January 14, 2021
BY AAGD STAFF
With the announcement made last week by LPGA Commissioner Mike Whan that he will be stepping down from his position, the top executive spot would be an ideal opportunity for the organization to showcase its aim for more diversity and inclusion by appointing an African American woman to its executive ranks.
While rumors circulate surrounding this C-suite opportunity, Diane Gulyas, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors, has sent a letter to players and members of the circuit detailing the succession process which will take place in the coming months. The 8 member Board of the Daytona Beach, Florida-based organization is made up of several female green legends such as Juli Inkster (in the World Golf Hall of Fame). And again: the veteran Alena Sharp and, representing the players, Michelle Wie.
Apparently, the LPGA was very satisfied with the job Whan was doing for the organization because his initial term, defined as four years, became extended and he served 11 years, making him the longest-serving LPGA Commissioner. For the LPGA to continue to provide opportunities for women in being one of the longest-running women’s professional sports associations in the world, the appointment of a Black woman to its top executive job would make a strong, public statement about their sincerity and practice of exercising diversity and inclusion.
Regarding Whan’s decision to leave his post he said, “You may be wondering why I’ve made the decision to step down – and why now? In many ways, this past year – with all the pandemic challenges – was also the LPGA’s most triumphant. We are entering 2021 on a wave of momentum – a strong schedule with record purses, new events/sponsors, double-digit viewership growth, and a talented team that demonstrated exceptional skill, resilience and capability to lead through challenging times”
What Black Woman Could the LPGA Consider for Commissioner?
Just what Black woman could the LPGA consider as it’s new Commissioner to help it soar to greater heights during these challenging times? Readers of AAGD chimed in with us on their thoughts and suggestions:
“Condoleezza Rice and Katrina Adams. Both strong women who know golf and are accomplished in leadership. Not sure what their level of interest would be but they are worthy of consideration. They both are avid golfers and are heavily involved in sports and golf and would know how to navigate the industry which is extremely important,” said Wendell Haskins, former PGA of America Senior Director of Diversity & Multicultural Initiatives.” Condoleezza might have interest because it was rumored that she has interest in being a sports commissioner, albeit football, and Katrina has had great success in tennis and would follow in the legacy of Althea Gibson by directing her focus to golf at the highest level.”
“If I could nominate a candidate to replace Mike Whan, it would be Laree Sugg, Deputy Director of Athletics/Senior Women Administrator. Laree (with over 20 years of experience working in athletics) embodies both the business and player experience that can engage members as well as business partners to build on the LPGA’s current success. I think she would bring the best of both those worlds to the position,” suggests Patrina King, founder, Golf Women Mean Business.
“I would say that Renee Powell. She has been very supportive of diversity for persons of color and women in golf. She is also an owner of a course and that may be an important move. If not her, perhaps another Black woman golf course owner, such as Sheila Johnson of Innisbrook Golf Resort or Jamy Rankin, co-owner of River Forest Golf Course in Freeport, Penn., an experienced executive in business management and operations,” says Myneca Ojo, Director of Diversity & Inclusion, Former Mayor of Hanover Borough, PA, Civil Rights, Diversity, Equity, and Social Inclusion.
LPGA Professional, Fore Life, Inc. Founder & Executive Director Paula Pearson Tucker shines the light on industry professional Ashaunta Epps, Class A – LPGA Golf Professional who is also CEO & Founder at A Perfect Swing Golf and, most recently, elected President for LPGA’s Southeast Section —only the 2nd Black in the 44-year history of the LPGA. Pearson Tucker also likes V. Lynn Whitfied, Esq., an experienced trial lawyer and member of the Florida (State) Bar.
“Mike Whan was a phenomenal leader. In regard to who can take the baton and take the LPGA to the next level, I don’t know, but whomever it is they should have a strong marketing and financial background,” says Donna Richardson, wellness speaker and coach who has served under President Bush and President Obama on the President’s Council for Fitness, Sports and Nutrition.
Pamela Pickens, Chief Intelligence Officer at UrbanAdserve says, “After reading about what happened to Wendell Haskins at the PGA, it’s questionable on exactly what the temp or the environment in golf is.
“I would love to see Katrina Adams in this role. She’s an avid golfer and immediate past President Chairperson and CEO of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). She’s a leader and would be terrific leading the LPGA,” says Cheryl Gentry, CEO/Founder, Glow Global Events.
“Katina Adams is one who comes to mind. She did an excellent job leading the USTA,” says Mark Lowry, President at VOS Management and Consulting Solutions LLC. “Her skills in leading a major sports organization (tennis) would be transferable to running a major golf organization like the LPGA.”
“I wish that there was a long list of ladies that I know who could come in and do a good global leadership job as Mike has,” says Oneda Castillo, Global Education Instructor at LPGA with over 15-years of LPGA involvement and an African American Golfers Hall of Fame inductee. “Renee Powell because of her global presence and golf experience. And, I am sure that there are other Black women who could do a fine job because of their business experience and negotiation skills.”
So, worthy Black women candidates are out there should the LPGA seriously be looking to showcase Diversity and Inclusion.
