Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area Welcomes Two New Board Members

WASHINGTON, D.C., Sep 23, 2024—Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area (BBBSNCA) is excited to announce the addition of two distinguished individuals to its board of directors: Matthew Vean and Chris Eckstein. Both bring a wealth of experience, dedication and a personal connection to the mission of BBBSNCA, which seeks to empower and support the lives of children through mentorship. Their leadership will further strengthen the organization’s ability to positively impact local youth.

A Warm Welcome

“We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Matthew Vean and Chris Eckstein to our leadership team,” said Michael Sanzi, President and CEO of BBBSNCA. “Their commitment to our mission and willingness to share their time, expertise, and resources with us will undoubtedly make a significant impact on the lives of the children and families we serve. Both Matthew and Chris have professional expertise and personal stories that speak volumes about the power of mentorship, and we are excited to see the influence they will have as board members.”

Meet The Newest Board Members

Matthew Vean’s Journey: A Legacy of Mentorship

Matthew Vean, who currently serves as a Commercial Banking Relationship Manager at Capital One Bank, has a lifelong relationship with Big Brothers Big Sisters that spans nearly six decades. His personal involvement began in 1965 when he was paired as a “Little” with his Big Brother Mike. The bond that developed between them had a lasting impact on Matthew’s life, inspiring him to later become a “Big” himself and pay forward the support he had once received. His story exemplifies the core mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters: to create meaningful, lasting relationships that span generations.

Matthew’s journey with the organization has come full circle. Now, as a member of the board of directors, he brings not only his professional expertise but also his lived experience with the transformative power of mentorship. His five-decade involvement with the organization stands as one of the longest tenures in Big Brothers Big Sisters’ history, making his contributions uniquely impactful.

Chris Eckstein: Expanding the Reach of Mentorship

Chris Eckstein, Vice President of Investments at Host Hotels & Resorts, brings a similarly impressive commitment to mentorship and community involvement. His journey with Big Brothers Big Sisters began in Texas, where he participated as a “Big” in the Beyond School Walls program. This innovative initiative brings mentorship into the workplace, giving students real-world exposure and guidance from professionals in various industries.

After relocating to Montgomery County, Maryland, Chris continued his involvement by spearheading the Beyond School Walls program locally in Montgomery County. In addition to his work with Big Brothers Big Sisters, Chris also serves as a Den Leader in Cub Scouts and volunteers with youth sports, underscoring his deep dedication to youth development.

A Shared Vision for the Future

“Chris and Matthew’s stories are powerful examples of how mentorship can shape the lives of our youth,” said Michael Sanzi. “Mentorship isn’t just about offering advice; it’s about creating meaningful, lasting connections that empower young people to reach their full potential. Both Matthew and Chris have lived this experience firsthand, and their leadership on our board will inspire others to join us in defending and empowering local youth.”

The addition of these two leaders reflects BBBSNCA’s commitment to growing its impact in the National Capital Area. With their combined professional expertise, personal stories of mentorship, and passion for helping young people, Matthew Vean and Chris Eckstein are poised to drive forward BBBSNCA’s mission. The organization looks forward to the positive changes that will result from their guidance and support.

Strengthening the Community, One Mentor at a Time

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the National Capital Area continues to work tirelessly to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization’s efforts, amplified by the leadership of individuals like Matthew Vean and Chris Eckstein, ensure that more young people will have access to the positive role models they need to thrive.

Their stories serve as a reminder of the profound difference that mentoring can make in the lives of children and their communities. With leaders like Matthew and Chris on board, BBBSNCA is well-positioned to continue making a lasting impact on the future of local youth.