May 10, 2023
RICHMOND, BC (PGA of British Columbia) - The PGA of BC is thrilled to announce Mark Strong as the new Executive Director of the Association. Strong is a PGA of BC member who most recently served as Executive Professional at Sagebrush Golf Club. He brings decades of experience in the golf industry and as an accomplished leader to the role. We look forward to welcoming Strong to the administration team.
Strong joined the PGA of BC as a golf professional in 2005. He has worked at both private and public clubs in various roles and served as a General Manager and CEO for the last seven years. He brings with him a long-standing commitment to education, tournaments and growing the game.
“I am honored to accept the position of Executive Director and am thrilled to begin serving you all in this new capacity. While I have always taken pride in my involvement with our Association since becoming a golf professional, I consider the lead role at the PGA of BC to be the most exciting opportunity of my career.”
His experience is not limited to golf operations. He is an active volunteer in the community and has served on various boards and committees.
“I look forward to building strong relationships with our members, partners, and stakeholders to ensure that the PGA of BC grows and evolves its leading voice in the golf industry. Together, I am confident that we can achieve inspiring things and continue to make a positive impact on the health of the game we all love,” said Strong. “I believe that our organization has tremendous potential to grow and thrive, and look forward to developing, communicating, and executing a Strategic Plan that will benefit members across this great province."
Fresh Golf Solutions led the search for an Executive Director. Scott Kolb, founder of Fresh Golf Solutions, said the search was extensive and that he’s confident in Strong’s abilities to help lead the Association.
“After close to 200 applicants, the thorough process included meeting with 24 candidates, formal interviews with eight more and final interviews of three candidates. The number of qualified candidates was outstanding and certainly led to a deep dive of the skills we felt would be best for the next leader of the PGA of BC. Mark was strong throughout each stage of the interview selection process and the selection committee sees an almost seamless transition into the role.”
Kolb said the pool of applicants was impressive, with candidates from a wide range of backgrounds.
“The search was truly coast-to-coast and even included some international candidates. A number of PGA members applied, as well as a number of executives from other national and provincial sport associations. The depth of the candidates was incredible and required meeting with more than 20 individuals during the first phase of the process.”
Ashley Zibrik, President of the PGA of BC, echoed Kolb's confidence in Strong. Zibrik said that Strong displayed all the qualities necessary to succeed in the role.
"As the President of the PGA of BC, I am ecstatic to share we have hired Mark Strong as our next Executive Director. Mark is a well-rounded and passionate golf professional committed to serving our membership at the highest level. Mark is an extremely intelligent individual with the ability to connect with compassionate engagement when working with others," said Zibrik. "Our Hiring Committee, made up of Past Presidents Jon Kadin and Adam Blair as well as Vice President Lenny Cyr, is proud and excited for these next steps with Mark leading the way."
Strong will assume his role on May 23, while Interim Executive Director Jared Siminoff's final day will be June 5. To reach Strong, please email [email protected].
