MIDDLE ATLANTIC PGA SECTION SELECTS JOHNATHAN JOHNSON AS ITS SECOND PGA WORKS FELLOW
February 11, 2019 by PGA REACH
Post-graduate opportunity furthers diversity in the game and business of golf
PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. (Feb. 11, 2019) — PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America—in conjunction with the Middle Atlantic PGA Section—has selected Johnathan Johnson, of Fort Washington, Maryland, to serve as the second PGA WORKS Fellow for the Section. Through the Fellowship, the Middle Atlantic PGA Section continues to be aligned with the PGA of America’s dedicated effort to diversify the golf industry workforce.
The PGA WORKS Fellowship program aspires to be the most valuable entry-level opportunity for individuals from diverse backgrounds to gain experience in all facets of the golf industry. In his role as a PGA WORKS Fellow, Johnson will support the Middle Atlantic PGA Section’s foundational activities, including the PGA HOPE program, assisting Junior Golf Director Will Martindale in managing PGA Jr. League, coordinating Junior Section tournaments, and developing PGA REACH programming and fundraising initiatives.
“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity—and providing individuals from diverse backgrounds entry into the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said Ryan Cannon, Senior Director of PGA REACH. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.”
Johnathan earned a Bachelor’s degree in sports, event and entertainment management, with a concentration in golf operations from Johnson & Wales University in 2018. Prior to joining PGA REACH, he held an internship at the Charlotte Marriott City Center, where he worked with sales, budgeting and staffing development. In addition, he has volunteered over the last nine years for the KitchenAid Senior PGA Championship, U.S. Open, AT&T National (now Quicken Loans National) and Melwood Prince George’s County Open.
“As we continue to grow the PGA WORKS Fellowship program, we appreciate the ambition and drive of new Fellows like Johnathan,” said Jon Guhl, Middle Atlantic PGA Section Executive Director. “Along with PGA REACH, the Middle Atlantic PGA Section strives to generate awareness and increase opportunities for involvement among those interested in the golf industry.”
Launched in 2017, the PGA WORKS Fellowship now hosts 12 Fellows across the country in the following PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York, Indiana and South Florida. The goal is to have Fellows in all 41 PGA Sections.
“Working for the Middle Atlantic Section of the PGA of America is a life dream that is more than I could possibly have imagined,” said Johnson. “Through the Section’s Foundation, I am excited to further its mission of improving lives through the community of golf.”
The PGA of America recognizes that it will be defined by how its commitment to diversity and inclusion resonates throughout its programs and practices. This commitment is mission critical to the health and relevance of the business and the game overall.
For more information on PGA REACH, visit pgareach.org.
About PGA WORKS
PGA WORKS is the umbrella brand for all workforce diversification programs that are part of the PGA of America’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, one of the organization’s foundational principles. PGA WORKS is an intentional effort to evolve the demographic composition of the golf industry’s workforce through a variety of programmatic efforts, including leadership development, fellowships, internships, scholarships, the PGA WORKS Career Expo and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship. PGA WORKS programs are designed to appeal to, recruit and retain diverse talent who are prepared to ascend into key employment positions across all lines of business within the golf industry and specifically the PGA of America. For more information visit, pgareach.org.
About PGA REACH
PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military and diverse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA Sections and the game of golf.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of PGA Professionals who daily work to grow interest and participation in the game of golf. For more information about the PGA of America, visit PGA.org, follow @PGA on Twitter, and find us on Facebook.
Contact:
Michael Abramowitz PGA of America mabramowitz@pgahq.com 561/624-8458
Chelsea Hellems Dixon Schwabl Chelsea_Hellems@dixonschwabl.com 585/899-3244
Jon Guhl Middle Atlantic PGA Section JGuhl@pgahq.com 540/784-1921
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