 4, and Impact ESG Investor. She has supported Catalyst for over a decade and was an executive board member with Camp Twin Lakes and other non profit organizations.
Board Member
As a certified recreational therapist, Dan manages all camp operations and partner relations at Camp Twin Lakes, GA. Dan has been a major part of Camp Twin Lakes since their very first summer in 1993, starting out on a partner camp’s staff, then moving to summer staff in 1999, and ultimately working full time as Camp Director in 2000. Dan is currently the COO of Camp Twin Lakes and lives with his beautiful wife and two amazing daughters in Madison, GA.
Board Member
Terrence is the owner of Blackwell Legacy Group where he serves as a Business Development Coach and Learn Wealth Foundation which is a new company that offers financial literacy products.
He is passionate about helping in two areas: helping business owners and
helping to educate children with financial literacy. His passion led him to start the two companies in order to provide products and services that help to provide value for others. In his professional career, Terrence served as a Juvenile Probation officer for the city of Richmond, Virginia until 2015.
This career led him to find other ways to give back and serve his community.
Terrence grew up in a small country town with one stop light, no Walmart, and where everyone knew each other. In this small town in Southern Virginia,
called Brodnax he grew up with his parents and siblings looking for a way to make his mark on the world. This small town gave him his undergraduate education from a small college named St. Paul’s College and he later went on to start his Master's Degree with Liberty University. Terrence enjoys reading business books and spending time with his family. He is a father, husband, author, board member for two non-profits, and server of his community.
Treasurer
Chad Bucur is a seasoned finance professional with a passion for outdoor adventure and a commitment to inclusivity. A lifelong athlete with a love of outdoor sports, Chad fully understands the transformative power of athletics and adventure. His personal experiences fuel his dedication to Catalyst's mission of making as many athletic activities accessible to individuals with physical disabilities. Chad lives in Smyrna, GA with his wonderful wife, Laurabeth, and energetic son, Loftin.
Board Member
Jared Herschend was introduced to helping people with disabilities at a summer camp in Missouri named Camp Barnabas. He spent 10 years volunteering there from grade school into college. When he learned about Catalyst Sports his passion for the space was reignited.
He has been involved with philanthropy for over 20 years, serving as the treasurer of his family's foundation and volunteering with organizations to help them thrive. His day job is working with MOST (Men Opposing Sex Trafficking) as their head of development.
Jared lives in the Atlanta area with his wife Tara and their two sons.
Board Member
Stuart joined Veterans Medical Supply, Inc. in 2022 as their new Vice President of Government Sales. He has been a part of the Medical Supply Industry for over 35 years. Previously, overseeing the sales for Invacare Corporation for the Department of Veterans Affairs. As part of his passion for our nation’s heroes, Stuart has been actively involved in sponsorship and participation in over 50 national veteran rehabilitation events throughout his career. Including: The National Veterans Wheelchair Games, National Veterans Golden Age Games, National Veterans Summer, and Winter Clinics. The Warrior Games and The Invictus Games. He also has served on The Department of Veterans Affairs National Advisory Committee. Stuart and his wife Connie have been married since 1984 and have enjoyed traveling together to help support these events. They are both active platelet donors and volunteer their time with the Kentucky Humane Society.
Josh McNeil
Chairman Emeritus
Athlete Advisory Board
Maggie Frederick (Smith) began climbing with Catalyst Sports but is now an avid adaptive mountain biker, road cyclist, and does kayaking with Catalyst Sports Atlanta. She travels monthly to mountain bike with the Asheville chapter. Because of Catalyst Sports Maggie has experienced outdoor climbing, tent camping, and kayaking. She is thankful for Catalyst Sports because it has helped her build confidence and step out of her comfort zone by going to mountain bike events on her own, without the support of Catalyst. When Maggie is not at a Catalyst event, you can find her camping and traveling to National Parks. She and her husband (11/17/24), Brad Smith (fellow Catalyst athlete who she met at her first Catalyst mountain bike event), have been to 14 National Parks so far! *picture by Blush & Berry Photography
PJ is 29 and lives in Chattanooga Tennessee. He has CP and when he's not being a personal trainer, climbing or riding hand cycles with Catalyst Sports, he is probably training for his next obstacle course race such as a Tough Mudder or Spartan. Earlier this year he became the first ever national champion in the seated athlete division for USA obstacle course racing.
Hello, Joe Pomeroy here from the Greenville, SC area. I sustained a T7 level spinal cord injury in June of 2013. I was introduced to handcycling in 2016. Once I bought my own handcycle, I haven't looked back and ride about 6,000 miles per year. The past few years I've added gravel handcycling into the mix along with road riding. I'm a bit of a technical geek so if you need tech support or help, reach out to me.
My name is Rachel Feldman. I live in Atlanta, Georgia. I have mild to moderate Dystonic Cerebral Palsy. I have participated in climbing, biking, and kayaking. My favorite of the three is climbing. I love attending climbing every Wednesday night. I didn’t know climbing, biking, and kayaking was accessible to me until I found Catalyst Sports in August of 2023. Catalyst Sports has and continues to have a positive impact on my life.
