About Us

Why We Exist

Why Tuck and Run Foundation Exists

The WHY of Tuck and Run Foundation is to give every young person the chance to ‘tuck’ away their potential and ‘run’ toward purpose, resilience, and leadership. Too many youth, especially those in transitional or under-supported stages of life, struggle to find stable guidance, positive role models, and clear pathways toward success.
Tuck and Run Foundation exists because talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not. We bridge that gap through mentorship, athletic discipline, and community leadership, transforming moments of struggle into movements of growth.
Our WHY is simple: To ensure every young person in Las Vegas has someone in their corner, a coach, a mentor, a team showing them how to turn potential into purpose.

What Problem We’re Addressing

The PAIN that Tuck and Run Foundation addresses is the disconnection and lack of consistent mentorship that many youth face during their most formative years (7th–12th grade). This pain manifests as lost direction, low self-esteem, and limited access to tools that foster lifelong success.
In Las Vegas, where transient lifestyles and social challenges affect youth stability, many young people drift between programs without long-term guidance. The pain is not the absence of talent; it’s the absence of sustained, caring investment.

How Tuck and Run Foundation Provides Hope and Structure

The CURE is consistent mentorship over time. Tuck and Run Foundation builds a six-year journey that begins in 7th grade and continues through graduation, not just a one-time camp, but a continuum of growth.
Our approach includes:
The cure is the presence of consistent, positive mentors who teach youth how to turn their potential into purpose.

The Metrics — Measurables

We use data-driven KPIs to evaluate our impact:
Category Key Metrics Desired Outcome
Engagement # of youth enrolled, retention rates Continuous involvement from 7th–12th grade
Education GPA, attendance, graduation rate Academic accountability and success
Behavioral Confidence, teamwork, resilience surveys Improved social-emotional wellbeing
Leadership Volunteer hours, mentorship roles Creating peer leaders and advocates
Career Pathways Post-graduation placements College, trade, or workforce readiness
Community Impact # of partners, alumni participation Sustained ecosystem of support
Health & Wellness Program participation, self-reports Strengthened physical and mental health
This framework defines not just what we do, but why we do it and how we know we’re making a difference. It is the heartbeat of the Tuck and Run Foundation’s mission to guide youth toward purpose, resilience, and leadership.

Core Values

At Tuck and Run Foundation, our core values guide how we serve youth, partner with communities, and uphold our mission every day.

Empowerment

Cultivating confidence and leadership skills in every young person we serve.

Excellence

Striving for the highest standard in all our programs, partnerships, and initiatives.

Integrity

Building trust through transparency, honesty, and ethical actions.

Community

Creating strong, supportive networks that uplift and inspire youth.

Equity and Inclusion

Creating spaces where all youth, regardless of background, have equal access to support, mentorship, and opportunity.

Meet Our Founder

Chris McLemore founded the Tuck and Run Foundation with a vision to create lasting change in the lives of young people. Drawing from personal experience, executive leadership, and a deep commitment to community service, Chris built the foundation to bridge the gap between athletic opportunity, academic growth, and real-world life skills.
With a background in scaling multimillion-dollar organizations and developing high-performing teams, Chris brings a unique blend of business discipline and mentorship to the youth he serves. Through partnerships with professional athletes, community leaders, and local schools, he established a structured six-year mentorship model that emphasizes character development, academic achievement, leadership training, and long-term personal success.
Chris’s mission is simple: empower youth with the tools, support, and confidence they need to thrive on the field, in the classroom, and throughout life.

The Board Guiding Our Mission

Jonathan Warren
chair

Jonathan Warren is an internationally decorated Honorary Consul of the Principality of Monaco and a long-time Las Vegas leader in licensing, banking, and historical preservation. A second-generation archaeologist and archivist, he has spent 56 years in the city, carrying forward the legacy of his parents, renowned preservationists Dr. Elizabeth von Till Warren and UNLV Distinguished Professor Emeritus Dr. Claude N. Warren, Sr.

Known for hosting figures ranging from rock stars to heads of state, Jonathan was recruited to the Board of Directors of the Liberace Foundation during a period of crisis. He played a key role in rescuing and revitalizing the Liberace Museum Collection, later showcasing artifacts at institutions including the New York MET and the Paris Museum of Modern Art.

Appointed to represent Monaco in Las Vegas in 2010, Jonathan uncovered the remarkable story of his predecessor, Henry Leigh Hunt, once the largest landowner on the Las Vegas Strip. His research has taken him across four continents and resulted in published historical work and speaking engagements in Brazil, France, Monaco, and across the United States.

Jonathan brings this same depth of leadership, historical insight, and community stewardship to the Tuck and Run Foundation, strengthening our mission and elevating our work with youth and partners across the region.

