Scott McBrien
Founder, McBrien Group
Scott founded the McBrien Group to help young football players maximize their potential and improve their chances of college recruitment. Driven by his own experiences navigating the recruiting process, Scott wanted to provide athletes an avenue to highlight their potential.
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Scott McBrien's journey is a testament to resilience and seizing opportunities against all odds. Standing 5'10" and weighing 140 pounds in high school, Scott faced countless setbacks as he chased his college football dreams, going into his senior year without a single offer. Despite an undefeated season and a WCAC championship, college interest remained elusive—until, in January, the University of Rhode Island extended an offer. But the real game-changer came just two weeks before signing day: a call from West Virginia University led to an official visit, an unexpected offer, and a commitment that set him on a path to success.
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From there, Scott’s journey took him to two bowl game MVPs, time with the Green Bay Packers, NFL Europe, and the CFL. His foundation now helps young athletes overcome their own obstacles, providing them with the support, mentorship, and exposure he once needed to transform challenges into opportunities.
Our Directors
Gerald "Smoke" Dixon
Director of Player Development
Gerald “Smoke” Dixon joined Maryland football as General Manager of recruiting in March 2022, after serving as Vanderbilt’s director of scouting in 2021. Previously, Dixon was with the XFL’s D.C. Defenders, helping build the team before the league's suspension in 2020. He spent four years as a pro scout for the Buffalo Bills, contributing to their playoff berth in 2017. Dixon has collegiate coaching experience at The Citadel and started his career in high school coaching. An All-SEC cornerback at Alabama, Dixon also played in the NFL, NFL Europe, and the CFL. He and his wife, Stacia, have three children.
J.B. Gerald
Director of Player Education
J.B. Gerald is a seasoned coach, teacher, and mentor with over 20 years of experience in collegiate athletics and academics. He has held key roles in football programs at Penn State, Illinois, New Mexico, and Syracuse, specializing in player development and recruitment. Beyond sports, J.B. has served in various academic roles, including director of graduate support and teacher, impacting students' lives holistically. Currently, he teaches and coaches at the Mater Dei School in Bethesda, MD, where he continues to guide and inspire young minds. His dedication and expertise make him a respected leader in both athletic and educational circles.
Board of Directors
Brenda McGregor
With over 30 years of experience as a Human Resources leader in the hospitality industry, Brenda McGregor brings her extensive expertise in coaching and development to the McBrien Group Foundation. Known for creating breakthroughs in performance, satisfaction, and overall well-being, Brenda has a long-standing dedication to helping individuals unlock their potential and thrive. Her career journey led her to establish Brenda McGregor Life & Career Coaching, where she supports clients in achieving their personal and professional goals in a safe, inclusive environment.
Brenda’s values of collaboration and empowerment extend beyond her professional life. She has a richly blended family with five children and nine grandchildren and is deeply engaged as “Team Mom” for her husband’s high school football team, the DeMatha Stags. Her commitment to youth development aligns seamlessly with the mission of the McBrienGroup Foundation, where she contributes to guiding high school football players on their paths to success, both on the field and in their future endeavors.
Madieu Williams
Born in Sierra Leone, Madieu Williams moved to the U.S. at age nine and was later drafted by the Bengals in 2004. After signing with the Vikings in 2008, he founded the Madieu Williams Foundation, inspired by his mother's passing from a stroke. The foundation focuses on health, wellness, and education for underprivileged youth. It runs programs like life skills workshops, free football clinics, health screenings, and built a playground in Cincinnati. In Sierra Leone, his foundation built a school in his mother's honor and supported medical missions. Williams remains dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles and active living for youth.
Bill Whitaker
Bill Whitaker, Founder and CEO of WBW Strategies, is an experienced and esteemed visionary and coach, known for his remarkable expertise in leadership and education. With a history of successful partnerships with leaders and organizations, he is deeply committed to empowering individuals and teams to achieve their full potential in harmony with their visions and values.
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Patrick Dunn
Patrick is the founding member and President of CopperDunn, an organization of consultative advisors and problem solvers. Under Patrick’s leadership, CopperDunn strives to embody excellence at all levels of the client relationship. He has built a reputation for partnering with leaders and organizations to foster growth, align strategies and drive impactful change.