ABOUT US
Urban Youth Impact exists to love, equip, and empower inner-city youth to fulfill their God-given purpose.
No child should grow up without hope
Since 1997, Urban Youth Impact has been dedicated to giving inner-city youth the love, guidance, and tools they need to succeed. Every child deserves a chance to break free from cycles of poverty, overcome social and emotional challenges, and realize their God-given purpose. With our mentors, supporters, and local partners, we are making that vision a reality—one life, one community, one future at a time.
Meet Our Leadership
Chris Tress
President/CEO
Chris Tress has been serving the Tamarind Avenue community since 1998 through his work with Urban Youth Impact. As Director of Ministry, he oversaw outreach initiatives, Bible studies, and discipleship programs while managing staff, volunteers, and leadership training. In 2004, at the request of founder Bill Hobbs, Chris established Bow Down Church, a multi-ethnic congregation committed to transforming the Tamarind Avenue community through the power of the gospel. As the church grew, he transitioned out of his ministry director role in 2011 to serve as Bow Down’s full-time pastor. In 2019, Chris was appointed president of Urban Youth Impact, where he continues to lead the organization’s mission of loving, equipping, and empowering inner-city children.
Bill Hobbs
Founder
After leaving a successful professional golf career to follow God’s call, Bill Hobbs founded Urban Youth Impact with his wife Kerry in 1997 to serve inner-city youth in West Palm Beach. What began with pick-up games and mentoring on Tamarind Avenue grew into a trusted presence in one of the county’s toughest neighborhoods, where Bill became a father figure to many. Under his leadership, UYI developed into the area’s only faith-based organization taking a holistic approach to youth and families through education, afterschool programs, career readiness, and enrichment activities that now serve over 300 children weekly. In 2019, Bill transitioned from President/CEO to establish the Urban Youth Legacy Foundation, dedicated to securing sustainable funding for UYI’s long-term mission.
Meet Our Board of Directors
Urban Youth Impact has a responsible, qualified and independent Board of Directors who govern the organization, the majority of whom are not staff members or their relatives. Independent board members are a voting majority and at least five in number. The board allows for full deliberation and diversity of thinking on governance and other organizational matters. The President/CEO is accountable to the authority of the Board of Directors and is the only paid staff person who is a voting board member. The board meets at least four times annually to establish policies, set budgets, oversee operations, and review ministry accomplishments.
Andrew Cornell
Board Co-Chair
Andrew Cornell is the founder of Move the Lid, a leadership consulting firm that provides executive coaching, leadership development, and talent management services. He previously served as a Chick-fil-A franchisee and later as Director of Operations at Urban Youth Impact. With a relationship spanning more than 20 years, Andrew has served the organization as a volunteer, staff member, and now board member. He lives in Palm Beach Gardens with his wife, Lyndsey, and their four children.
Joe Morrison
Board Co-Chair
Joe Morrison is a sales leader with nearly two decades of experience in driving growth and client success within the technology and AI sectors. Currently serving as Sales Director at Sedai and Director of Client Accounts at United Citadel Group, Joe specializes in leveraging AI-driven solutions to enhance business operations and efficiency.
Beyond his professional career, Joe is deeply committed to community impact. He has been an active board member of Urban Youth Impact since 2015, supporting its mission to transform the lives of underserved youth.
Berry Williams
Treasurer
Berry Williams is a financial advisor at Raymond James and has been working in the field for over 30 years. He is passionate about Jesus Christ, his wife Julie, spending time with good friends, and an enjoying an occasional round of golf. He is grateful to be involved with Urban Youth Impact in their mission of transforming children and families to reach their God-given potential.
Rob Rabenecker
Secretary
Rob Rabenecker built a 24-year career in professional baseball management, serving in leadership roles with the Louisville Redbirds, Montreal Expos, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, and Miami Marlins, and was twice inducted into sports halls of fame. In 2007, he transitioned to Chick-fil-A, where he operates multiple locations and one of the chain’s few food trucks, leading a team of 185. Rob has been deeply involved in community leadership, serving on several chamber boards and receiving honors such as Abacoa Citizen of the Year. He has also participated in numerous international service trips through Chick-fil-A’s LifeShape initiatives. Rob is married to retired news anchor Chandra Bill-Rabenecker and has two adult stepsons, Aidan and Ethan Hughes.
Dr. Bob Norris
Board Member
The Rev. Dr. Robert Norris is a longtime pastor, preacher, and worship leader who has dedicated his life to ministry for more than four decades. Dr. Norris has pastored congregations across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Florida, and currently serves as Senior Pastor and Head of Staff at the Royal Poinciana Chapel. He has also taught at Princeton Theological Seminary and Palm Beach Atlantic University, and served on the boards of Urban Youth Impact and The Lord’s Place. He and his wife Debbie are proud parents of their daughter, attorney Megan Norris Grant.
Aimee Nelson
Board Member
Aimee Nelson is the founder and CEO of Hope With YouMom, a nonprofit mentoring program creating safe spaces for young mothers to thrive, and The Purpose Pursuit Collective, a movement empowering women to step boldly into their God-given purpose. Through coaching, community, and curated experiences, she helps women navigate life’s transitions with clarity and confidence. A mentor, Bible teacher, and writer, Aimee also serves on the boards of several local nonprofits and remains active in her family and church. She is the proud mother of four children and grandmother of four. Outside of her work, she enjoys coffee, stylish shoes, and quality time with her family.
Brian McPherson
Board Member
Brian M. McPherson is a shareholder at Gunster, where he leads the Labor & Employment practice. Beyond his legal career, he is deeply committed to community service and serves on Urban Youth Impact’s Board of Directors, helping empower and support youth in Palm Beach County. He is also involved with Palm Beach Atlantic University’s Rinker School of Business and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Palm Beach County.
Peter Cordrey
Board Member
Peter Cordrey spent over three decades in finance, including serving as Senior Managing Director at Prudential Fixed Income, where he led global distribution and product management. He is also an accomplished lacrosse coach at The Benjamin School, where he guided the Boys’ Lacrosse team to a 2024 State Championship and earned multiple Coach of the Year honors as a former Princeton varsity lacrosse captain. Peter later earned his MBA from Columbia University and has served on boards including the Tewaaraton Foundation and Brick Academy. Since 2024, he has served on Urban Youth Impact’s Board of Directors and, alongside his wife Ellen, has fostered more than 30 children while raising their four.