Leadership Team
Adam El Shazli, M.Ed., M.A.
Chief of Programs & Partnerships
Adam leads BUBA’s program strategy and partnerships, designing initiatives that promote equity, mentorship, and personal growth. With more than 20 years of experience in education, international program development, and community engagement, he drives innovation that expands opportunities for Baltimore youth. Passionate about creating lasting impact, Adam ensures BUBA empowers the next generation both on and off the field..
Tosha Lewis Hughes
Chief Strategy Officer
Tosha brings more than 20 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and scholarship management to BUBA. As Chief Strategy Officer, she oversees strategic growth, partnership development, and organizational planning. With a proven track record of managing multimillion-dollar initiatives and building sustainable collaborations, she is guiding BUBA into its next chapter of impact.
Andrew Weltlinger, CFA
Founder & Chief of Baseball Programming
Andrew founded the Baltimore Urban Baseball Association (BUBA) to empower underserved youth in Baltimore City. With 22 years in the financial sector as a Chartered Financial Analyst and leadership experience at Merrill Lynch, he has grown BUBA into a program serving over 2,300 athletes annually—providing free facilities, coaching, and mentorship that foster athletic and personal development.
Dondre “Don” Yon
Advisor & Community Engagement Specialist
Don brings over 18 years of playing, coaching, and mentoring experience to BUBA. A former Product Manager for Diamond Sports at Under Armour, he supports youth development through leadership workshops, mentorship, and community partnerships—helping inspire the next generation of leaders on and off the field.
David Upchurch
Special Advisor
David Upchurch is Special Advisor to BUBA and CEO of Game Plan, an organization focused on leadership and NIL education for student-athletes. A former West Virginia University standout and NFL player with the Pittsburgh Steelers, David now serves as an engineer at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. He brings deep experience in youth empowerment, leadership development, and mentoring student-athletes—alongside his role as father to rising Alabama baseball MLB prospect, Myles Upchurch.
COACHING TEAM
Marcus Smith
Lead Coach & ASL Specialist
Marcus has been part of BUBA programming for over five years, beginning as a high school student, continuing as a college athlete at Gallaudet University, and now serving as a coach, mentor, and teacher. With expertise across baseball and softball, Marcus specializes in ASL engagement, bringing leadership both on and off the field within the ASL community. He is deeply passionate about empowering players and creating meaningful connections through baseball, softball, and ASL, positively impacting lives throughout Baltimore.
Kellen Wallace
Head Coach & Player Development Leader
Kellen Wallace is a standout Baltimore athlete whose career began at Dunbar High School, where he led the state in hitting as a senior in 1998 with a remarkable .698 average. He earned All-City and Metro honors as both an outfielder and pitcher and received a full scholarship to Alabama A&M University. After returning to Baltimore, Kellen signed as a free agent with the Anaheim Angels organization in 1999. He now coaches multiple leagues at BUBA, mentoring players of all ages and exemplifying true leadership both on and off the field.