Board of Directors

Alan Katz
Chairman of the Board

Alan is entering a new chapter in his drum corps career by heading the Board of Directors. His professional experience will be invaluable in leading the newly reformed Board. Alan served as Vice President of Operations for Credit Services of America, a nationwide check-guarantee company serving major retailers across the country. In 1992, he founded Williams Alexander & Associates, a nationwide legal collection practice handling collections in the medical, municipal, and public utility sectors, and served as its president and CEO.

As if his drum corps involvement were not impressive enough, Alan's contributions to the local community are equally noteworthy. He has been a member of the Wayne Rotary for 38 years and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for local charities. He has served in every office, from treasurer to two-time club president, as well as Assistant Governor for the Rotary district.

He served as Chairman of the Board of the Tri-County Chamber of Commerce, which represents more than 1,500 member businesses; as President of the New Jersey Association of Collection Agencies; and as a board member of First Jersey Credit Union.

Alan has had a distinguished, multi-decade career in the marching arts, serving as a performer, visual instructor, and key administrator for the Hawthorne Caballeros. Career and Leadership

Marching Arts Background: Alan began his drum corps journey in 1967 with the Monarchs of Wayne, New Jersey. He played lead baritone and served as captain of the Monarch Boys and Kings Regiment Knights color guard.He became assistant director in 1978.In 1979, he joined the Hawthorne Caballeros as a performing member. He played lead and solo baritone for 15 consecutive seasons before retiring as a marching member in 1993.

Visual Staff (1994–2002): Alan transitioned to the visual instructional staff, where he taught marching technique.

Business Manager and Director (2002–2026): In 2002, Alan became Business Manager, serving as the operational leader and longtime director of the organization.

Hall of Fame Recognition: Alan was inducted into the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2017 and currently serves as its Vice President. He was inducted into the New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame in 2015, the Buglers Hall of Fame in 2026, and the inaugural class of the Hawthorne Caballeros Hall of Fame in 2026 in recognition of his lifelong contributions and leadership to the corps.

Alan received the Brass Player of the Year Award in 1989 and the prestigious Caballeros of All Years Award in 2009 for his exceptional devotion and tenure.

Alan received the DCA Director of the Year Award in 2019 and 2021 and was the first recipient of the Gil Silver DCI Leadership Award in 2026.

Alan and his wife, Rickie, are celebrating 47 years of marriage. They met in the Monarchs in 1967. Rickie was a member of the Caballeros’ first all-female guard in 1982 and has been involved with the corps administration ever since.

Alan Katz
Chairman of the Board

Bob Jacobs
Consultant / Advisor

Bob Jacobs is a nationally recognized leader in music education and nonprofit innovation, known for creating inclusive, community-centered music experiences that foster wellness, creativity, and lifelong engagement. As Chief Executive Officer of Jersey Surf, Inc., Bob has spent more than three decades guiding the organization’s evolution from a single drum corps into a dynamic nonprofit serving youth, families, and communities through immersive music-making. Under his leadership, Jersey Surf has expanded access to high-quality performing arts programs, reaching more than 4,000 students while centering its mission on accessibility, well-being, and sustained musical participation.

Bob’s work is driven by a belief that music is a powerful tool for connection, growth, and community health. That philosophy is reflected in initiatives like the Jersey Surf Mobile Music Lab, a traveling outreach program that brings hands-on music and wellness education to schools, senior centers, libraries, festivals, and underserved communities. The Lab features drum circles and activities inspired by the Remo HealthRHYTHMSTM protocol, instrument exploration stations, and nutrition education sessions developed in collaboration with professional educators and clinicians — all designed to reduce barriers to participation and strengthen social-emotional development through shared creativity.

An innovator in both tools and platforms, Bob is the co-inventor of the MarimbaPadTM, a patented portable percussion practice solution now used by students, educators and professional percussionists worldwide.

