The PGA of America’s volunteer leadership is demographically homogeneous at the Chapter, Section and National Levels of the Association Historically, there has been a self reinforcing vortex of sameness whereby PGA Members elect PGA Members from similar backgrounds to serve in volunteer leadership roles. We recognize the need to have our volunteer leadership roles more closely mirror America.

A leadership development program called PGA LEAD was created to provide a deep bench of PGA Members from diverse backgrounds who aspire to ascend through the volunteer leadership ranks of the Association. Each year, up to 15 Class A PGA Members are selected to make up the cohort and complete a rigorous year-long curriculum that prepares them for volunteer leadership.

Each PGA LEAD cohort meets monthly with subject matter experts to discuss a litany of topics including board governance, fiduciary responsibilities, business metrics 101, being a strategic board, creating a positive board culture, diversity, equity and inclusion and more. The PGA LEAD cohorts will meet in person at two in-person Association events as part of the process to inspire and mentor the PGA LEAD cohorts into leadership positions.

The true measure of success is in the numbers and PGA LEAD has seen great success over the first seven years in members seeking volunteer leadership roles within the Association.

• Three PGA LEAD members have served as Presidents of their respective Sections.
• More than 25 have served as Section Board Members.
• As of 2022, 19 PGA LEAD members are serving on National Committees.

This pivotal program promotes an inclusive and diverse environment for PGA Members and has proven to optimize their potential for leadership advancement.

Molly Gallatin