The People Behind Wholly Kicks

Our team is a collection of neighbors, leaders, and volunteers who believe deeply in showing up. From veteran outreach specialists to local government leaders, each person here brings compassion and credibility to our mission.

A Message from Our Founder

From our first pair of kicks to the thousands today, the mission has always been the same: We believe everyone is worth it and everyone matters. Whether we are connecting with someone on the street who lives on the block, or with a kiddie choosing sparkle shoes, we have a deep belief that walking with people matters more than walking ahead of them. At Wholly Kicks, we don’t fix people. We show up, listen, and walk beside them with new shoes, open hearts, and mutual dignity.

Staff and Leadership

Tyg Taylor

Founder & Executive Director

Tyg founded Wholly Kicks in 2018 after years of working directly with individuals experiencing homelessness. A former pastor and street outreach leader, Tyg now spends his days leading Wholly Kicks to a sustainable future impact. Tyg loves connecting with guests and volunteers at events, mentoring young leaders, and inspiring others to see everyone as a "whole" person.

Tay Behnke

Community Engagement & Operations Director

Tay brings high energy, deep empathy, and hands-on leadership to Wholly Kicks. After first connecting through a volunteer event in 2022, she quickly became a vital part of our team—officially joining in 2024. Tay oversees our volunteer base, leads shoe events, and supports community engagement efforts across schools and shelters. A U.S. Army veteran and current student pursuing a degree in special education, Tay is passionate about creating inclusive spaces for people of all abilities.

Board of Directors

Adolphus Gwynn

Board Chair

Adolphus Gwynn is a North Carolina native who is an Army veteran (West Point) who served in Desert Storm and commanded (twice) at the 82nd Airborne Division. He is a beginner golfer who spends his weekends with his grandson participating in Judo, Swimming, and Art! He is a Managing Partner for SAP; leading Department of Defense engagements. Adolphus’ passion for Wholly Kicks is inspired by Leviticus 25:35 which encourages us to support those on their sojourns through life…Let’s walk together!

Tracy Engelhard

Vice President

A Fortune 1000 executive with a heart for families, Tracey supports Wholly Kicks with strategic insight and a passion for local impact.

Pete Sullivan

Secretary

A retired Army Colonel and Deloitte executive, Pete brings unmatched leadership and compassion to his role. He’s active in disability advocacy, veteran outreach, and believes in the power of service through action.

Kim Wermerskirchen

Kim joined the board with a clear mission: to restore dignity through new shoes. Her belief in the transformational power of kindness led her to Wholly Kicks.

Brady Porterfield-Finn

Board Member at Large

Brady Porterfield-Finn is a passionate community builder who spends his days leading Neighborhood Engagement for the City of Arvada. He lives in Denver with his partner, two kids and two cats. Some of Brady's favorite ways to spend his time are hiking, playing basketball, eating Indian food and visiting new places. He first came to know Wholly Kicks when he was working for Denver Public Schools and often had students in need of new kicks. After years of volunteering at Wholly Kicks events, Brady decided to take his commitment to the mission a step further by becoming a Board Member.

Team