One of the New England PGA’s own was identified as a future leader within the PGA of America. Allison Mitzel, PGA, Head Golf Professional at Laconia Country Club in Laconia, New Hampshire, was selected to the 15-person 2020-21 PGA LEAD Class, the PGA of America announced.
PGA LEAD was created in 2016 to identify, mentor and progress PGA Members from diverse backgrounds into volunteer leadership positions at the Chapter, Section and National levels.
“I was inspired to apply for PGA LEAD because I have a strong desire to become a National volunteer leader within the PGA of America,” Allison said. “I saw PGA LEAD as a wonderful opportunity to develop leadership skills with various members of the PGA of America.”
Since the inception of PGA LEAD four years ago, six PGA Professionals in the program have already ascended into Board leadership positions within their PGA Sections, including three currently serving as Section Vice Presidents. In addition, another 15 PGA LEAD alumni serve on PGA of America National committees.
“As a female in the golf industry, I have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact and become a leader for other women to excel, Mitzel said. “Females account for less than five percent of the PGA of America, and I hope that through PGA LEAD, I can build upon my current skillset to make a difference down the road.”
Up to 15 PGA Professionals are selected the two-year program, which exposes participants to all aspects of volunteer leadership.
“The PGA of America has made meaningful advancements in embracing and leveraging inclusion, and this impressive new class of PGA LEAD members represents a diverse group of individuals who are on a pathway to serve as future golf industry leaders,” said PGA President Suzy Whaley, PGA.
PGA LEAD is a compliment to PGA WORKS, a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. Funded by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry.