Steven James
Steven understands extensively how sport engenders not just physical attributes, but social skills, the desire to succeed in life and builds relationships and networks. His life as a pilot taught not just teamwork, but also to be a diplomat and a representative of an organisation. He brought these skills to Atlas, helping establish its work in Argentina.
Steve is honoured to take on the role of Trustee and Board Member of Atlas USA, eagerly getting involved with both governance, plus charitable project development and monitoring, as Atlas expand their North American reach, hoping to improve the lives of so many young men and women through the power of rugby.
Suzy Fox
Suzy Fox is an American living and working in London. She has relationships with both the Kenyan and Ugandan rugby fraternities and has witnessed the power of rugby in transforming lives so joining Atlas was a natural fit. Suzy now hopes to help disadvantaged youth in America by helping extend Atlas’s reach there.
In addition to her charitable pursuits, Suzy’ love of East Africa also extends to wildlife conservation and she is the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Uganda Conservation Foundation.
Jon Passmore
Dan Canfield
Dan has had a long and successful relationship with rugby, playing for the Dallas Reds in 1999 before moving to Kansas and the KC Blues. He also played for several teams in the UK before retiring from the game. Dan is putting his energies into helping young players from all backgrounds develop in this great sport, recognizing the value of rugby’s ethos in developing strong community-focused individuals.
Lisa Andrews Hobart
Lisa first saw rugby as a sophomore at Princeton University and still counts playing flanker on Princeton’s 1995 National Championship team among her proudest moments. Though she traded in her boots upon graduation for a career in marketing, she’s been an active PUWRFC alum, youth coach, stepmother to two rugby players, and – along with her husband, who played and coached rugby at the U.S. Air Force Academy – a frequent attendee at rugby matches across the U.S. and abroad.
Lisa is thrilled to bring her marketing and communications background to Atlas USA’s board as we aim to connect many more American kids with this uniquely empowering sport–and all the opportunities it affords.
Jeff Ulmer
During his college days at the U.S. Air Force Academy, Jeff was first introduced to the wonderful world of rugby and its culture. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in English, he served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force. He later earned a Master of Arts and returned to the Academy as an assistant professor in English. While there he managed both the men’s and women’s rugby programs and worked as a developmental coach for the men. After his retirement, Jeff’s passion for Rugby continues as he and his wife Lisa, also a former rugger, strive to support rugby in the USA. Jeff’s background as an Officer, both a military and commercial pilot, and in English academia, shaped his critical communication, problem solving, and teamwork skills. He is excited to utilize these skills to assist in enhancing young lives through the culture of rugby.