He served for nearly two decades as Head of Marketing at Drum Corps International (DCI), leading the organization’s global marketing strategy. In that role, he created and guided initiatives that broadened awareness, participation, and sustainability across the marching arts. He conceived and championed Marching Music Day, transforming an original idea into a globally recognized annual celebration observed each year on March 4, and was the co-creator of DCI’s SoundSport® and DrumLine BattleTM platforms, which welcome performers of all ages and experience levels into the marching arts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Bob proactively identified the looming impact of program disruption on music education nationwide and helped launch the Be Band Ready campaign for high school and collegiate programs and their students. As a co-leader of the initiative, he guided the development of advocacy tools and recovery resources that supported music programs as they rebuilt participation and reimagined engagement in a post-pandemic landscape.

He continues to contribute to a wide variety of industry task forces, advisory panels, and grant review committees focused on innovation and access in the performing arts.

Bob is a member of the New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame and an associate member of the World Drum Corps Hall of Fame. Across all of his work, he remains committed to advancing equity, creativity, and sustainable growth in music education through strategic partnerships and community-based collaboration.

Bob Jacobs
Consultant / Advisor

Linda Gathen
Grant Writer

Linda Gathen brings a unique combination of musical excellence, professional expertise, organizational skills, and three decades of community service to the Hawthorne Caballeros Board of Directors. Her lifelong involvement in drum corps, commitment to developing others, and experience in the medical and nonprofit communities make her a valuable addition to the organization’s leadership.

A classically trained French horn player with Bachelor’s degrees in Performance and Biology, Linda has built an impressive musical career spanning more than four decades. She began as a featured Mellophone soloist with Avant Garde from 1981 to 1985 before returning to the activity with the Bridgemen Alumni Corps, Avant Garde Alumni, and, since 2017, the Caballeros Alumni. Her performances with the Caballeros include featured Mellophone and Flügelhorn solos and duets, demonstrating both her technical mastery and her commitment to musical excellence.

Linda’s accomplishments include four first-place Mellophone Trio honors at the Drum Corps Associates Individual & Ensemble Championships in 2018, 2019, 2022, and 2023, as well as award winning performances with the Latin Express and Bridgemen brass choirs. Her induction into the Buglers Hall of Fame recognizes her exceptional musicianship and influence on brass performance. Equally important, she shares her knowledge with fellow performers, mentors other musicians, and understands that a successful ensemble depends on every member contributing to a common goal.

In 2023, Linda performed the featured Flügelhorn solos for the Chuck Mangione Tribute in Rochester, New York. The event celebrated Mangione’s musical legacy while raising support for underserved youth and arts communities. This experience reflects Linda’s belief that music is more than performance; it is an opportunity to bring people together and make a lasting difference.

Linda’s commitment to service extends far beyond the performance field. For 30 years, she has dedicated herself to community volunteerism through the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, helping create better futures for the youth of New Jersey. Her work supporting youth and special needs programs demonstrates compassion, persistence, and a willingness to invest her time and talents in causes that matter.

Professionally, Linda is employed in the medical field and is an accomplished grant writer. Her advanced education, analytical abilities, professional experience, and grant-writing expertise provide a valuable foundation for evaluating opportunities, supporting fundraising initiatives, strengthening community partnerships, and helping organizations secure resources for their missions.

Linda’s value to the Hawthorne Caballeros Board extends well beyond her accomplishments as a musician. She brings the perspective of a performer who understands the traditions and standards of the activity, a professional who appreciates the importance of planning and accountability, and a volunteer who has spent decades serving others. Her ability to collaborate, mentor, communicate, and turn commitment into meaningful action will benefit the Board as it addresses organizational priorities and plans for the future.

Linda represents the very best of the drum corps community: talent without ego, leadership through example, and a genuine commitment to something larger than herself. Her appointment to the Hawthorne Caballeros Board of Directors brings valuable experience, a strong service ethic, and an enduring passion for the organization and the future of the activity.

