Meet the Snider Leadership Team

It means the world to me, when I think of the thousands of young people that have come through our program who have learned the importance of staying in school, staying out of trouble with the law, and growing up to become productive citizens.

Scott Tharp was named President/CEO of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in May 2007. He formerly served as the Executive Director of Arthur Ashe Youth Tennis and Education, which for many years has been a national model for youth enrichment programming. With a similar mission to Snider, this organization is known for providing quality tennis and educational programming to thousands of children, many coming from underserved inner-city communities. Scott is devoted to public service and has long believed that sport can be a powerful force in youth development – when coupled with the delivery of life skills and academic programming, the return in social capital is immeasurable.

Scott attended Old Dominion University and the College of William & Mary where he majored in Communication. He obtained a graduate certificate in Public Administration at Wilmington University. Scott is a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He currently serves as an officer on the Board of Directors of the Goals & Assists Foundation, a 501 c 3 non-profit devoted to providing post-secondary scholarships to deserving Snider students. He also is a Trustee of the Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education Support Organization and the Chairman of the PTR Foundation, which is the charitable arm of the Professional Tennis Registry. Scott has served as an advisor for the Sports Management programs at Queens University and Methodist University, and on the Board of Directors for USTA/Middle States. He was inducted into the Unites States Tennis Association/Middle States Hall of Fame in 2015 and was the 2007 recipient of Thomas Jacoby Service Award from the Philadelphia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance. Scott can be reached at [email protected].

Jan Koziara joined Snider in January of 2007 and currently serves as EVP & COO. He leads the Snider Program Team, a group of 180 people dedicated to the mission of providing opportunities for students to prosper in life.

Jan grew up playing hockey in the streets and rinks of Philadelphia.  He was fortunate to be coached by several of the 1970s era Philadelphia Flyers from whom he learned tenacity, teamwork, and how to come out of the corner with the puck.  He went on to play, and then coach, Division III College Ice Hockey at Tufts University.  While at Tufts, he earned a B.A in Economics with a certificate in Community Health, and an M.A. in Economics with a focus on Finance and Game Theory.  Prior to joining Snider, Jan worked as a management consultant in Boston and New York, advising clients in the power and gas industries on price forecasting, asset valuation, and change management.

In 2010, Jan was certified as a USA Hockey Master Coach (Level 5) after writing a thesis that investigated ways Snider could implement USA Hockey’s Athletic Development Model. Jan is also a graduate of the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Program. He lives with his family in West Philadelphia and can be reached at [email protected].

“Similar to many students in our program, it was the robust athletic offerings that drew me in to Snider — but our mission’s emphasis on academics and life skills that kept me here.  Our student-athletes’ successes are both inspiring and motivating and I feel very fortunate to play a small role in their journeys.”

Katy Hsieh joined Ed Snider Youth Hockey & Education in 2015 and serves as Senior Vice President, Development. An advocate for youth development through sport and education, Katy is responsible for overseeing all fundraising and development functions of Snider including donor engagement, grant and corporate partner management, and planning and directing major fundraising and programmatic events.

She also facilitates scholarship funding and tax credit programs for the organization.

Prior to arriving at Snider, Katy worked at Rodney Street Tennis & Tutoring Association, the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, and the National MS Society. She earned a Sports Philanthropy Executive Certificate from George Washington University and a Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communication from Duquesne University.

In her free time, when Katy isn’t chasing around her two kids, she enjoys paddle boarding, reading and gardening. She lives in Bucks County, PA with her husband and two daughters. Katy can be reached at [email protected].

Chris Newton joined Snider in 2007 and currently serves as Vice President, Postsecondary Success & Program Support. In this role, Chris oversees all of the Foundation’s scholarship programs and career development initiatives. He also manages several integral functional areas including human resources, professional development, content engagement, community resources, and is involved with planning numerous special events throughout the year.

Prior to arriving at Snider, Chris completed his graduate studies at the University of Louisville, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Master’s Degree in Sport Administration. He also holds a Bachelor of Commerce Degree in Finance and a Certificate in Human Resource Management from Saint Mary’s University. In 2010, Chris attained the Level 4-Advanced Level Coaching certificate from USA Hockey and continues to coach with Snider.

Chris is a native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia and grew up playing hockey for the Cole Harbour Wings. When he is away from the office and rink, Chris enjoys spending time with family, traveling, and playing golf. He currently resides in South Jersey with his wife and two sons. Chris can be reached at [email protected].

Dan Rudd joined Snider in 2006 and currently serves as Vice President, Program Delivery. In this role, he oversees the various age-based programs Snider offers at numerous rinks around the Philadelphia region. These include Learn to Skate, Learn to Play, Snider Hockey League (SHL), Travel Hockey, Summer Camps, Academic, and Life Skills programs among others. Additionally, Dan is also involved with special events related to growing the game and oversees the Snider coaching staff across all rinks.

Prior to joining Snider, Dan attended DeSales University where he played four years on the school’s hockey team and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Sport Management. He has completed multiple USA Hockey certifications including the Level 5 Master Coaching Certification in 2013 and the Hockey Director Certification course in 2015.

Dan is a native of Cinnaminson, NJ and when not at the rink he enjoys attending concerts, traveling and exploring the Philadelphia culinary scene. He lives in South Philadelphia with his wife and various pets. Dan can be reached at [email protected].

Sam Napierkowski joined Snider in 2013 as an intern and currently serves as Director, Postsecondary Success. In this role, she oversees all supports for secondary and postsecondary planning, to scholarships for high school, college, and trade school. Sam also supports career development for Snider students and alumni.

Prior to arriving at Snider, Sam graduated Magna Cum Laude from University of Pennsylvania. She earned her Bachelor’s in Urban Studies. Since she was a teenager, Sam has been passionate about working to improve educational opportunities for all Philadelphia students.

Sam is a native of Philadelphia, PA and enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her dog in her spare time. Sam can be reached at [email protected].

Gil Schaffer joined Snider in 2011 and currently serves as Director, Age Based Programs.  In this role, he oversees the creation and implementation of age-appropriate programs designed for students across all rinks at all ages to benefit from robust programs designed to help students build character, achieve academic success, and develop as hockey players.

Prior to arriving at Snider, Gil graduated from Rutgers University with a degree in Exercise Science and Sport Studies. At Rutgers, Gil was named team captain following his sophomore season and led the team to its first two ACHA – Division 1 National Championships appearances. Gil is a USA Hockey Level 5 Master certified coach and was named the 2019 USA Hockey Atlantic District Youth Coach of the Year.

Gil is a native of Hamilton, NJ and enjoys making homemade pizza, trips to the beach and quality time with his wife Alyse and son Carter in his spare time. Gil can be reached at [email protected].

Bridgett Wilkerson joined Snider in 2021 and currently serves as Manager, Community Outreach. Bridgett’s primary focus is to recruit new students into the After School Excellence Program, along with building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders in the communities where Snider rinks are located.

Prior to arriving at Snider, Bridgett spent numerous years working in the Philadelphia public and charter schools as a Teacher, Case Manager, Learning Support Specialist, and Project Manager. Bridgett is a graduate of the Cheyney University of Pennsylvania where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English.

Bridgett is a native of Philadelphia and enjoys traveling, spending time with family, and visiting new restaurants in her spare time. Bridgett can be reached at [email protected].