Meet The Team
Marty Burlsworth
CEO & Founder
Marty Burlsworth, Chairman/CEO and founder of the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation, is a resident of Harrison, Arkansas. The foundation, established in 1999, has several programs that serve children in Arkansas and around the country. Marty speaks nationwide on developing character and overcoming adversity.
Brandon, Marty’s younger brother by 16 years, was tragically killed in an auto accident on April 28, 1999, just 11 days after being drafted by the Indianapolis Colts. Brandon’s number 77 became one of only two numbers retired in Arkansas Razorback football history. Brandon was also the first Arkansas football player to complete his Master’s Degree before playing his final college football game.
The University of Arkansas awarded Marty the prestigious Honorary Alumni Award for his work with underprivileged children. He is married to Vickie who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation. Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ.
Vickie Burlsworth
Executive Director
Vickie Burlsworth is the Executive Director of the Foundation that she and Marty founded honoring Brandon after his passing in 1999.
A servant at heart, she also serves as president of their local foodbank, Ozark Share & Care. The National Junior Auxiliary awarded her Volunteer of the Year, and the Governor appointed her to the State Board of Dispensing Opticians.
Marty and Vickie have three sons, two daughters in law, an adorable granddaughter Blake, and a precious grandson, Carter. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar.
Cindi Hagood
Program Director
Cindi Hagood is our Program Director of the Eyes of a Champion program. She is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the foundation and has been with the BBF since 2010.
She has been married to Johnny 20+ years. They have a son and daughter who are both married, and now proud grandparents to a grandson!
She enjoys singing on the worship team at church, riding motorcycles with her husband, jet skiing, photography, and scrapbooking.
Evelyn Allen
Development Director
Evelyn Allen started as the Development and Social Media Director for the foundation in March of 2020. Previously she worked for the Arkansas Travelers, USA Football, NFL, Athleta and the Outlets of Little Rock.
She received her Bachelor’s in Sport Management from the University of Arkansas where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She then pursued her graduate degree at the University of Louisville where she interned for the athletic department. After interning at Super Bowl 46 in Indianapolis, she started full-time with USA Football, the NFL’s non-profit partner which led her to her love of mega-events and non-profit work.
Evelyn lives in North Little Rock, AR with her husband Paul, son Owen and stepson Bo. In her free time she enjoys hiking, watching sports, riding motorcycles with her husband and catching up with friends.