about the foundation
Turning Passion Into Purpose
What began as a shared passion for sports has grown into a commitment to creating opportunities for every child in the DMV. We believe youth sports have the power to teach life skills, build confidence, and strengthen communities.
Our mission is to build futures through the power of play — supporting local organizations, creating inclusive opportunities, and inspiring the next generation of athletes and leaders.
Our vision is a future where every child in the DMV can play, grow, and thrive through youth sports.
Karl &
Mandy
Youth sports become a unifying force that strengthens families, schools, and communities across the region.
Lasting Impact
POWERING DREAMS
SHAPING COMMUNITIES
Every child, no matter their background or ability, has the opportunity to participate in sports.
Access for All
Local youth sports organizations have the resources and visibility to grow and sustain their programs.
Thriving Organizations
Sports serve as a platform to promote health, teamwork, and positive youth development.
Healthy Communities
Our vision
Life & Leadership Skills
Young athletes gain opportunities through sports, to build skills, confidence, and leadership that extend beyond the field.
PARTNERS
COMMUNITY
Partner with local organizations to understand their evolving challenges and provide resources that directly address their most pressing needs.
Listen & Respond
MAXIMIZING IMPACT
BUILDING CONNECTIONS
Strengthen relationships with current grantees by providing not just funds, but also visibility, mentorship, and opportunities for collaboration.
Deepen Partnerships
Grow the number of youth sports organizations supported across the DMV, reaching more children and communities each year.
Expand Impact
Grow our organization to include programs and events that bring people together around shared goals and a collective commitment to youth sports.
Fostering Connection & Engagement
Our goals
Ensure Sustainability
Build the Foundation’s capacity and resources so we can continue to invest in youth sports for generations to come.
WHO WE ARE
Meet the passionate leaders driving our foundation forward
Karl Alzner is a former professional ice hockey defenseman known for his unwavering reliability on the blue line. Drafted fifth overall by the Washington Capitals in the 2007 NHL Entry Draft, Alzner’s stellar career includes a notable stint with the Capitals, where he played a key role in the team’s defensive core.
Throughout his NHL journey, Karl showcased exceptional defensive prowess, earning a reputation as a dependable and gritty player. His commitment to the game and to his team was exemplified by an impressive ironman streak, a testament to both durability and dedication.
Beyond the rink, Alzner is recognized for his philanthropic efforts, contributing to various charitable causes and embodying the spirit of community engagement. As he transitions from professional play, Karl continues to inspire the next generation, leaving an enduring impact on and off the ice.
KARL'S
Bio
Mandy Alzner is a plant-based chef and the wife of former professional hockey player, Karl Alzner. As the longtime partner of an athlete known for his commitment to the community, Mandy has been an active participant in philanthropic initiatives alongside Karl.
While her public persona may not be as prominent as her husband’s, Mandy has played a vital role in supporting Karl’s career and contributions to the community.
Her dedication to charitable endeavors and healthy living has inspired and empowered others to embrace a more mindful lifestyle that focuses on both physical and mental well-being.
Through the development of the Alzner Foundation, Mandy hopes to provide access to youth sports and enrichment programs to encourage children to be active, value their physical and emotional wellbeing, build confidence and foster a sense of community.
MANDY'S
Bio
Jodie MacDougall is the Director of Community Engagement at the Alzner Foundation, where she leads initiatives to expand access to youth sports and build stronger community partnerships.
A former multi-sport athlete and experienced coach, Jodie has a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from StFX University and a background in program development, inclusive leadership, and event coordination. She is passionate about creating opportunities that make sports accessible, empowering, and impactful for communities.
JODIE'S
Bio
Glenda Smith is the Executive Director of So Kids SOAR, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth with physical and developmental disabilities to Strive, Own, Achieve, and Realize their Potential. She has provided innovative FREE programming for So Kids SOAR youth since 2011 and is invested in seeing each of SKS' participants grow and achieve their goals. Glenda is the mother of two amazing children: Lily and Cameron, which makes her appreciate the impact of youth programming even more these days. She is always looking for new ways to encourage her children to create through art, music, dance, and storytelling.
