November Game Changer Spotlight: Jane Seder

Jane joined First Tee in 2019, driven by her passion for kids, golf, and giving back to the city of Chicago. As the Director of Development and Operations, Jane handles everything from fundraising and event planning to managing website content and overseeing finances. 

“I’m incredibly fortunate to learn from our CEO, Lea, whose mentorship has helped me grow both professionally and personally,” Jane says.

The most rewarding part of Jane’s job is seeing the direct impact on kids’ lives. “We’re helping kids build real-life skills they’ll carry with them forever,” she says. From memorable events like the Waveland Grand Opening and BMW Championship to planning the annual golf outing and silent auctions, Jane’s work brings the community together in meaningful ways.

Jane is particularly proud of helping create three youth facilities—Waveland Youth Facility ($2.2 million), Harborside Youth Learning Center ($300,000), and the Youth Campus at Canal Shores ($500,000)—which provide safe, welcoming spaces for kids to grow and learn. 

Looking ahead, Jane hopes to help the organization raise over $2 million in 2025 to continue expanding First Tee’s reach and creating more opportunities for youth. 

“Building relationships and connecting people to a cause I believe in is what makes my job truly meaningful.”