Meet The Team

Marty Burlsworth

Chairman/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, and three adorable grandchildren. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ.

Vickie Burlsworth

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, and three adorable grandchildren. They are active members of the Northside Church of Christ in Harrison, Ar.

Executive Director

Mandi Flippo joined the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation in 2025. As Program Administrator, she is responsible for the day-to-day coordination of the BBF programs. From making sure that each Burls Kids group has all the necessary items for game days to shipping merchandise all over the world.

When you call our office, Mandi will more than likely be the first person you talk to.

Mandi Flippo

Program Administrator

Cindi Hagood is our Program Director for the Eyes of a Champion program. She is responsible for the operation of the EYES program 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.

Cindi Hagood

Eyes of a Champion Director

Archie Shelton is Director of Development for the Brandon Burlsworth Foundation. He has worked in fundraising for many years and was previously employed as a Senior Advancement Officer with Harding University, where he majored in Mass Communications, and played on the Bison baseball team.

Archie and his wife Courtney live in Searcy with their three children.