On Monday, October 23, the Michigan PGA held its Annual Fall Meeting at Eagle Eye Golf Club in East Lansing, MI. In addition to over 140 Members in attendance, Honorary Member and Legal Counsel John Allen, John Lindert, PGA of America President, John Easterbrook, PGA of America Chief Membership Officer, Todd Smith, PGA Career Consultant, Stacey Rice-Dorman, PGA Player Engagement Consultant, and Past Presidents were present as well.
A moving rendition of our national anthem was sung by East Lansing Singers Member, CC Kuiper. The meeting began with a message from President Kolstad. As part of his message, he recognized the outgoing Board Members Bob Bales, Kyle Horton, Kevin Muir, Casey Powers, Chris Sullivan, Jeff Rachar, and Scott Wilson.
Honorary President Bob Bales proposed voting for Honorary Member, Doug Dingwall. The Michigan PGA members voted to elect Dingwall as the Section’s sixth Honorary Member in its 101-year history.
Bales also oversaw the election for the President, Vice President, and Secretary positions. Those elected were Stephanie Jennings, the first female President of the Michigan PGA, Dan Urban, Vice President, and Jeff Rachar, Secretary.
Special Awards Committee Chair, Doug Brody, recognized the 2023 Special Award winners: Assistant Professional of the Year, Tiffany Simons, Bill Strausbaugh, Mark Wilson, Golf Executive of the Year, Dean Kolstad, Distinguished Service Award, John Celestino, Merchandiser of the Year-Private Kyle Horton, Merchandiser of the Year-Public, Dean Marks, Merchandiser of the Year-Resort, Steve Niezgoda, Patriot Award, Ian Ziska, Player Development, Jimmy Wisinski,, Player of the Year, Cody Haughton, Professional Development, Charley Vandenberg, Teacher & Coach of the Year, Scott Wilson, Youth Player Development, Raquel Bryant, and Golf Professional of the Year, Doug Bell.
The afternoon education seminar, “Core Concepts of Leadership” was facilitated by Glenn Sharp from Sharp Leadership Development.
Lastly, thank you to the Fall Meeting sponsors, Pepsi and Mitchell Golf, and seminar sponsor PGA National Resort & Spa.