PGA of America reveals latest President, Vice President, and Secretary
The PGA of America, one of the major governing bodies in golf, just had its 108th annual meeting. The organization elected a new president, vice president, and secretary.
Don Rea Jr. was named the next PGA of America President. Nathan Charnes was elected as the Vice President. Finally, Eric Eshleman will be the next PGA Secretary.
The company is still looking for a new CEO. Seth Waugh stepped down several months ago saying it was the right time both personally and professionally. He also said golf is in the best shape it's been in years so his six-year tenure came to an end.
Rea Jr., the new President, said in a press release (via Sports Illustrated):
“It’s an honor and a privilege to serve, alongside our officers and board of directors, the more than 31,000 PGA of America golf professionals of our association."
He added:
"Our members and associates are serving millions of golfers through this amazing game every day. I’m incredibly proud of the lives we impact collectively along the way, shoulder to shoulder with our 41 PGA of America sections. It is our top priority to serve our PGA of America golf professionals and provide resources to allow them to thrive and continue to lead as experts of the game.”
Rea Jr. will take over for John Lindert, director of golf at the Country Club of Lansing in Michigan, who served previously. Rea Jr. will have a two-year term in his position.
PGA of America honing in on next CEO
For the last few months, Kerry Haigh has been serving as the interim CEO for the PGA of America. The company appointed him after Seth Waugh stepped down in June. They have been searching for a long-term replacement since.
According to a report from Golf.com, they're close to landing on one. Former president Roger Warren is currently the top candidate to fill that role after Waugh according to two top PGA officials who are directly involved with the recruitment process.
Warren is the president of Kiawah Island Golf Resort in South Carolina. He has served with the PGA before as he was its president in 2005 and 2006. He is also in the PGA Hall of Fame.
According to those same sources, there are a few other finalists in the running. This includes Derek Sprague, another former PGA president who works as the GM of TPC Sawgrass, and David Reasoner, who is working as head golf pro at Ridgewood Country Club.
Warren reportedly didn't respond to a request for comment from Golf.com and spokesman Julius Mason said they would reach out when they had some concrete information to dispel about their search for a new CEO.