Game Changers: UWG Athletic Foundation Adds Local Leaders to Board of DirectorsShare this page
With a shared passion for student-athlete success and a wealth of experience in business, health and philanthropy, three individuals have joined the University of West Georgia Athletic Foundation, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed momentum to its board of directors.
Joining this Pack of supporters in 2025 are Rob Cason, Kelly Forrest ’07 ’10, Jesse Marinko ’04 ’05 and Tony Tritt. Each will serve an initial three-year term.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Rob, Kelly, Jesse and Tony to the UWG Athletic Foundation board,” said Allyson Bretch, CEO of UWG’s foundations and vice president for university advancement. “They join a board of leaders who bring heart, experience and a deep commitment to helping students succeed in the classroom, in competition and in life.”
Cason, owner of 1881 Wine, said he sees the potential and vision of UWG Athletics, especially as the program is evolving.
“Transitioning from Division Two to Division One is a tough task, but we’re in the position to excel,” he added. “We’re less than an hour away from the world’s busiest airport. We have logistics, a great Carrollton government and an outstanding UWG administration. It’s a win-win-win, and I’m so excited to see the growth and pride. I’m ready to howl!”
Forrest – a double alumna with degrees from UWG’s Tanner Health School of Nursing and the Dr. James 'Earl' Perry College of Mathematics, Computing and Sciences – is a cardiology nurse practitioner with Tanner Health.
“I was inspired to become more involved in my immediate community to help create a long-lasting positive impact for future generations,” she shared. “I’m most excited about finally being in a position in my life to have the time, ability and support to commit to giving back to UWG.”
The enthusiasm and buzz around the university’s elevation to Division I athletics inspired Marinko’s effort to join the board, connect with the Football Alumni Network and support efforts to provide scholarship assistance.
“My wife, Heather, and I are alumni of UWG Athletics – Heather played volleyball, and I was the team captain for football,” said Marinko, founder and president of Phoenix Senior Living. “We are both grateful for our experiences as student-athletes. We made lifelong friends, and we have much gratitude for our coaches and professors. We are both very proud of UWG and are excited to see our university grow and prosper.”
Having worked in construction all his life, Tony Tritt, CEO and inspirational leader of the Tritt Family of Companies, knows how much a strong foundation matters and calls the appointment “a full-circle moment and a future-driven opportunity.”
“I’ve always believed that athletics, like business and life, is a proving ground for character, where teamwork, perseverance and discipline are built and tested,” he explained. "UWG Athletics is shaping future leaders, and to be a part of that legacy and contribute to something that transcends the scoreboard is very meaningful to me.”
For more information about the UWG Athletic Foundation or how to make a gift in support of the university, please visit Give West. Join Wolves fans to see UWG Athletics in action this fall! Visit uwgathletics.com/calendar for a full schedule of games and events.