Steve Cook, Kroc Director
steve.cook@uss.salvationarmy.org | 864.527.5948
Steve Cook has been an integral part of The Salvation Army Kroc Center since its conception. He served on the executive committee that proposed the Kroc Tennis Center as a venue of the overall project. Upon the opening in 2011, Cook was named Director of Tennis of the 16 court facility. During his five years at the tennis center, Cook brought the tennis center numerous accolades including SC-‐‑USTA Member Facility of the Year and USTA National Facility of the year. The tennis center has 700 members, hosts over 200 USTA league teams annually and is operated by a staff of 20; eight of which are teaching pros. Formerly, Cook owned an independent real estate brokerage firm in Greenville. Earlier in his career he was a national sales manager for a publicly traded mortgage company. He has served as a teaching pro, high school coach, NCAA college coach and also a Director of Tennis at resorts and country clubs in Michigan, Florida, North Carolina and West Virginia. Cook holds a marketing degree from The University of West Florida.
Anibal Braga, Director of Tennis
anibal.braga@uss.salvationarmy.org
Anibal Braga was hired as the Head Tennis Professional at the Kroc Center when it opened in July of 2011 and now serves as the Director of Tennis. He played varsity tennis for Auburn University Montgomery, where he earned a marketing degree and an MBA. His teams won two National NAIA titles in 1995 and 1996. He served as Assistant Tennis Coach at Auburn Montgomery (1996-1997), and at Clemson (1998-2001). For the next nine years, he was the Director of Tennis at Green Valley Country Club in Greenville, SC. Anibal is a PTR Professional and a Senior Tennis Instructor at the Clemson Tennis Camp, as well as a Certified Yoga Instructor. In 2017, Anibal was named USTA South Carolina John Newcomb Tennis Pro of the Year.
Patty Lauritzen, Kroc Tennis House Manager
patty.lauritzen@uss.salvationarmy.org
Patty was born and raised in Lafayette Hill, PA, and earned a BS Secondary Education/BS Psychology from West Chester State University. She managed and originated construction and residential lending for major bankers in South Florida from 1984-2000. Patty has been the Kroc Tennis House Manager since our inception in July 2011. Patty is “married to the best guy in the world,” and their two children are now studying at USC.
Geoffrey Schneider, Executive Chef and Director of Events
geoffrey.schneider@uss.salvationarmy.org
A graduate of Davidson College, a Culinary Arts grad of Johnson & Wales, and the owner of The Traveling Peddler, Geoff Schneider brings new energy and ideas to one of the best venues in Downtown Greenville, The Kroc Center. As the leader of our events team, Geoff is eager to work with new clients to create innovative, healthy, and delicious menus to enhance your event experience. Geoff has a strong history and a great reputation in catering. For business meetings, an intimate event, or the social of the year, Geoff and his staff will surpass your expectations.
Mike Burdine, Executive Director of the Salvation Army Boys & Girls Club
mike.burdine@uss.salvationarmy.org | 864.235.6047 | Watch Video
Mike Burdine has been employed by The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club for 26 years. He is a product of The Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club. After graduating from the SC Criminal Justice Academy and serving as a uniform patrolman for Greenville City Police Department, he realized that his calling was working with the youth of Greenville County. Mike has received several awards over the years for his work with Youth, Schools, Churches and Law Enforcement. Mike has served as both Vice President/President of the School Improvement Committee, was on the board for four years at Greenville Technical Charter High School, served on the Release Time Board and is a previous president of the PTA at Blythe Academy.
Allen Dill, Wellness Director
allen.dill@uss.salvationarmy.org
Allen Dill has been a member of the Kroc family since 2010, save for 9 months of traveling with his wife completing missions work. Allen has a dedication to the betterment of other’s lives, which he carries out through Fitness programs, and is bolstered by his leadership experiences. Getting his start in youth programming, Allen managed various summer camps, after-school youth programs, and teen programs for 8 years. Upon receiving an ACE Personal Trainer certification, Allen assisted in the opening of a fitness facility, where he worked as a trainer for several years. He then completed his bachelors in Physical Education from USC Upstate, joining the Kroc’s Sports and Homeschool Programs shortly thereafter. Allen has since become our Wellness Director and is an advocate for all of our member’s health. Visit Allen and the Fitness staff to strengthen your fitness plans.
Bryan Hayes, Athletic Director
bryan.hayes@uss.salvationarmy.org
Bryan Hayes graduated from SWU, where he played soccer and golf, and served a role as student body president. Later, Bryan came back to SWU as a recruiter, and then as head coach of the men’s and women’s cross-country teams for 4 years. Bryan also worked at the Salvation Army Boys and Girls Club in Greenville for 14 years, and served as Athletic Director for 11 years and Program Director for three years. Bryan has a passion to reach children and make a difference in their lives. Bryan now serves as Sports Manager at the Kroc Center.