October 9, 2021 | BY AAGD STAFF
The National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA) hosted the industry’s first Lead Golf Together (LGT) Summit, an opportunity for the leaders of golf’s allied organizations to specifically address the pronounced lack of diversity on executive teams and governing boards throughout the sport and industry. This was not a new collaborative initiative as much as it is an opportunity for each invited organization to learn and improve in their own universe.
The Lead Golf Together Summit was an industry catalyst for long overdue and critically necessary change. It will provide the governing and staff leadership of golf’s national allied organizations with support for their own Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts through a collaborative opportunity for active listening, participatory learning and hands-on development of action plans that can transform the culture and complexion of the leadership tables that shape and serve the sport. LGT is meant to be a resource for each organization to make its own change.
“I really enjoyed the Summit. I had an opportunity to network with decision-makers throughout the golf industry and share my perspective on how the industry can do a better job engaging and supporting minority grassroots organizations like mine,” said Ashaunta Epps, CEO of A Perfect Swing. “I walked away feeling encouraged about the industry leaders’ willingness to change the face of the game and I’m looking forward to seeing the next step of actions because that’s what really counts.”
Financial management and execution of the LGT Summit was administered through the NGCOA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. Any net proceeds from the event will be used specifically on industry DEI initiatives.
“Just participated in a great diversity and inclusion summit hosted by Jay Karen and the national golf course owners association…..Fun in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Michael Cooper on his Facebook page.
“The draw to have one conversation about diversifying golf’s leadership, turned into several important conversations. Leaders from national golf organizations need to know the leaders of grassroots golf organizations, who have been doing the work at the intersection of golf and diversity for decades. I’m glad we were able to get many of these good people in a room together, perhaps for the very first time. Relationships are everything in this industry.
“I am grateful to everyone who was able to be there. New professional bonds and lifelong friendships were made. I was so impressed with the candor of leaders like Sheila Johnson and Robin Herrington about what must be done. As Robin said, change will require truth. And if nothing, the truth about diversity at the leadership table in golf is an uncomfortable topic for the governing boards and c-suites. But you don’t grow unless you get a little uncomfortable,” said Jay Karen, CAE, Chief Executive Officer, National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA).
Featured speakers included those listed below:
Agenda
Tuesday, October 5
4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Check-in and badge pick-up
Wednesday, October 6
The first day of the Summit began with a golf outing at the newly-renovated Charleston Municipal Golf Course (a newly renovated public gem that has been named one of the Top 20 Municipal Courses in the country with its own story about racial integration).
The evening included opportunities for attendees to connect socially, which will help create a positive environment for Day 2. The evening also featured a “fireside chat” with Valentino Dixon, who spent over 25 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, before his drawing of Augusta National Golf Club started a chain of events that would eventually lead to his freedom.
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Valentino Dixon, Vindicated Ex-Con sells golf course drawing to former First Lady Michelle Obama for President Obama’s Christmas Gift
8:15 AM – 8:45 AM Grab-and-go light breakfast
8:45 AM – 3:00 PM Golf Outing (shuttle service to course; lunch, refreshments on-course)
3:00 PM Shuttles return to Hotel Bennett
6:30 PM – 8:00 PM Welcome Reception & Dinner
8:00 PM – 9:00 PM Fireside Chat with special guest Valentino Dixon
Thursday, October 7
The second day will feature a mix of conversations that address the process of creating an equitable and inclusive leadership culture throughout the businesses of golf, and breakout/workshop time for each organization to examine its own unique opportunities.
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Breakfast
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM Welcome and Opening Remarks
9:30 AM – 10:00 AM Presentation: Establishing the Language and Benefits of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion // Speaker: Michael Williams
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM Panel Discussion: Challenges and Successes in Recruiting Diverse Populations for Boards // Panelists: Sheila Johnson, Ray Halbritter, Renee Powell
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM Panel Discussion: Challenges and Successes in Recruiting Diverse Populations for C-Suite and Management Level Positions // Panelists: Robin Herrington, Derek Douglas, Sheila Johnson
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM Lunch
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Presentation: Establishing Best Practices for Diversifying Organizational Structures // Speaker: Maurice Jones
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM Q&A with Majority Whip Jim Clyburn
3:00 PM – 3:45 PM Breakout Session: Discussion on Best Practices for Diversifying Organizational Structures // Moderators: Maurice Jones, Michael Williams
3:45 PM – 4:30 PM Mastermind Session / Q&A
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM Closing Session
For health and safety of all participants and to aid in the prevention of virus transmission, the Summit implemented policies and procedures that would ensure that the Lead Golf Together Summit participants were kept as safe as possible, while still providing a fun and engaging conference experience where the golfing community can reconnect after a long period of separation.
Covid-19 protocol for the event required that all attendees bring proof of vaccination to the LGT Summit. Fully-vaccinated participants were not required to wear masks or social distance, BUT all unvaccinated participants were be required to wear masks at all times during indoor functions, or outdoors when in close proximity to others, unless they are a designated speaker or panelist, or are engaging in dining activities.
