If you will indulge me one last time, I have a few thank yous to share.
First and foremost, to all of you, the outstanding men and women PGA Professionals that make up the Pacific Northwest Section. You are the true caretakers of this game and your participation, passion and commitment are what makes the Section so great. You have my sincere thanks for your friendship and kindness to over these 30+ years. It has been my pleasure to serve you.
Second, to the many mentors that have made me better, some did not even know it! I tried to learn and get better every day. I will single out just two. Don Bails, PGA helped a University of Idaho Grad student (Go Vandals) break into this business 35 years ago. I just talked to Don last week, at 88 he is still going strong and still a good friend. And of course, the one and only Dale Johnson. Dale shared his wisdom and wit with all of us. His teachings are woven into the fabric of everything we do, this Section would not be where we are without the foundation Dale laid for all of us.
This Section enjoys outstanding leadership and it has been my honor to serve alongside 16 Presidents and as many different boards. My roles have afforded me the opportunity to know 31 of our 45 Presidents. They, with their respective boards, always kept your best interests at heart. I am confident you can expect that tradition to continue. Thank you all for your support along this journey.
No one does anything alone and I have been so lucky to work with so many great people on the Section and Chapter staff. We have enjoyed a long history of dedicated teams working hard every day to serve OUR members. My thanks to them all. Our current crew is very special to me. Dom, Brian, Casey, and Tanner make the chapters work. Without their efforts, our organization would be a very different thing. You guys are great.
The ladies in the office are amazing and flat handle it with me always on the road. Rebekah and Michelle keep the bills and PURSES paid for 230 events and tried to teach me accounting. Denise and Robin manage membership and all your entries (nice wedding Denise!). Marlena is the most creative person I know, and I am so glad you found us. Angela manages many high-profile projects like the Show, Awards, Grants, and the Board. I am so lucky she is taking over something dear to my heart – Drive Chip and Putt. Finally, Molly Cooper, PGA. If you thought I work hard, Coop runs circles around me. She is in charge of both Tournaments & Membership – what else do we do? Five of us have been together for over 10 years – Marlena & Rebekah – 10; Angela – 13 and Molly – 17, and all are a big part of my world. Our amazing staff has enriched my life and we will be friends forever.
I have been asked what will I do on September 1? Pretty simple really – nurse a massive hangover and look forward to a To Do list that I have half a chance of completing!
I wish you all the very best and hope to see you down the road. I just may play in a few events. With that, I turn you over to our new CEO, Frank Talarico. You are in good hands.
Thank you all,
Jeff