Glenda is a passionate philanthropist. Glenda first found her love of philanthropy when she interned for Women for Women International in 2008. That same year, she hosted her first fundraiser and shared stories of female entrepreneurship in war-torn countries. In 2009, she traveled to Ecuador to help build a school for underprivileged children. Since taking over So Kids SOAR, she has engaged hundreds of new volunteers, and empowered hundreds of children with disabilities. Glenda also freelances PR and event planning for local companies, which she leverages to raise money for other nonprofits in her spare time. Since 2010, she has helped raise over $100,000 for other local & international nonprofits.
GLENDA'S
Bio
Leigh Lewis is an experienced Fortune 100 operations executive, with over 25 years of driving business results for large and small consumer businesses. She excels in growth-driven leadership, powered via marketing, M&A, JVs & partnerships, and large-scale company integrations. She is passionate about youth sports and the positive impact it can have on kids, especially young girls, by helping them develop the life and leadership skills they will need to thrive as adults.
As an SVP at Marriott International, Leigh had global responsibility for online commerce, the online website and app portfolio and all direct-to-consumer experiences. Leigh was also the Chief Product and Customer Experience Officer for Audible, an Amazon company, where she led efforts to re-think listening experiences and the product portfolio, to drive revenue growth.
Prior to Marriott and Amazon, Leigh held a variety of executive leadership positions spanning corporate strategy, marketing, commerce, product management, M&A and innovation for several leading global corporations, including The Walt Disney Company, AOL Inc., IAC (InterActiveCorp), Bain & Company and KPMG.
Leigh earned her MBA from the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, and is an alumna of Dartmouth College. She resides in McLean Virginia, with her husband, daughter and two fur babies, where she has been active as a coach, board member and athlete parent in the town’s Little League and Youth Basketball organizations. She is thrilled to be working with the Alzner Foundation on the mission to Build Futures through the Power of Play.
LEIGH'S
Bio
Jennifer Meyett has been with Capital One for 27 years beginning as an Admin III in Richmond and working her way up to Principal Executive Assistant supporting the 14 members of the Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Jennifer is the President of HART for Animals, an animal welfare organization in the Deep Creek Lake area in Maryland. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband and dog.
JENNIFER'S
Bio
Dave Hofman is Fannie Mae’s Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer. He reports to the Chief Operating Officer and serves as a member of Fannie Mae’s Senior Leadership team.
Hofman is responsible for developing the HR strategy that enables Fannie Mae to meet its strategic goals and oversees the company’s HR function. He leads enterprise human capital strategy and planning, succession planning, talent acquisition, compensation and benefits, learning and development, workforce analytics and technology, and HR risk and operations.
Hofman has helped lead Fannie Mae’s HR organization in a variety of roles for almost 20 years. He most recently served as the company’s Senior Vice President, Human Capital Consulting & Talent, responsible for supporting our enterprise approach to organizational design and human capital strategy in addition to the oversight and strategic direction of Employee Experience, Talent Enablement and Culture & Surveys programs. Prior to that, he was Vice President, Human Capital Consulting and Talent.
Hofman has a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Pittsburgh. He has also completed executive coursework on Organizational Restructuring through Harvard Business School.
DAVE'S
Bio
Christi Main is a Director within Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks, where she leads global consulting operations and partners across teams to build scalable systems that support growth and impact. With more than a decade of experience in professional services and operations leadership, she is known for bringing structure, clarity, and collaboration to complex environments.
A former collegiate swimmer, Christi developed the discipline, resilience, and team-first mindset that continue to shape her leadership style today. Sports played a formative role in her life, teaching her the power of consistency, accountability, and community — and giving her opportunities that shaped her confidence and path forward. That experience drives her deep belief in creating access and support systems so others can benefit from the same sense of belonging and opportunity.
In addition to serving on the Board of the Alzner Foundation, Christi is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for So Kids SOAR and volunteers with Blood Cancer Unites (formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society). Across all her service work, she is passionate about helping mission-driven organizations grow thoughtfully, operate sustainably, and expand their impact.
Christi holds a Master of Studies in Law from the University of Southern California and lives in Washington, DC.