Ainsley T Battles
Vice Chair

Ainsley T. Battles is a former professional football player, educator, and mentor dedicated to helping young people build discipline, confidence, and leadership on and off the field. With experience competing at the highest level and working directly with youth in schools and community programs, he brings a practical, real-world approach to character development, teamwork, and resilience.

As Vice Chair of the Tuck and Run Foundation, Ainsley supports strategic vision and mentorship efforts, championing long-term academic encouragement and life-skills education across Clark County. He has a strong passion for guiding student-athletes who may not yet see their full potential, helping them translate preparation, accountability, and perseverance into success in all areas of life.

Ainsley also strengthens partnerships with schools, coaches, and community leaders, ensuring programs remain grounded, culturally relevant, and accessible. His commitment to service and integrity aligns with the Foundation’s mission to empower every young person with the tools, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive.

Sharon Wheaton
Secretary

Sharon Wheaton is a certified Health Coach and Transformational Mindset Coach dedicated to helping individuals build practical life skills, emotional stability, and healthier daily habits. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and has experience facilitating classes in job readiness, personal development, and foundational wellness.

Her work is shaped by her own journey of healing and rebuilding, allowing her to support others with compassion while equipping them with tools for confidence, resilience, and decision-making. Sharon also leads The Purpose Rebuild, a women’s program focused on emotional healing and personal transformation.

As a member of the Board of Directors, Sharon brings a steady, thoughtful presence and a commitment to empowering young people with the life skills needed for long-term success. Her coaching expertise and lived experience strengthen the Tuck and Run Foundation’s mission to guide youth toward purpose, resilience, and leadership.

Wayne “Skip” Williams
Treasurer

Wayne “Skip” Williams brings more than 30 years of financial leadership, operations management, and business consulting expertise to the Tuck and Run Foundation. He has served in key roles across major Nevada nonprofits, including Vice President of Finance & Operations for Capability Health & Human Services and Business Analyst for Opportunity Village, where he strengthened financial systems, performance reporting, and organizational strategy.

Skip also has extensive experience as a business consultant, helping companies navigate growth, restructuring, and turnaround challenges. A published author and respected industry educator, he is known for developing advanced financial tools and operational models used nationally.

As Treasurer, Skip ensures strong financial stewardship, transparent reporting, and long-term sustainability for the Tuck and Run Foundation as it expands its impact across Nevada.

Our Leadership Team

Christopher McLemore
Chief Executive Officer / Founder
  1. Leads day-to-day operations and organisational strategy.
  2. Oversees programs, budgeting, and staff performance.
  3. Ensures all program goals meet measurable outcomes tied to the 2026–2030 strategic plan.
  4. Builds and maintains key partnerships with Clark County School District, Raiders Youth Department, Corporate Sponsors, and other community agencies.
  5. Drives long-term organisational growth, culture, and impact.
  6. Serves as the primary spokesperson for Tuck and Run Foundation.
Myra McLemore
Vice President
  1. Provides high-level support to the Chief Executive Officer in operations and strategic initiatives.
  2. Oversees administrative systems, community engagement efforts, and internal communications.
  3. Ensures programs, calendars, and events are well-organized, properly staffed, and aligned with internal standards.
  4. Supports fundraising, donor relations, and board communications as needed.
  5. Plays a key role in leadership continuity and organizational culture.
Cynthia Phelps
Director of Strategic Operations and Turnaround
  1. Leads strategic operations across youth and turnaround programs.
  2. Oversees consulting and evaluation services for turnaround initiative clients.
  3. Provides operational analysis, program development, and organizational scaling support.
  4. Works closely with the CEO to execute program strategy and deliver measurable outcomes.
  5. Supports youth program alignment and ensures high-quality program implementation.
Trista Miller
Community Outreach Coordinator
  1. Leads youth engagement, school partnerships, and community outreach efforts across Clark County.
  2. Maintains relationships with educators, families, and local organizations to maximize participation.
  3. Coordinates outreach events, volunteer engagement, and program recruitment.
  4. Ensures community connections align with program goals and impact metrics.
Courtney Ross
Social Media & Content Creator
  1. Develops and manages digital content for social media platforms and the foundation website.
  2. Ensures brand consistency across all visuals, messaging, and outreach campaigns.
  3. Produces videos, graphics, and community impact stories that highlight the foundation’s work.
  4. Supports marketing for events, programs, and sponsor/partner features.
Cheryl Williams
Development Director
  1. Lead fundraising strategy, donor engagement, and grant development.
  2. Manage relationships with philanthropic partners and corporate sponsors.
  3. Coordinate the grant calendar, reporting deadlines, and required documentation.
  4. Ensure funding aligns with program goals and long-term organizational sustainability.
  5. Support visibility, communication, and partnerships that strengthen development efforts.