Sacramento, CA- At its recent fall board meeting the California Alliance for Golf (CAG) elected its new slate of officers. Now, serving as President of the alliance is Northern California PGA’s CEO Chris Thomas, who follows Outgoing President Tom Addis, CEO of the Southern California PGA Section.
President Thomas is joined by newly-elected Vice President Kevin Heaney (Southern California Golf Association), Treasurer Tom Schunn (California Chapter of the Club Managers Association) and Secretary Jim Ferrin, CGCS, (California Chapter of the Golf Course Superintendents Association).
The 2014 CAG board meeting (which was followed by a general assembly meeting) was held at the Southern California PGA Section headquarters, the association where Incoming President Chris Thomas launched his career in the golf industry. Thomas served as director of operations for the SCPGA from 1995 to 2004 and in June that year was recruited by the Northern California PGA Section to serve as its executive director. In 2007, his position was elevated to CEO/COO. In addition to managing one of the largest PGA sections in the country, Thomas is also responsible for overseeing the Northern California PGA Foundation, a 501 c-3 organization which is fully committed to supporting life-enriching programs through golf in Northern California and Northwestern Nevada.
Thomas, who is concerned about the future of the game and business of golf, is a founding member of the California Alliance for Golf. “Chris understands the multiple challenges the California golf business is currently facing and the complexities surrounding those challenges,” said Emmy Moore Minister, At-Large Board of Director, CAG. “He is an advocate for protecting the industry and the jobs it provides for golf professionals, club managers, golf course superintendents as well as so many others. We are fortunate to have him leading the alliance.”
“I am honored to serve as president of the alliance,” said Chris Thomas, PGA. “It is critical, more now, than ever before, that the California golf industry remains united and informed. The challenges before us should not be confronted singularly, but instead, we must continue to work collaboratively to protect what we have – whether it jobs or its water resources and everything in between?all are vital to our business and the golfers we serve.”
As Thomas stepped forward to preside over CAG’s general assembly meeting, his first point of business was to recognize the dedicated work of his predecessor, Tom Addis, PGA. On behalf of the board of directors, Thomas presented Addis with a special appreciation award for his multiple years of service to the alliance.
Under the leadership of Addis (and with the support of fellow officers Thomas, Heaney, and Schunn, and board members) the alliance produced an updated CAG-Golf 20/20 California Golf Economic Impact Study (which included a special environmental component), has closely monitored water issues throughout the state while also opening healthy dialog between water agencies and golf course operators. Additionally, under their leadership the alliance secured the firm of Englander, Knabe and Allen (EKA) to oversee marketing and lobbying efforts for CAG.
In addition to the officer core the CAG Board of Directors includes: Pat Blalock (WSCGA), Ted Horton, CGCS (Past President), Bill Johnson (CCMA), Michael Lautenbach (At-Large), Emmy Moore Minister (At-Large), Steve Plummer, CGCS (CGCOA), plus Bruce Williams, CGCS (At-Large), and with additional governmental advocacy support from Craig Kessler with the Southern California Golf Association.
The California Alliance for Golf (CAG) is a non-profit corporation which serves as the unified voice for the golf industry in California. It is an umbrella trade organization spanning the state in its effort to protect and promote the golf industry. CAG is committed in sharing its message with all who participate and enjoy the great game of golf as well as those employed at any of the driving ranges, golf courses, and clubs which include public, private, semi-private, military, institutional, and resort facilities.
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