The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee Announces Andy Mears as Development Director
Sarasota, FL (May 8, 2019) – The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee (TFTSM), an organization founded in 2005 with the primary goal of impacting the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character, instill life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf, has hired golf industry veteran Andy Mears as its Development Director.
Mears, a native of Michigan, and most recently Development Director for The First Tee of Greater Chicago has spent 40 years working in many areas of the golf industry. A PGA member, he moved from the club pro ranks in 1992 and has primarily worked in the corporate and association side of the industry ever since.
His position as Development Director for The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee will have him managing fundraising,along with other duties under the leadership of Lexi McKenney, TFTSM Executive Director. With a view to the future, McKenney said, “We are thrilled to have Andy on board to provide TFTSM with his experience and knowledge of the golf industry and his leadership and organizational abilities to run and grow our vital fundraising program.”
“This is a very exciting opportunity for me, as I am returning to where I began my professional career and to a community I have always felt a close affinity to,” said Mears. He went on to emphasize, “The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee has such great growth potential, and serving the youth of this area is an energizing and inspirational opportunity.”
The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee will adopt a new Development Plan under Mears’ fundraising leadership. The plan prioritizes stewardship of current donors, as well as seeking new donors, especially at the corporate level. Mears’ responsibility will be to seek out the resources to increase the opportunity to bring golf and its inherent values into the lives of young people ages 4 – 17.
The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee currently serves area youth at its golf course locations and in-school program, as well as, LPGA/USGA Girls Golf of Sarasota/Manatee, Greater Sarasota Junior Golf Association, and PGA Jr. League.
TFTSM is supported by generous donations from corporate partners, foundation grants and individual donors. For more information about The First Tee of Sarasota/Manatee, go to www.thefirstteeofsarasotamanatee.org
