Board of Directors
Board of Directors
We are dedicated to your children and communities' future
We're incredibly proud to serve on the Board of Directors for the I Am a Gem Foundation. Our shared passion is to see individuals and communities flourish, and it's an honor to guide an organization dedicated to such meaningful work.
Our commitment is to empower through personal and collective growth, ensuring that the foundation has the resources and support needed to make a real difference. We believe deeply in servant leadership, mentorship, and active community engagement, always striving to create a brighter future for everyone. Grounded in faith, we are also committed to discipleship and living out the words of Christ, especially as we guide young people through the joy of sports and teamwork, helping them on their spiritual journey.
Thank you for your interest in the I Am a Gem Foundation. We're excited about the impact we can make together!
Our 2026 Board
Darin Chaplain
President
Darin Chaplain Bio
Darin Chaplain formed I am a Gem Foundation along with his son JD to meet a need of sharing the Gospel to other parts of the world through baseball. Chaplain has made mission trips to Germany, The Czech Republic, Vancouver British Columbia and in country in West Virginia. Chaplain also started The Diamond Mine back in 2004 with fellow I am a Gem Board member Ken McCain. The Diamond Mine has become an integral part of the community for the past 21 years and has helped many players reach their goal of playing collegiate or even professional baseball. Chaplain also worked for Buncombe County Schools and knows there is a huge need among some of the students that attend the schools here. Besides mission trips, Chaplain envisions I am a Gem Foundation being able to help students and community members when there is a need.
Chris Coloson
Board Member
Chris Coloson Bio
Chris Coloson's coaching career spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1996. He's coached baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball, and travel ball since2023. Beyond the field, Chris has over 36 years of experience at Camp Pinewood, where he's currently the Co-Camp Owner and Director. A former elementary school teacher and a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Chris lives in Hendersonville, NC, with his family. He's passionate about youth development and inspiring young athletes to learn, have fun, and thrive through sports and community involvement.
Tom Clark
Board Member
Tom Clark Bio
Tom is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BS in marketing. Tom has been blessed to have been able to grow and thrive for 45 years in business. His company, Clark Communications, is not only involved in the local community, but also nationally. It maintains a commercial printing plant, a mailing company, a sign division, as well as a nationally recognized Higher Ed Marketing Division. Clark’s has been recently recognized as one of the largest commercial printing companies in North America by Printing Impressions Magazine.
Tom has also been named Business Person of the Year by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce as well as Business Person of the Year for North Carolina by the Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative. Tom has also spent time on numerous boards and committees over the years.
Not new to youth baseball, Tom has coached one of the most successful travel teams in Western North Carolina culminating in the 14u state Championship. He has also coached his Senior League team to a North Carolina State Championship and a runner up finish in the Southeast Regionals. Tom has been with the Diamond Mine since its inception. Coaching the 17-year-old travel squad for 2 years. It was a privilege to see many of his former players continue on in successful college careers as well as several becoming professionals for a period of time.
Tom has 2 sons, Hunter and Kramer. Both are very successful business persons. 2 daughters-in-law, Chelsea and McKenzie, and 4 grandchildren: Landon, Rylin, Aelin, Elyse.
Truly have been blessed!
Mike Breslin
Board Member
Mike Breslin Bio
Michael Breslin is a highly accomplished executive with 18 years of experience in corporate insurance strategy, risk management, and strategic growth initiatives. Asa current Board Member, Michael brings a unique blend of business expertise and a deep commitment to fostering sustainable community development at I am a Gem.
Michael currently serves as the Agency Director and Shareholder at The Hilb Group, where he oversees all operational requirements and growth initiatives for The Hilb Group's WNC-based office. He has been instrumental in achieving organic revenue and client retention goals for his firm and represents more than 300 employers thru out WNC . Michael attributes his success from the lessons that he's learned from the game of baseball and from his mentors that helped shape his life. His strategic vision and passion for baseball aligns with the goals and aspirations of I am a Gem as he strives to cultivate and promote the mission.
Michael's dedication to I am Gem stems from his own experiences growing up playing baseball. He believes strongly in the power of I am Gem to create lasting positive change to those in the baseball community.
Outside of his professional commitments, Michael can be seen on a baseball field coaching the aspects of the game to youth baseball players, catching his son's bullpens or competing against them in a hitting contest, and enjoying long hikes with his wife, Jennifer and their Old English Sheepdog and Goldendoodle. He enjoys mountain biking, hunting, theatre, building projects, and advocating for those that are less fortunate for God has blessed him beyond what he could only imagine.
