Board of Directors

David L. Rivers

BOARD PRESIDENT

B.A. Degree in Psychology, Minor in Computers Applications from Notre Dame University. Over 25 years of int’l business relationship development experience.

Nathaniel Japhta

BOARD TREASURER

B.S. Degree in Accounting from Stellenbosch University, South Africa and United States Certified Public Accountant. Served KPMG and PWC.

CDelois Rivers

BOARD SECRETARY

B.S. Degree in Political Science, Minor Degree in African American History, and M.S. Degree in Community and Trauma Counseling, Thomas Jefferson University of Philadelphia, PA.

Executive Directors

Nathaniel Japhta

Chief Financial Officer

Nathaniel Japhta is a seasoned finance professional and entrepreneur renowned for his exceptional blend of strategic acumen, financial expertise, and technological prowess. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Stellenbosch University, where they laid the foundation for his deep understanding of finance and operations. Early in his career, He honed his business skills in positions at KPMG and PWC respectively.

He qualified as a chartered accountant after completing his articles. As a serial entrepreneur and social impact enthusiast, Nathaniel had a desire to identify market gaps and create solutions with real-world impact. His ventures spanned diverse sectors including fintech, education, sports and consulting, showcasing his adaptability and foresight in harnessing trends for maximum business advantage. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Nathaniel has been actively involved in the non-profit sector over 10 years. Education and sport has been a core focus and passion as evidenced by his SAICA top 35 under 35 Influence award.

Garland Walton

Philanthropy Funding Director

Garland is a nonprofit and philanthropic expert with extensive experience in the nonprofit and government sectors. Her work on education issues in the Illinois Senate led her to work on Stamford’s then-Mayor Dan Malloy's first campaign. Garland’s education and youth work while on Malloy’s staff, brought her to Domus, a Connecticut nonprofit helping young people facing severe adversity and trauma, where she worked for over 15 years. Garland was the organization’s first development director, appointed in 2001: Domus was raising no private money then, and $6M annually when she left in late 2016 to begin consulting.

In 2016, Garland received the award for Outstanding Fundraising Professional at Connecticut AFP’s National Philanthropy Day. The AFP Outstanding Fundraising Professional honors an outstanding individual fundraising professional who works full-time for a nonprofit or charitable organization and practices his/her profession in an exemplary manner. Garland’s current work focuses on crafting and driving fundraising strategy, copywriting and copy editing for market and fundraising, coaching fundraising staff, and implementing social media content and engagement.

Themis Karvountzis

Marketing & CSR Director

Themis is an experienced professional in the field of sports and corporate social responsibility with more than 15 years in the industry, 10 years of which on managerial level. His most recent roles were in the FIBA Regional Office of Asia. Where he worked as an Operational Manager for the creation of the West Asia Super League, as well as Head of Sustainability, collaborating with multiple National Basketball Federations in the region.

Themis has also served as Head of Sponsorships in Sports & Betting Industry, GM & CBO in Panathinaikos BC Euroleague Club, as well as a Chief Strategy Officer for Active Media Group, Sports Marketing & Sports Consulting firm.

He earned his Masters of Professional Studies in Sports Industry Management, Georgetown University 2011, Master in Business Administration (MBA), The University Of Toledo, 2008, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), Technological Educational Institute of Athens.

Pierre Bressant

Programs & HR Director

Pierre is a Championship Coach, and former player of professional basketball, achieving success at every level. He brings a full circle approach to projects and performance sustainability. Well versed in systems strategic thinking dynamics for specific outcomes of Winning, in life, academic achievement and in sports.

Mr. Bressant, in 1981, received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University in Tempe, Arizona, U.S.A.

He holds several other Degrees, including a Masters Degree in General Management of Professional Team Sports from University of Limoge France.

He served as an Ambassador for Turkish Airlines Euroleague Professional Basketball, working in CSR Programs for youth and economically disadvantaged communities, serving with distinction.