Linda Gathen
Grant Writer

Bruce Ziegler
Board Member

Michael Ryan
Board Member

Mike Ryan has dedicated much of his life to professional excellence, leadership, and a lifelong passion for drum corps. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated commitment, perseverance, and a strong work ethic, both in the workplace and within the drum corps community.

Drum Corps Experience

Mike’s drum corps journey began in 1973 with the Dynamics of Oradell, New Jersey, where he participated from 1973 through 1975. In 1976, he joined the Hawthorne Caballeros of Hawthorne, New Jersey, beginning a remarkable association with one of the most recognized names in drum corps.

From 1976 through 2026, Mike maintained his connection to the Hawthorne Caballeros, reflecting five decades of dedication to the organization and the drum corps activity. His long-standing involvement represents a significant part of his personal history and highlights the importance of tradition, camaraderie, and commitment throughout his life.

Professional Career

Mike began his professional career in 1983 at Trucolor Labs Inc., where he served as Production Manager until 2003. During his twenty years with the company, he gained valuable experience in production management, operations, and the coordination of daily business activities.

In 2003, Mike continued his career with Williams Alexander & Associates, serving as Vice President of Operations for twenty years. In this leadership role, he brought his experience and dedication to overseeing operational responsibilities and supporting the organization’s business objectives.

After a distinguished forty-year professional career spanning two organizations, Mike retired in 2023.

A Legacy of Dedication

Mike Ryan’s career reflects a lifetime of commitment, both professionally and personally. His forty years in the workforce and fifty years of involvement with the Hawthorne Caballeros demonstrate the value he places on dedication, loyalty, and lasting relationships.

As he enjoys retirement, Mike can look back on a career marked by professional growth and a lifelong connection to the drum corps community. His story is one of enduring commitment, meaningful experiences, and a passion that has remained an important part of his life for generations.

Michael Ryan
Board Member

Oliver Plunkett
Board Member

Sean Kenney
Board Member

Richard Gathen
Board Member

Richard “Rick” Gathen brings a lifetime of dedication to drum corps, a distinguished record of leadership, and a deep commitment to preserving and advancing the activity to the Hawthorne Caballeros Board of Directors.

An active Alumni brass performer, Rick’s contributions to drum corps have been recognized with induction into the Buglers Hall of Fame, New Jersey Drum Corps Hall of Fame, and Avant Garde Hall of Fame. His leadership within the activity includes serving as Assistant Director of the Bayonne Bridgemen and Corps Manager of Avant Garde. He has also served on the boards of directors of Jersey Surf and Avant Garde, contributing his experience and business expertise to organizations dedicated to the future of drum corps.

Rick’s passion for music and its impact on young people has extended beyond the field. Through his affiliation with legendary jazz musician Chuck Mangione, he has been involved in fundraising efforts supporting underserved youth and arts communities, reflecting his belief in the power of music to inspire, educate, and create opportunities. A nationally recognized motivational speaker, Rick has presented throughout all 50 states multiple times and in five Canadian provinces. His presentations emphasize leadership, personal development, organizational growth, and the power of enthusiasm to motivate people and achieve meaningful results.

Professionally, Rick serves as Director of Membership & Marketing for the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Grand Lodge with more than 800,000 members, leading national membership, marketing, and communications initiatives. His leadership has helped reverse decades of membership decline and achieve sustained organizational growth. Prior to this role, he spent 28 years in senior management in the newspaper industry, overseeing large workforces, multimillion-dollar budgets, labor relations, and complex operations.

Rick brings a unique perspective to the Hawthorne Caballeros, combining the experience of a performer with the insight of a corps administrator, board member, executive leader, and motivational speaker. He understands the traditions that define drum corps, the organizational discipline required for long-term success, and the importance of developing the next generation of performers and leaders.

He is honored to serve the Hawthorne Caballeros and contribute to an organization whose rich history, commitment to excellence, and lasting impact continue to inspire the drum corps community.