Sydney has been involved with Catalyst Sports since she was four years old. She has participated in rock climbing, biking, canoeing and white water rafting. Outside of Catalyst Sports, Sydney is a swimmer and also competes in adaptive track and field, where she is a national record holder in the 20m, discus and shot put.
Brian is a US Air Force Gulf War veteran and a Florida State University Alum. A career public servant and GA native, he retired in 2020 and relocated from FL to the Athen, GA area. In addition to being veteran peer supporter, he serves on the board of directors with the Brain Injury Association of Georgia.
His experience with the adaptive sports community began with Catalyst Sports in the spring of 2022, predominately in cyclingbut also indoor rock climbing, yoga, swimming, aquatic therapy,scuba diving, archery, air pistol/rifle, hiking, wheelchair 5k, golf, and weightlifting. Kayaking is next!
"I want to serve the adaptive sports community by being a passionate advocate and to inform and educate others to get off the couch!"
Natalie started climbing with the Greater DC Catalyst chapter in 2022. Since then, she has also participated in other adaptive sports, including cycling, wheelchair tennis, skiing, and paratriathlon. She is excited to be involved with the Athlete Advisory Board and advocate for the adaptive sports community.
Hi my name is Sperry. I have been an avid climber for the past 5 years. Transitioning from an able bodied volunteer to a climber has been a journey that has given me deep insight to how adaptive sports creates community. When I am off the wall you can find me playing with my labradoodle named Oliver or reading a good book!
My name is Erin Kline and I am originally from Green Bay, Wisconsin, but moved to Atlanta 6 years ago. I am a Senior Supply Chain Analyst, but in my free time I rock climb and play wheelchair tennis. Since moving to Atlanta, I have developed a passion for adaptive sports and Catalyst has helped me grow that passion. I am excited to be apart of this team!
Paul Humphries is a 65-year-old double below-knee amputee (DBKA) since July 19, 2023. He is a dedicated advocate for the limb loss and limb difference (LLLD) community, certified as a Lead Advocate by the Amputee Coalition and engaged in Georgia’s "So Everybody Can Move" campaign. By the end of November, Paul will also be a certified Peer Visitor, offering guidance to those navigating life with limb differences. He serves as the Volunteer Coordinator at The Haven Agape mission in Lafayette, Georgia, and actively participates with Catalyst Sports, enjoying adaptive activities like kayaking, mountain biking, climbing, rappelling, camping, and hiking. He is so thankful for how giving, sharing, supportive and loving this community is.
Nicoal is an individual who, as a part-time wheelchair user and with the assistance of a service dog, has been dedicated to advocating for the rights and accessibility of the disabled community in Georgia. Their pronouns are They/She. Nicoal's involvement in community programs, including the recent Atlanta Pride, highlights their commitment to being a voice for the disabled community. Notably, Nicoal has co-founded Woodstock Pride, an event in Woodstock, Georgia, intending to maximize accessibility within the city's guidelines. Nicoal started with Catalyst in 2022 or 23, with the Race ready team, They enjoyed it alot and cant wait to get out and cycle more. Nicoal is an active member with More Heart Than Scars a nonprofit that helps individuals with disabilities do OCRs.
I’ve been a Catalyst athlete since moving to the Asheville area in 2022. Since being diagnosed with a neuroimmune disorder called transverse myelitis in 2010, adaptive sports have been a way for me to stay active and find a community. Outside of Catalyst I enjoy cooking, tinkering with and riding bikes, playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs), and spending time with friends. I believe everyone should have access to the outdoors, including people with disabilities. Catalyst helps me be more comfortable trying out new ways to explore and be adventurous.
Stacey Samuel-O’Brien is from Trinidad & Tobago and lives in Tucker, GA. One day in 2018 on a whim, she called Central Rock Gym to ask whether they offered adaptive rock climbing. She was very surprised when she was referred to Gillian from Catalyst. She immediately signed up and quickly became an avid adaptive rock climber. Stacey thoroughly enjoys participating in Catalyst’s sports programs because of the camaraderie, encouragement and sense of togetherness she feels from other adaptive athletes and volunteers alike. Stacey loves (English) football and has been an Atlanta United season ticket holder from day one in 2017.
My name is Tai Parsley and I am a member of the Athlete Advisory Board for Catalyst Sports. I have participated and volunteered at some of the adaptive events that Catalyst Sports have provided in their Chattanooga location. I am currently a sophomore undergraduate student at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga studying Political Science (Comparative and International Studies Concentration). I want to see Catalyst Sports continue to grow and develop to give people that are disabled a platform and community for empowering and redefining boundaries. I truly believe that sports have the power to do that and more.
My name is Bob Knoeringer. I have a bachelor of arts degree in Mechanical Engineering degree and philosophy from Rutgers University and I have a master of applied science degree in computer science from the University of Denver. After 50 years as a Communications System Engineer, I retired to Duluth Georgia. I was a lifelong cyclist, but after several strokes, I was unable to continue road cycling. I joined the Alanta Catalyst adaptive cycling team and now ride a Catrike recumbent trike. I support other members of the team during our weekly rides.
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