CONCORD, Mass. –  More than 150 PGA Professionals, Section leaders, staff, and special guests gathered at Nashawtuc Country Club for the New England PGA’s 2025 Annual Meeting, a day dedicated to celebrating the Section’s accomplishments and setting priorities for the year ahead.

The meeting marked a historic milestone for the NEPGA as Joanne Flynn, PGA (Windham CC), was appointed the first-ever female President of the Section, officially assuming leadership from outgoing President Chip Johnson, PGA. Flynn’s election also made history as the first President to follow in the footsteps of a parent who previously held the role.

Johnson opened the meeting by thanking Nashawtuc Country Club and host professional Chris Carpenter, PGA, before leading attendees in the National Anthem and a moment of silence honoring members lost in 2025. After approving the previous year’s minutes, he welcomed Past Presidents, Hall of Fame Members, and special guests, including newly appointed District 1 Director Michael Behan, PGA, Regional League Manager Brian Bain, PGA, and PGA Employment Consultant David Wilson, PGA. A “Year in Review” video set the tone, highlighting major achievements across tournaments, programming, and member engagement.

Executive Director Mike Higgins praised the Section’s volunteer leadership and dedicated staff, noting that New England continues to be recognized nationwide as one of the premier PGA Sections. He honored the 2025 award winners, Hall of Fame inductees, Major Champions, and season-long points champions, and announced the 2026 Section Championship sites at Portland Country Club and The Woodlands (Aug. 31–Sept. 2).

Higgins also shared a memorable lesson in follow-through, recalling the famous 1954 World Series catch by Willie Mays. While the catch is legendary on its own, Higgins emphasized that the true impact lies in what comes next—the preparation, attention, and consistent effort that make success enduring. He drew a parallel to NEPGA Professionals, noting that the care given after a big moment—whether following up with members, improving programs, or maintaining facilities—truly elevates the game.

Secretary Brendan Walsh, PGA, highlighted the Section’s record-breaking membership: 1,222 Members and 307 Associates, the largest associate class in Section history. He welcomed new Members and an Honorary Member, recognized Quarter Century and Half Century Members, and encouraged participation in NEPGA U, Empower Hour, and PGA Show resources.

Vice President Flynn outlined the Section’s strong financial position, noting that tournaments remain the largest revenue source while member dues—unchanged for over 20 years—account for just six percent of income. She emphasized that all profits are reinvested into programs supporting members, highlighting the impact of PGA REACH New England, including PGA HOPE, Operation Play Day, and Birdies to Benefit, which surpassed $100,000,000 in contributions.

In his farewell address, Johnson reflected on the inspiration he draws from NEPGA Professionals, encouraged members to remain connected to the Section’s resources, and expressed confidence in NEPGA’s future under Flynn’s leadership.

Rob Jarvis, PGA, President of PGA REACH New England, highlighted a landmark year for the Foundation, noting its new standalone Board of Directors, updated bylaws, expanded scholarship programs, and more than $1 million raised through Birdies to Benefit. He previewed upcoming programming, including the REACH Classic, Northeast Invitational, Women’s Business Summits, and community-focused initiatives, and celebrated the Section’s receipt of the 2025 Herb Graffis Award.

A candid discussion with incoming District 1 Director Michael Behan, PGA, and outgoing Director Larry Kelley, PGA, addressed national initiatives such as the golf ball rollback, member benefits at PGA Frisco, Ryder Cup takeaways, and reflections on CEO Derek Sprague’s first year. A Q&A session allowed members to explore compensation trends, spectator behavior, and communications surrounding major initiatives.

Director of Marketing & Communications Lauren Neilan presented an overview of AI tools supporting PGA Professionals, showing how technology can streamline swing analysis, lesson recaps, content creation, tournament summaries, and physical operations such as course maintenance and range picking—while emphasizing that AI enhances, not replaces, human expertise.

Past President Mike Bradshaw, PGA, conducted officer elections for 2025–2026, officially welcoming Joanne Flynn, PGA as President, Brendan Walsh, PGA as Vice President, and Lou Rivers, PGA as Secretary. New Foundation Board officers were also sworn in: Rob Jarvis (President), Mike Bradshaw, PGA (Vice President), Directors: Joanne Flynn, PGA, Larry Kelley, PGA, and Jo-Anna Krupa, PGA. Other Directors not in attendance include Thomas Fernandes, PGA, Cory Yudkin, PGA and John Lawrence.

The Open Forum provided space for members to reflect on leadership transitions, recognize outgoing officers, and celebrate Flynn’s historic election. President Flynn closed the meeting by thanking leaders, encouraging nominations for the 2026–2027 awards cycle, and urging members to remain engaged with the Section’s programs.

The 2025 NEPGA Annual Meeting capped a year of historic milestones and set the stage for an exciting future for the Section and its members.