PEBBLE BEACH – Paul Porter, CEO of the Northern California Golf Association and President/CEO of Poppy Holding, Inc., passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, September 12 after suffering an aneurysm August 15.
Porter, 56, is survived by devoted wife Nettie, daughter Lauren, sons Reed and Robert, mother Paula Porter, sister Kate Breuleux and brother Jim Porter.
The Santa Clara alumnus came to Poppy Hills in 1991 as general manager after 18 years at Northstar at Tahoe Ski Resort. Over the course of his 15 years of leadership of Poppy Holding Inc., the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am came to Poppy Hills, Poppy Ridge opened in Livermore and both courses developed a reputation for world-class golf at a great value. Awards such as the National Golf Course Owners’ Association 2005 Course of the Year (for Poppy Hills) are a direct reflection of the native Californian’s guidance.
Porter was appointed CEO of the NCGA in 2004 and immediately embarked upon a plan to improve member services and drive association membership. The strategic plan that he formulated, along with the NCGA Board of Directors, will guide the association through the next five years and will be part of Porter’s professional legacy.
Well known among his colleagues as intelligent, hard working and warm, Porter was a respected leader in the industry. Recently named fourth most influential CEO in California golf, he was founding president of the California Golf Course Owners Association and the California Alliance for Golf.
Porter had the unique ability to make those around him better. The greatest testaments to Porter’s stewardship will be both the impact he had on the NCGA board and staff and the association’s continued success and place amongst the leading golf associations in the world. Poppy Hills General Manager Tyler Jones has been named interim CEO.
Service information is yet to be determined.
Paul was loved by all that knew him and will be greatly missed.
Contact:
Hilary Howard
831/622-8230
