Advisory Board
Board Composition and Contributions
BUBA’s Board of Directors is a diverse group of professionals with expertise in finance, operations, coaching, and athletics. Each member brings unique strengths and experiences that collectively drive BUBA’s mission of transforming the lives of Baltimore’s youth. Together, they provide governance, strategic planning, and program development, ensuring the organization remains a beacon of opportunity and inspiration for underserved communities.
Tyrone Brooks
Senior Director, Front Office and Field Staff Diversity Pipeline Program at Major League Baseball
Tyrone Brooks is a leading figure in advancing diversity in professional baseball. Since 2016, he has directed MLB’s initiative to increase representation of women and people of color in front office and on-field roles. His efforts have reshaped hiring practices across the league. Before joining MLB’s central office, Brooks worked nearly 20 years in operations for the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Guardians, and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also founded the Baseball Industry Network, a LinkedIn community of over 38,000 baseball professionals, serving as a key resource for career development and networking. Brooks is active on SABR’s board and a sought-after speaker on equity and leadership in sports.
John Kutcher
Founder and CEO, DICORP, Inc.
John Kutcher is a multifaceted leader blending entrepreneurship, technology, coaching, and philanthropy. An alumnus of Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Electrical Engineering and a PhD in Computer Science, John serves as Assistant Baseball Coach and Alumni Coordinator at JHU. He founded DICORP, Inc., a software technology firm incubating startups and supporting nonprofits, and leads DI CORP Equity Partners, a tech investment fund. John also founded Baseball 4 Causes, a nonprofit that leverages baseball and technology for community impact, and The Kutcher Foundation, focused on mentorship and education. Formerly a Maryland Semi-Pro player and father to a JHU baseball alum, John is dedicated to inclusive youth development and philanthropy.
Miguel U. Lambert
Founder and CEO, The Bulldog Group
Miguel Lambert leads The Bulldog Group, a certified MBE/DBE freight and logistics company operating across the mid-Atlantic. Founded in 2007, the company provides full-service freight hauling, aggregate material supply, excavation support, and fleet management with 25–100 employees and $1–10 million in annual revenue. Miguel holds certifications from MDOT, WMATA, NMSDC, and NYDOT, enabling government and municipal contracts. He earned his B.S. from Georgetown University and previously worked in finance and investment roles, reviewing hundreds of investment opportunities. Miguel is focused on data-driven operations, tech-enabled fleet management, and strategic growth in consulting.
Chris Rollins
Partner, The Alliance Group
Chris Rollins brings over 15 years of experience in executive search and leadership advising, specializing in senior roles across corporate, nonprofit, and public sectors. At The Alliance Group, a premier retained search firm in the D.C. area, Chris partners with boards and executives to identify leaders who embody organizational mission and culture. He is deeply committed to building diverse and inclusive leadership teams, advising clients on equitable hiring and succession planning. Beyond recruiting, Chris mentors emerging leaders and engages in community initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for under-represented groups. He is based in Vienna, VA, and is well connected in the DC leadership ecosystem.
Edwin Thompson
Head Baseball Coach, Georgetown University
Edwin Thompson has led Georgetown University’s baseball program since 2020, bringing over 16 years of collegiate coaching experience from institutions like Eastern Kentucky and Bates College. Known for his focus on player development and team culture, Thompson has propelled Georgetown to national recognition, especially for maintaining one of the most diverse and inclusive Division I rosters. He is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in college athletics, actively recruiting and mentoring players from underrepresented communities. As a former collegiate outfielder and USA Baseball coach, Thompson’s leadership fosters high-character athletes who succeed on and off the field.
Kenny Woods
CEO, Gamefinder 365
Kenny Wood, father of Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, to our Advisory Board. A former professional basketball player in Europe and University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Kenny now applies his leadership skills in business and community ventures while staying deeply involved in youth sports. His wide-ranging experience—from collegiate athletics to professional competition and family mentorship—brings valuable guidance as BUBA develops programs that cultivate talent, character, and opportunity for Baltimore’s scholar-athletes.
Tyler Banks
Founder & CEO, Charm City Builders
Tyler Banks, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Charm City Builders, proudly serves on the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association’s (BUBA) Advisory Board. A U.S. Marine veteran and recipient of the Baltimore Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 and SmartCEO Circle of Excellence awards, Tyler has led Charm City Builders since 2011, revitalizing Baltimore one home at a time. His company purchases properties in cash and restores them to vibrant use, strengthening neighborhoods and simplifying “as is” sales through his innovative online platform, REXTAR, launched in 2020. Deeply committed to service, Tyler also organizes neighborhood clean-ups and partners with youth associations and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. His leadership in real estate and community engagement brings invaluable perspective and purpose to BUBA’s mission of empowering scholar-athletes on and off the field.
Matt Swope
Head Baseball Coach, University of Maryland
BUBA proudly welcomes Kenny Wood, father of Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, to our Advisory Board. A former professional basketball player in Europe and University of Richmond Athletic Hall of Fame inductee, Kenny now applies his leadership skills in business and community ventures while staying deeply involved in youth sports. His wide-ranging experience—from collegiate athletics to professional competition and family mentorship—brings valuable guidance as BUBA develops programs that cultivate talent, character, and opportunity for Baltimore’s scholar-athletes.
Chris Wilson
CEO, CuttleFish
Chris Wilson is a self-taught multidisciplinary artist whose vibrant, abstract works explore themes of resilience, often drawing on his experience in solitary confinement. His exhibitions have appeared from Washington, D.C. to New York City, including the impactful “I Can Show You the Way Out” series. Chris is the author of The Master Plan: My Journey from Life in Prison to a Life of Purpose, chronicling his personal transformation. He founded The Chris Wilson Foundation, which supports returning citizens with education, financial literacy, and social-empathy programs. A vocal advocate for criminal justice reform, Chris uses his art and foundation to raise awareness and promote systemic change.
George Vakalopoulos
Owner, VAKO Logistics LLCS
George Vakalopoulos founded VAKO Logistics LLC, a regional freight and delivery service operating under multiple business names. His fleet of about 20 drivers serves interstate routes across the mid-Atlantic, specializing in general freight, household goods, and tanker shipments. George maintains a strong safety record and leverages leased trucks for flexible operations. Prior to launching VAKO in 2021, he gained experience with Amazon, where he managed transportation operations for five years, and held logistics roles at Target. His expertise lies in supply chain, freight, and regional transportation management.
Corey Sanders
Senior Trial Attorney, U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division
Corey Sanders has served over 18 years in the Civil Rights Division’s Special Litigation Section, leading investigations and litigation on police and jail practices across the country. His notable work includes investigations into the Minneapolis Police Department following the George Floyd case, and civil rights violations in multiple jurisdictions resulting in consent decrees and injunctions. Corey has successfully closed several pattern-or-practice investigations with agencies in Louisiana, Florida, Ohio, and beyond. He is also an active member of the Department of Justice Association of Black Attorneys and serves as a Regional Defense Counsel in the U.S. Army Reserve.