CHRISTI'S
Bio
Peter Robinson is a dedicated sports executive and community leader with over three decades of experience championing youth development and expanding access to sports. Currently serving as the Vice President of Business Development for Riley Sports, Peter brings a wealth of expertise in sports infrastructure and community engagement to the Alzner Foundation.
Peter’s deep commitment to youth athletics was forged during a distinguished 19-season tenure with the Washington Capitals. As the Director of Youth Hockey Development and Community Relations, he was a driving force behind the “Ovechkin effect” in the DMV area, overseeing programs that introduced more than one million students to the game of hockey. His work focused on breaking down barriers to entry and providing access to the game both on and off the ice.
Peter’s relationship with the Alzner family dates back to 2008, when Karl Alzner first joined the Washington Capitals from Hershey. Having worked closely with Karl and Mandy throughout their nine seasons in D.C., Peter witnessed firsthand their tireless dedication to philanthropy and community service.
Now, as a member of the Alzner Foundation’s Board of Directors, he is proud to help lead their mission to empower youth through the power of play, ensuring that every child - regardless of background - has the opportunity to thrive on and off the field, court, and ice.
PETER'S
Bio
Kaushik Rath is a Washington D.C.area attorney and real estate advisor with Compass, specializing in commercial, residential, and development transactions. He works closely with clients on complex transactions, bringing a strategic yet practical approach informed by both legal and market expertise. Known for his professionalism, discretion, and client-first mindset, Kaushik focuses on building lasting partnerships while delivering thoughtful, results-driven guidance across every engagement.
As a parent and philanthropist, Kaushik is deeply committed to expanding access, opportunity, and resources for children and families. Through his involvement with the Alzner Foundation, his objectives are to strengthen community partnerships, elevate awareness of the Foundation’s mission, and leverage his professional experience and network to support sustainable growth and meaningful impact. He also serves as General Counsel and a board member of So Kids Soar, an organization supporting children with developmental disabilities. Kaushik is committed to contributing his time, expertise, and energy toward creating meaningful opportunities for local youth.
KAUSHIK'S
Bio
Kristan King Nevins is a Senior Managing Director of Government Relations at Blackstone. Kristan helps navigate political, legislative, and regulatory risks for Blackstone and its portfolio companies, overseeing policy initiatives at all levels of government.
Prior to joining Blackstone, Kristan served in a variety of senior staff positions at the White House and on Capitol Hill, and her most recent public service was as the White House Cabinet Secretary. Prior to joining the White House, she was Chief of Staff to Congressman Will Hurd and Chief of Staff to Second Lady Karen Pence.
Before returning to public service in the Office of the Vice President, she was at SBD Advisors where she was Director of Strategy. Her national security credentials hail from the Central Intelligence Agency, where she worked on Middle East and North Africa transnational issues, including counter proliferation, counterterrorism and cyber operations. She also contributed to
building international partnerships and worked in the Agency’s Directorate of Intelligence. In these roles, Kristan briefed the National Security Council, senior State Department officials and Members of Congress and their staffs.
Prior to entering government service, Kristan was the Personal Aide and Chief of Staff to Former First Lady Barbara Bush. In this position, she managed all aspects of Mrs. Bush’s public and private engagements and routinely accompanied former President and Mrs. Bush on domestic and international trips. In addition to working for the Bush family, Kristan ran her own nonprofit consulting firm, and worked on government affairs at Dutko Worldwide. Kristan was also a financial analyst at J.P. Morgan.
Kristan holds a Masters in Business Administration from The University of North Carolina, Kenan-Flagler Business School and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University. She lives in Virginia with her husband and three children.
KRISTAN'S
Bio
Dave Abba retired from the U.S. Air Force in November 2024 as a Major General after more than 29 years in uniform. He brings a wealth of leadership experience from the fighter cockpit to the highest levels of the Department of Defense. In retirement, he is passionate about helping leaders and organizations excel and overcome their toughest challenges.
Dave grew up playing soccer, lacrosse, and hockey in Northern Virginia before attending the Air Force Academy. He appreciates and values the impact youth sports has on children which drew him to the Alzner Foundation. Dave continues to support our local community by coaching hockey at the Caps Hockey Academy.
DAVE'S
Bio
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