Kennie Sims, PGA, has accepted the role of Sr. Director, PGA REACH Impact where he will oversee the positive impact created through PGA REACH programming, including oversight for the four pillars of Youth, Military, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and A Place to Play, and leadership of the team and resources supporting those pillars. In an email sent to All Board Members, Past Presidents, Staff, Section Executive Directors, PGA WORKS Committee, PGA HOPE Committee, A Place to Play Committee and Membership Committee members, Jeff Price, Chief Commercial Officer at PGA of America made the announcement welcoming Kennie to his new leadership role.
Kennie will work with the PGA Board of Directors, PGA REACH Committees and the REACH Trustees to set and execute strategies that will maximize program growth and impact, drive PGA Member and Section support and engagement, and elevate PGA REACH awareness.
As an experienced and dedicated PGA Member with more than 30 years of experience, Kennie’s service to the Association, the golf industry and community has prepared him to take on the opportunities that lie ahead. His golf journey began at 8 years old when his father put a cut-down 3-wood in his hand.
Most recently, Kennie served as the Vice President of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority, where he was responsible for the executive management, general administration and supervision of three golf courses, more than 100 employees and an annual operating budget of $4 million.
During his time in Tampa, Kennie delivered results by building and managing budgets, creating programs and managing relationships. He always looks to have a positive impact on whoever he’s working with.
His engagement with the PGA of America has been long and fruitful, including co-chairing the A Place to Play Committee, serving on the Membership Committee, the Section Finance Committee in North Florida, as a PGA WORKS Ambassador and host of Drive Chip and Putt. In Tampa, Kennie is known for his work with junior programs, including PGA Jr League and The First Tee, honoring our Veterans through PGA HOPE programming, mentoring those with learning disabilities and serving the homeless population. He was inducted into both the Fayetteville State University Athletic Hall of Fame and the African American Golfers Hall of Fame.
Kennie will be based in the new Home of the PGA in Frisco, reporting to me. He will also partner with his new colleague Todd Alfred, Sr Director, PGA REACH Development, to assist in the growth and success of the PGA REACH Drive It Further Capital Campaign that Todd is leading. His direct reports will include PGA HOPE lead Brandy Cain, PGA WORKS lead Rachel Melendez-Mabee and PGA Jr League/Place to Play lead Rich Richeson (see attached org chart).