Brad Groth
Board Member
Brad Groth Bio
Brad is a former athlete, financial professional, and servant leader. Raised in Chicago’s northern suburbs, he was an All-American Division III baseball player at Elmhurst College and played professionally in the San Francisco Giants organization. After his baseball career, Brad served as a police officer for five years before transitioning to financial planning and wealth management. He currently owns his own firm and enjoys helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, build stability, and secure brighter futures.
Married to his wife, Meg, Brad is a proud father to AJ and Haley. He and his family are very active in their local church, where he is currently serving as a deacon, reflecting his commitment to faith and community. Brad is also the head coach of a 14u travel baseball team. He is excited to be a part of the I Am a Gem Foundation and looks forward to working with the other board members to help advance Christ’s kingdom while giving back to the local community through engagement, mentorship, and providing the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
Jeff Palmer
Board Member
Jeff Palmer Bio
Jeffery Palmer offers financial planning and investment advisory services and programs through LPL Enterprise. The Palmer Group was founded by Jeff Palmer who entered the financial service industry in1990. Jeff began his quest in financial planning as a college student at Western Carolina University, where he earned his BSBA degree, double majoring in Financial Planning and Computer Information Systems. After graduating from college with honors, he began his career with The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
Karen Lee
Secretary/Treasurer
Karen Lee Bio
Karen Lee worked for Buncombe County Schools for 22 years as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was born and raised in Buncombe County. She believes in supporting students to develop responsibility toward their community and themselves. She encourages students to use their abilities to assist their peers and contribute to their community. Along with her duties as secretary / treasurer of I am a Gem Foundation, Ms. Lee serves as the bookkeeper for The Diamond Mine, which she has performed for the past seven years. She is a wonderful addition to the I am a Gem Foundation.
Ken McCain
Board Member
Ken McCain Bio
Ken was employed by Divaris Property Management Corporation as Operation Director at the Biltmore Square Mall but has recently retired. Ken has been involved in youth leagues and has coached many teams. In 2004, Ken founded the Carolina Blue jay's organization and watched the team progress from there into what has become The Diamond Mine organization. Ken was instrumental in the start up of The Diamond Mine which is an indoor baseball and softball training center designed to help train future baseball and softball players in the area. Ken is working hard to build a whole organization of traveling baseball and softball teams that play out of The Diamond Mine. Ken is also one of the instructors specializing in hitting, catching, and fielding. Ken is married to Gwen McCain and the couple resides in Asheville.
Our 2026 Board
Darin Chaplin
President
Darin Chaplain Bio
Darin Chaplain formed I am a Gem Foundation along with his son JD to meet a need of sharing the Gospel to other parts of the world through baseball. Chaplain has made mission trips to Germany, The Czech Republic, Vancouver British Columbia and in country in West Virginia. Chaplain also started The Diamond Mine back in 2004 with fellow I am a Gem Board member Ken McCain. The Diamond Mine has become an integral part of the community for the past 21 years and has helped many players reach their goal of playing collegiate or even professional baseball. Chaplain also worked for Buncombe County Schools and knows there is a huge need among some of the students that attend the schools here. Besides mission trips, Chaplain envisions I am a Gem Foundation being able to help students and community members when there is a need.
Chris Coloson
Board Member
Chris Coloson Bio
Chris Coloson's coaching career spans nearly three decades, beginning in 1996. He's coached baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball, and travel ball since2023. Beyond the field, Chris has over 36 years of experience at Camp Pinewood, where he's currently the Co-Camp Owner and Director. A former elementary school teacher and a graduate of Florida Atlantic University, Chris lives in Hendersonville, NC, with his family. He's passionate about youth development and inspiring young athletes to learn, have fun, and thrive through sports and community involvement.
Tom Clark
Board Member
Tom Clark Bio
Tom is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BS in marketing. Tom has been blessed to have been able to grow and thrive for 45 years in business. His company, Clark Communications, is not only involved in the local community, but also nationally. It maintains a commercial printing plant, a mailing company, a sign division, as well as a nationally recognized Higher Ed Marketing Division. Clark’s has been recently recognized as one of the largest commercial printing companies in North America by Printing Impressions Magazine.
Tom has also been named Business Person of the Year by the Asheville Chamber of Commerce as well as Business Person of the Year for North Carolina by the Blue Chip Enterprise Initiative. Tom has also spent time on numerous boards and committees over the years.
