Recognizing Extraordinary Women of WIGI
Four women were honored in 2026 for going above and beyond on behalf of Women in the Golf Industry.
Kay McMahon, President of WIGI, bestowed the following honors: President Award— WIGI VP Kathleen Erickson, WIGI Recognition Awards to Shelley West, CEO Nailed Golf, Pam Allen, Donald Ross Society, Jillian Johnson, CEO Ladies Executive Golf Society at the 2026 WE-Connect Annual Meeting at Orange Tree Golf Club, Orlando, FL:
The President Award – Kathleen A. Erickson
The President Award is the highest honor that recognizes an individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment, and impact in advancing the mission of the Women in the Golf Industry. This honor celebrates those who elevate opportunities for women in golf, inspire others through service and mentorship, and help shape the future of the game through dedication and influence.
With great pride President Kay McMahon announced the presentation of the President’s Award to Kathy Erickson. This award recognizes Kathy’s courage and unwavering dedication.
“Kathy has demonstrated exceptional leadership by assuming new responsibilities as Vice-President, transitioning from Secretary with enthusiasm and a remarkable positive attitude. Her exemplary leadership and role modeling qualities serve as an inspiration to the women of WIGI.”
Kathy Erickson is a dedicated advocate for wounded warriors and advancing accessibility in the game of golf. She is passionate about ensuring that service members recovering from physical and invisible injuries have meaningful opportunities to experience the therapeutic and community-building power of the sport. Kathy supports adaptive golf programs, innovative equipment solutions, and inclusive course design that make the game playable for veterans of all abilities. She believes golf can be a powerful pathway to healing, confidence, and connection, and works to promote greater awareness and collaboration across the industry to expand access for those who have sacrificed in service to our country.
WIGI Recognition Awards – Pam Allen, Shelley West, and Jillian Johnson
Our Recognition Awards celebrate the heart and spirit of our community to women who have made meaningfulcontributions to WIGI. They honor the people who give their time generously, and help make our organization stronger and more connected. These awards are a thank you — and a celebration — of the passion and dedication that advance opportunities for women in golf.
President Kay McMahon, “These three women have unselfishly given so much of their time, knowledge anddedication to advance the mission of WIGI in creating opportunities for women in the industry to be connected. Our thanks go out to them.”
Shelley West – Founder – Nailed Golf
Shelley West served as Vice-President of WIGI for over seven years. Her clear leadership, dedication and mission is to advancing the role of women in the industry by connecting women as strong resources and advocates for each other.
She is Founder of Nailed Golf, an independent designer and retailer of forward-thinking women’s golf gloves, footwear and accessories. Inspired by her own frustration with ill-fitting, inferior products for women on the course, she transformed a broken nail into a bold vision—creating premium gloves and footwear designed specifically for women who value quality, fit, and timeless luxury.
Hand-crafted in small runs by established old-world factories, Nailed Golf products are designed to stand out while elevating confidence on and off the course. Shelley’smission is to empower women to demand the very best for themselves and their fellow golf sisters—one woman, one golf course at a time. https://nailedgolf.com/
Pam Allen – WIGI & Donald Ross Society – Board of Directors
Pam Allen contributed seven years of dedicated service on the Board of Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI), where she played a vital role in website management and behind-the-scenes logistics — the kind of steady leadership that keepsorganizations moving forward with excellence.
She also serves as Secretary of the Donald Ross Society, where she has been an engaged and influential Board member for the past eleven years.
Known for her insight and passion for the game’s heritage, Pam brings both precision and heart to every role she takes on. After a successful career in finance, Pam embraced her “second act” with the same ambition and focus that defined her professional life — this time channeled into the world of golf travel. A passionate connector and global adventurer, she has set her sights on an extraordinary goal: to play every links course in the world. Whether stewarding the legacy of Donald Ross or chasing the windswept fairways of classic seaside courses, Pam lives at the intersection of tradition, exploration, and a deep love for the game.
Jillian Johnson – CEO & Founder – Ladies Executive Golf Society (LEGS)
Jillian, as a leader in WIGI, jumps in with unbridled enthusiasm and energy into any task given and always a“Let’s get it done” attitude. She is now also the newand proud mother of Nelly Jo—the newest 2-month old member of WIGI
She is the founder of the Ladies Executive Golf Society (LEGS), a boldcommunity empowering woman on and off the golf course. What started with a sticker, a flyer, and a big vision has grown into an inclusive, judge-free space where women build confidence, connection, and community through golf.
After leaving her career as an employee benefits consultant, Jillian followed her belief and stepped fully into her purpose. Today, she’s dedicated to helping women live boldly and unapologetically—using the golf course as the platform not only to have a seat at the table, but to build their “own damn table”. https://ladiesexecutivegolfsociety.com/
MORE ABOUT WOMEN IN THE GOLF INDUSTRY
Women in the Golf Industry (WIGI) is an organization comprised of women whose careers span all aspects of the golf industry. The organization’s mission is to create strong bonds and powerful connections for WIGI members. To join or learn more about Women in the Golf Industry, visit https://www.womeninthegolfindustry.com.
Contact Info: WIGI@womeninthegolfindustry.com
