University of Michigan Graduate Abbey Zacharias Named PGA WORKS Fellow

 Zacharias Will Support Golf Programs and Events Managed by the Southern Ohio PGA Foundation

 

The Southern Ohio PGA Section, in conjunction with PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, has named 2019 University of Michigan graduate Abbey Zacharias, of Plymouth, Michigan, as its second PGA WORKS Fellow.

Zacharias’ appointment makes her one of 11 individuals nationwide currently serving in a PGA WORKS Fellowship. Focused on engaging a diverse demographic of participants—with consideration to gender, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, disability and Veteran status—the PGA WORKS Fellowship is designed to establish a strong bench of talent prepared to ascend into key employment positions in the business of golf.

Working out of the Southern Ohio PGA Section’s headquarters, Zacharias’ primary responsibilities will be to help execute program elements that support the mission and purpose of the Southern Ohio PGA Section Foundation. This includes the PGA HOPE Veteran’s golf program, as well as junior golf initiatives—such as the PGA Jr. League Section Championship, and regional Drive, Chip and Putt events, among other foundation activities.

At the University of Michigan, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sport Management, Zacharias was a member of the Michigan Sport Business Association, the Michigan Women in Sport and Entertainment Organization and the Women’s Club Water Polo Team. She also served as an Events and Graphic Design Intern for the Wolverines football team, working closely with coaches and administration on marketing initiatives.

Additionally, Zacharias was the Head Intern for the LPGA’s Volvik Championship, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, from 2017-2018, assisting in tournament operations while leading a five-person team that helped support the event and its related programming.

“All career paths start with awareness and opportunity, and providing individuals from all backgrounds employment opportunities in the golf industry is a priority for PGA REACH,” said PGA REACH Senior Director Ryan Cannon. “PGA WORKS is an important initiative that supports the Inclusion pillar of PGA REACH, and we’re thrilled to create new possibilities through the PGA WORKS Fellowship to pursue the dream of a career in golf.”

“Working at the Volvik Championship introduced me to the business of golf and gave me a great opportunity to explore a career in the industry,” said Zacharias. “Now, I have the chance to work with the Southern Ohio PGA Foundation as the PGA WORKS Fellow, giving an incredible opportunity to start my journey in golf.”

The PGA WORKS Fellowship is a 12-month paid position funded by PGA REACH, which currently hosts Fellows in 11 PGA Sections: Carolinas, Connecticut, Gateway, Metropolitan, Michigan, Middle Atlantic, New Jersey, Northern Ohio, Southern Ohio, Western New York and South Florida.

“We chose Abbey because we believe she has a tremendous passion to work in the golf industry after this fellowship is completed,” said Southern Ohio PGA Section Executive Director Amanda Fisher. “Abbey’s education and experiences at the University of Michigan, combined with her golf internship at the Volvik Championship, have prepared her for the PGA WORKS Fellowship, and we see her as a great asset for our growth-of-the-game programs.”

For more information on PGA REACH, visit PGAREACH.org.    

About PGA WORKS

PGA WORKS is a strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce.  Funded by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America, PGA WORKS leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events, and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage talent from diverse backgrounds to pursue key employment positions across the golf industry. 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. For more information, visit PGAREACH.org.    

Contact:

Michael Abramowitz PGA of America  mabramowitz@pgahq.com  561/624-8458

Jared Minski  Mastro Communications jared@mastrocomm.com    732/469-5700