Not new to youth baseball, Tom has coached one of the most successful travel teams in Western North Carolina culminating in the 14u state Championship. He has also coached his Senior League team to a North Carolina State Championship and a runner up finish in the Southeast Regionals. Tom has been with the Diamond Mine since its inception. Coaching the 17-year-old travel squad for 2 years. It was a privilege to see many of his former players continue on in successful college careers as well as several becoming professionals for a period of time.
Tom has 2 sons, Hunter and Kramer. Both are very successful business persons. 2 daughters-in-law, Chelsea and McKenzie, and 4 grandchildren: Landon, Rylin, Aelin, Elyse.
Truly have been blessed!
Mike Breslin
Board Member
Mike Breslin Bio
Michael Breslin is a highly accomplished executive with 18 years of experience in corporate insurance strategy, risk management, and strategic growth initiatives. Asa current Board Member, Michael brings a unique blend of business expertise and a deep commitment to fostering sustainable community development at I am a Gem.
Michael currently serves as the Agency Director and Shareholder at The Hilb Group, where he oversees all operational requirements and growth initiatives for The Hilb Group's WNC-based office. He has been instrumental in achieving organic revenue and client retention goals for his firm and represents more than 300 employers thru out WNC . Michael attributes his success from the lessons that he's learned from the game of baseball and from his mentors that helped shape his life. His strategic vision and passion for baseball aligns with the goals and aspirations of I am a Gem as he strives to cultivate and promote the mission.
Michael's dedication to I am Gem stems from his own experiences growing up playing baseball. He believes strongly in the power of I am Gem to create lasting positive change to those in the baseball community.
Outside of his professional commitments, Michael can be seen on a baseball field coaching the aspects of the game to youth baseball players, catching his son's bullpens or competing against them in a hitting contest, and enjoying long hikes with his wife, Jennifer and their Old English Sheepdog and Goldendoodle. He enjoys mountain biking, hunting, theatre, building projects, and advocating for those that are less fortunate for God has blessed him beyond what he could only imagine.
Brad Groth
Board Member
Brad Groth Bio
Brad is a former athlete, financial professional, and servant leader. Raised in Chicago’s northern suburbs, he was an All-American Division III baseball player at Elmhurst College and played professionally in the San Francisco Giants organization. After his baseball career, Brad served as a police officer for five years before transitioning to financial planning and wealth management. He currently owns his own firm and enjoys helping individuals and families achieve their financial goals, build stability, and secure brighter futures.
Married to his wife, Meg, Brad is a proud father to AJ and Haley. He and his family are very active in their local church, where he is currently serving as a deacon, reflecting his commitment to faith and community. Brad is also the head coach of a 14u travel baseball team. He is excited to be a part of the I Am a Gem Foundation and looks forward to working with the other board members to help advance Christ’s kingdom while giving back to the local community through engagement, mentorship, and providing the necessary resources, support, and opportunities for spiritual and personal growth.
Jeff Palmer
Board Member
Jeff Palmer Bio
Jeffery Palmer offers financial planning and investment advisory services and programs through LPL Enterprise. The Palmer Group was founded by Jeff Palmer who entered the financial service industry in1990. Jeff began his quest in financial planning as a college student at Western Carolina University, where he earned his BSBA degree, double majoring in Financial Planning and Computer Information Systems. After graduating from college with honors, he began his career with The Prudential Insurance Company of America.
Karen Lee
Secretary/Treasurer
Karen Lee Bio
Karen Lee worked for Buncombe County Schools for 22 years as a secretary and bookkeeper. She was born and raised in Buncombe County. She believes in supporting students to develop responsibility toward their community and themselves. She encourages students to use their abilities to assist their peers and contribute to their community. Along with her duties as secretary / treasurer of I am a Gem Foundation, Ms. Lee serves as the bookkeeper for The Diamond Mine, which she has performed for the past seven years. She is a wonderful addition to the I am a Gem Foundation.
Ken McCain
Board Member
Ken McCain Bio
Ken was employed by Divaris Property Management Corporation as Operation Director at the Biltmore Square Mall but has recently retired. Ken has been involved in youth leagues and has coached many teams. In 2004, Ken founded the Carolina Blue jay's organization and watched the team progress from there into what has become The Diamond Mine organization. Ken was instrumental in the start up of The Diamond Mine which is an indoor baseball and softball training center designed to help train future baseball and softball players in the area. Ken is working hard to build a whole organization of traveling baseball and softball teams that play out of The Diamond Mine. Ken is also one of the instructors specializing in hitting, catching, and fielding. Ken is married to Gwen McCain and the couple resides in Asheville.