About Us
ironside foundation
We Empower Champions!
Our journey began by offering free sessions to middle and high school students, quickly becoming a beacon for young athletes looking to excel in wrestling and life. Rooted in the belief that wrestling is more than a sport, but a transformative tool for personal growth, we’ve seen firsthand how it teaches resilience, discipline, and respect.
As our community’s needs have evolved, so has our mission. Today, we not only focus on wrestling excellence but also take a stand against challenges like drug addiction that hinder youth potential. Our expansive reach now supports hundreds of athletes through partnerships with local schools, NGOs, and community initiatives.
The Ironside Foundation is proud to be at the forefront of nurturing not only potential champions but also well-rounded individuals who are prepared to tackle life’s challenges. Join us as we continue to grow and enrich the lives of young athletes in our community.
President
Bio for Justine E. Rose, President of Ironside Foundation
Justine E. Rose, the President of Ironside Foundation, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership and financial management to the organization. With over 30 years of expertise in accounting, QuickBooks, payroll, and office administration, Justine has demonstrated her capability to drive efficiency and effectiveness in complex operational environments .
Before her tenure at Ironside, Justine honed her skills at Nussbaum, Berg, Klein & Wolpow, CPA, where she was responsible for a wide range of financial operations, including the management of accounts payable and receivable, payroll processing, and the preparation of financial statements . Her extensive experience also includes consulting roles where she developed critical strategies for enhancing business processes and maximizing organizational productivity.
At Ironside Foundation, Justine has been instrumental in refining the foundation’s strategic approach to growth and sustainability. Her leadership extends beyond financial oversight; she is deeply involved in program development and community engagement initiatives that align with the foundation’s mission to empower youth through wrestling. Under her guidance, Ironside has significantly expanded its outreach, offering structured wrestling programs that not only focus on athletic prowess but also promote personal development, community well-being, and inclusivity.
Her visionary approach ensures that Ironside Foundation remains committed to its mission, leveraging sports as a transformative tool for young individuals. Justine’s dedication to cultivating an environment where youth can thrive both in sport and life resonates deeply with Ironside’s goals of nurturing potential champions and well-rounded individuals. Her leadership is a cornerstone of the foundation’s success and ongoing impact in the community.
Treasurer
Bio for Brandon J. Barnes, Treasurer of Ironside Foundation
Brandon J. Barnes serves as the Treasurer of the Ironside Foundation, where his extensive expertise in financial analysis, risk management, and strategic investment has been instrumental in advancing the foundation’s mission. Brandon holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Farmingdale State College, where he graduated cumlaude, reflecting his strong academic prowess and dedication to excellence.
Brandon’s professional journey includes significant roles in high-stakes financial environments. As a Senior Analyst in the Global Markets division at Goldman Sachs, he managed a portfolio with daily collateral movements between $500MM and $1BLN, showcasing his ability to handle large-scale financial operations with precision and integrity. His role involved mitigating counterparty credit risk and enhancing client relationships, including interactions with C-suite executives, which have been crucial in his responsibilities at Ironside Foundation.
Before his tenure at Goldman Sachs, Brandon was a Brokerage Fall Analyst at Wells Fargo Advisors and a Financial Planning Intern at Kuttin Wealth Management, where he honed his skills in market analysis, portfolio management, and client relations. His academic background and professional experiences equip him with a robust understanding of financial markets and investment strategies, which are invaluable in managing the foundation’s finances and ensuring sustainable growth.
At Ironside Foundation, Brandon applies his analytical skills and financial acumen to oversee the fiscal health of the organization. He plays a pivotal role in budgeting, financial planning, and ensuring that the foundation’s resources are used effectively to maximize impact. His strategic vision is vital in supporting the foundation’s programs, which aim to empower youth through wrestling, education, and community engagement.
Brandon’s leadership and financial management have been central to Ironside Foundation’s success in expanding its programs and enhancing its community
presence. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency aligns with the foundation’s goals of nurturing young individuals and promoting excellence both on and off the mat.
Brandon’s roots in wrestling run deep; he was a high school wrestler for Commack High School and continued his wrestling career at Oswego College. This personal experience in the sport adds a unique perspective to his role at Ironside, underscoring his deep commitment to the foundation’s values of discipline, teamwork, and personal development. His multifaceted involvement underscores his dedication to both the sport of wrestling and to social causes through his volunteer coaching and community service activities.
Secretary
Bio for Mark Milo, Secretary of Ironside Foundation
Mark Milo serves as the Secretary of the Ironside Foundation, bringing with him a remarkable blend of dedication, strategic foresight, and a passion for community development. As a decorated varsity athlete from Commack High School, Mark’s wrestling career laid a solid foundation for his strong moral character and resilient spirit. His experiences on the mat taught him the value of perseverance and the importance of never giving up, qualities that have propelled him through his personal and professional life.
Mark is not only recognized for his sportsmanship but also for his savvy business acumen. A self-driven and goal-oriented individual, Mark has successfully channeled his energy into the real estate sector, where he focuses on long-term growth and sustainable development. His entrepreneurial spirit and keen eye for opportunity have allowed him to build a significant portfolio, demonstrating his capability to thrive in competitive and challenging environments.
At Ironside Foundation, Mark applies his extensive experience and personal ethos to further the organization’s mission of nurturing young talent both on and off the wrestling mat. He is deeply committed to creating opportunities for youth in the community, believing firmly that sports can transform lives by instilling discipline, respect, and integrity—values he himself learned through wrestling.
Mark’s role at Ironside goes beyond administrative duties; he is actively involved in strategic planning and program development. His vision for the foundation is to not only enhance athletic skills among young wrestlers but also to cultivate their potential as future leaders and responsible citizens. Mark’s initiatives often focus on expanding access to wrestling programs, ensuring that they are inclusive and accessible to all, irrespective of their socioeconomic background.
His dedication to giving back to the community is evident in his efforts to mentor young athletes, guiding them to leverage their sporting discipline into achieving academic and life success. Mark believes that the lessons learned through wrestling—resilience, teamwork, and endurance—are instrumental in shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to tackle life’s challenges head-on.
Mark Milo is more than just a secretary; he is a visionary leader at Ironside Foundation, whose commitment to the sport and to the youth it serves is unwavering. His life’s work reflects a powerful legacy of transformation and service, driven by a never-quit mentality that continues to inspire and uplift the next generation of champions, both on the wrestling mat and in life’s broader arena.