Corporate Titans Tapped for Big Brothers Big Sisters National Board to Boost Youth Mentorship

TAMPA, FL – February 11, 2026 – Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the nation's foremost youth mentoring organization, has fortified its national leadership by electing three prominent corporate executives to its Board of Directors. The new members—Erik Lopez, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ulta Beauty; Andrew Ross, Founder of Confluence Global Capital; and Douglas M. Worman, Chairman and CEO of CNA Financial Corporation—bring a formidable combination of strategic acumen, corporate influence, and deeply personal commitments to the organization's mission.

The appointments signal a strategic move by the 122-year-old institution to enhance its governance and dramatically expand its capacity to serve young people at what leaders are calling a pivotal moment for America's youth.

"As we continue to strengthen our national board, these leaders will bring diverse professional expertise, deep personal connections to mentorship, and a shared commitment to expanding access to positive mentoring relationships for young people," said Mike Carrel, National Board Chair of BBBSA. "Their perspectives will help advance our mission at a critical time for youth and communities across the country."

A Strategic Infusion of Corporate Expertise

The collective experience of the new board members represents a powerhouse of strategic capability spanning logistics, finance, and insurance. Their appointments are poised to inject top-tier corporate discipline into the non-profit's operations, fundraising, and long-term growth strategy.

Erik Lopez joins the board from his role as Chief Supply Chain Officer at Ulta Beauty, the nation's largest beauty retailer. Appointed to the position in 2024, Lopez oversees the company's complex web of distribution, e-commerce fulfillment, and logistics. His expertise in operational efficiency and scaling complex systems is directly applicable to BBBSA's goal of expanding its reach across more than 5,000 communities. Lopez's leadership at Ulta Beauty, a company that has already helped raise nearly $5 million for BBBSA, demonstrates a proven track record of aligning corporate machinery with philanthropic goals.

From the world of high finance, Andrew Ross brings the perspective of a founder and investment manager. As the head of Confluence Global Capital, a New York-based proprietary trading firm, Ross possesses sharp analytical skills and a deep understanding of financial strategy and capital management. His experience will be invaluable in guiding BBBSA's financial stewardship and investment in its future. Before founding his firm, Ross managed investments for a family office and provided strategic advisory services, honing skills that will now help steer one of the nation's most vital non-profits.

Douglas M. Worman, who recently ascended to Chairman and CEO of CNA Financial Corporation, one of the largest U.S. commercial property and casualty insurers, brings decades of leadership in risk management and global underwriting. His extensive career, which includes leading CNA's global underwriting strategy and holding CEO positions at Endurance U.S. Insurance and Alterra US Insurance, provides the board with unparalleled insight into navigating complex organizational challenges and ensuring long-term institutional resilience. CNA's corporate mission of building resilient communities aligns seamlessly with BBBSA's work, creating a powerful synergy.

Beyond the Boardroom: Personal Legacies and Passion

While their professional accolades are extensive, it is the deep-seated personal connections to mentorship that truly define the commitment of these new leaders. Their involvement transcends a typical board appointment, representing a continuation of family legacies and a core component of their personal philosophies.

Andrew Ross’s connection to Big Brothers Big Sisters is multigenerational and profound. His grandfather, Kenny Ross, was a founding member of the organization's Pittsburgh agency. The elder Ross often credited the mentorship he received through the organization with fundamentally changing the course of his life. Andrew Ross has carried this torch forward, previously serving on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Pittsburgh and speaking passionately about the organization as a core part of his family's legacy. His appointment to the national board is not just a professional commitment but the continuation of a deeply personal story of impact.

For Erik Lopez, mentorship is not just a cause but a core leadership principle. Beyond his operational duties at Ulta Beauty, he serves on the Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation board, directly influencing the company's philanthropic efforts. His belief in community and mentorship as essential tools for development is a driving force that he now brings to the national level, backed by his company's significant financial support for the BBBSA mission.

Similarly, Douglas Worman brings what the organization describes as a "deep passion for mentorship" and a firm belief in its power to help young people build meaningful career pathways. This passion is evident in his external commitments, including serving on the Board of Overseers for the Maurice R. Greenberg School of Risk Management at St. John's University. His focus on preparing the next generation for success provides a critical perspective as BBBSA works to equip young people with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in the modern economy.

Meeting a Critical Need for America's Youth

The timing of these appointments is no coincidence. Both BBBSA leadership and external data point to an urgent and growing need for youth mentorship. The organization's evidence-based model is proven to generate positive outcomes—from improved educational success and avoidance of risky behaviors to higher aspirations and greater confidence. Research shows that youth in the program are more likely to enroll in college and can earn significantly more over their lifetimes, demonstrating that mentorship is a powerful engine for economic mobility.

Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America, emphasized the gravity of the moment and the unique qualifications of the new board members.

"Erik, Andrew, and Douglas represent the very best of what mentorship can achieve," said Stevens. "Each of them have a deep understanding firsthand that investing in young people is essential infrastructure to building stronger communities for a more equitable future. Their strategic expertise, coupled with their personal passion for our mission, will position us to accelerate our reach and deepen our impact at a time when young people need champions more than ever."

This infusion of new leadership is designed to fortify BBBSA's ability to be that champion on a larger scale. By leveraging the operational, financial, and strategic insights of Lopez, Ross, and Worman, the organization aims to streamline its processes, attract new corporate and philanthropic partners, and ultimately, create more life-changing, one-to-one mentoring relationships for the thousands of young people on its waiting lists across the country.