Kent Gold

President

Kent, a native of Spokane, Washington graduated from Washington State University in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering.  Kent continued his studies at Seattle University where he received his MBA in 1991.

After a career with Boeing as a Product Manager, Kent started Arena Sports in Seattle, Washington in 1995 and served as its President for 6 years.  Kent sold his interest in 2001 and returned to Spokane, Washington along with his wife and children.  Kent is currently President of Gold Sports Consulting, Founder and President of SoccerTots Inc., and Founder and President of SoccerTouch.  SoccerTots and SoccerTouch are currently operating in over 140 locations around the U.S. and several international locations.

Kent is an active member of the Spokane community and serves as a member of SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives).  Kent also serves as an Elder for his Church.  Kent is honored to serve as President of the Board of Directors for Jackson Sports Academy.  Kent has seen firsthand the importance of providing children with the opportunity to participate in sports, and understands the value in educating youth on the importance of proper nutrition and physical activity.

 

 

 

 

 

Dawn Hirakawa Shuster

Treasurer

Dawn a native of Seattle, Washington and a graduate of the University of Chicago, majored in Sociology and Economics.  Dawn also spent a year studying at the London School of Economics.   She later returned to the University of Chicago and earned her MBA in Finance. 

After a rewarding career working in the information technology department for Morgan Stanley in New York City and working in marketing management for Sara Lee and Nestle, Dawn resigned from her position to become a full time stay-at- home mother and raise her two children.  Since moving to Spokane, Washington with her husband Dr. John Shuster, an orthopedic surgeon,  and their two children, Dawn has been an active member of the Spokane community.  Dawn has served on several boards and committees for her local PTA, faith organization and boy scout pack.  She’s also served for many years as the Girl Scout troop leader for her daughter’s troop.

Dawn was searching for a way to be part of an organization that helped children in need.  The mission of the Jackson Sports Academy is a perfect fit for her.  She believes that positive role models, consistent encouragement, and participation in sports have the potential to transform a child’s self-esteem, resulting in a brighter future.  She feels that it will be very rewarding to touch the lives of so many children that may have never experienced a sports camp during their lifetime due to income limitations.   The fact that children of lower economic backgrounds are able to attend with almost no financial obligation makes her proud to be a part of such an unique organization.
 

 

 

 

 

Lisa Swanson

Secretary

Lisa, a native of Brentwood, California grauated from Duke University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biological Anthropology and Anatomy.  She continued her studies at Northern Arizona University, where she received a Master of Science degree in Biology in 2003.  Lisa is currently employed as a Natural Resource Scientist with PBS Engineering + Environmental.

Lisa began her involvement in sports at an early age, participating with the middle school track and field team while still in elementary school. Lisa went on to compete in track and field for Liberty Union High School, where she became the first female pole vaulter in the school’s history.  She also earned MVP honors for three seasons in track and field. Lisa continued her track and field career at Duke University. Lisa competed at the varsity level all four years as a pole vaulter and a heptathlete.  Once again, Lisa made school history by becoming Duke University’s first female pole vaulter.

Lisa moved to Spokane, Washington in 2006 with her husband Brook, who is an Assistant Professor at Gonzaga University, and their toddler son.  As a teen, Lisa understood the importance of getting involved in her community.  As a way of giving back, Lisa worked as a track and field coach for middle school athletes and volunteered her time as a counselor at Girl Scout camp.  Lisa understands first-hand how involvement in organized sports activities with positive role models benefits kids, both physically and emotionally.  Lisa has enjoyed establishing a family in Spokane and is pleased to have the opportunity to support the children of the community by serving on the board of Jackson Sports Academy.