Board of Directors
President
John “Jack” Ford
Founding member of the Croatia Lacrosse Foundation, Jack is a California businessman who has also served in several governmental and political positions during his career. He has served on the Ca State Racetrack Leasing Commission, and was Executive Director/CEO of the 1996 Republican National Convention Host Committee in San Diego. In addition Jack was the owner and publisher of an award winning group of community newspapers in San Diego, Ca.
Growing up in Washington DC where his father was a US Congressman from Michigan, Jack was active in many political campaigns and spent a year living in the White House while campaigning for his father’s reelection as President in 1976. During the campaign he made appearances on 60 Minutes, Meet The Press, GMA, and the Today Show.
Secretary
Anne Marinović
Anne Marinović has been working with the Croatian Lacrosse Association (CLA) since 2015. She is currently the International Coordinator for the CLA. Anne’s role involves overseeing the logistics for the Croatia Lacrosse Association’s participation in major international events such as the World Lacrosse Championships and European Lacrosse Championships. Anne is a dual Croatian/American citizen.
Anne was first exposed to the game of lacrosse while attending Johns Hopkins and became an avid fan of the sport. Anne currently lives in Manhasset, NY with her husband and two children. Both her children play lacrosse. Being involved with Croatia Lacrosse has been the perfect way to connect her children with their Croatian heritage. In addition to working with Croatia Lacrosse, Anne is the Vice-President of the Manhasset Athletic Booster Club, a parent run organization whose mission is to promote and support athletics at the Manhasset Secondary School. Anne is also the Assistant Director of St. Mary’s Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) sports program.
Treasurer
Chris Voelker
Chris Voelker has been working with the Croatian Lacrosse Association (CLA) since 2015. Chris is currently the Director of Development for the CLA where his role involves pursuing funding for CLA projects. He also works to connect Croatian-American players with the CLA. Chris also coordinates the annual Croatia Lacrosse apparel sale fundraisers.
Chris has been successful obtaining grants from the Bill Belichick Foundation (2016), two World Lacrosse Development Grants, the Balls Cockerton Hayes Youth Lacrosse Grant among others.
Chris currently lives in Manhasset, New York and is an analyst at the Covington Group, a commercial real estate investment management firm. Prior to joining the Covington Group, Chris worked in credit sales trading and research at Bear Stearns, Gleacher & Co. and Oppenheimer & Co.
Chris is awaiting final approval of his Croatia Citizenship Application.