The PGA of America has brought some of golf’s biggest names to North Texas, but its influence extends beyond the game. Through philanthropy and community initiatives, it plays a vital role in supporting and enriching the local community. Now, that reach is extending even further.
In 2024, the PGA hired Jenny Lewis, a McKinney resident, to become the inaugural executive director of the PGA of America REACH Foundation. In this role, she leads the foundation’s efforts, overseeing its operations and initiatives to create a lasting impact both locally and nationally, all through the unifying power of golf.
Local Profile recently talked to Lewis about her new role and what she hopes to accomplish for the PGA REACH Foundation:
What is your role as executive director?
The PGA of America REACH Foundation is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. As executive director, I oversee the strategic direction of the foundation, as well as the fundraising strategy, national programming, administration and financial performance. I ensure the work of our foundation fulfills its mission of positively impacting the lives of youth (PGA Jr. League), Veterans and Active Duty Military (PGA HOPE), and diverse populations (PGA WORKS) by providing access to PGA of America Golf Professionals, PGA sections and the game of golf.
How did you get into this type of career?
I started my career in the technology industry and over a 12 year period worked my way up from an entry-level marketing role to vice president of sales. After more than a decade, I realized my work-life balance was not as it should be so I left the technology space to find my next opportunity.
I joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America as the director of corporate relations; a role in which I was able to apply my experience in sales to attract new donors to support the mission of creating brighter futures for youth. During my time with Boys & Girls Clubs of America, I managed the relationship with one of the organization’s largest donors, Kimberly-Clark Corporation. When the position of vice president of the Kimberly-Clark Foundation became available, I saw it as an opportunity to blend my experience with for-profit and non-profit work and deepen the connectivity of business and social responsibility.
After 15 years at Kimberly-Clark I was ready for my next challenge. The PGA of America was the perfect next step for me because it allowed me to combine my passion for positively impacting lives with my love of golf. I’ve played for more than 20 years and to be able to work in an industry I also enjoy is a great combination.
Where did your passion for helping others come from?
My work with both Boys & Girls Clubs of America, as well as Kimberly-Clark, opened my eyes to the tremendous societal needs that exist at local, national and global levels. I’ve witnessed the gaps that exist in education, financial stability and health, to name a few, and believe we all have a role in helping one another reach our full potential. Being able to continue to pursue innovative ways for the public and private sectors to partner, we can work together to drive positive and sustainable change in our communities.
What are some goals you hope to accomplish as executive director?
My goal is to enable the more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals to grow the game and drive positive change. Through our PGA Jr. League Scholarship program, we aim to bring golf to underserved communities across the country. This program not only introduces the game to children who may not otherwise have the opportunity to play, but also creates a safe environment to learn golf’s other lessons, including patience, accountability, honesty and integrity. Through PGA HOPE, we are bringing the game to veterans and active duty military to improve their physical, mental, social and emotional well-being. This past year, we awarded more than 5,000 PGA Jr. League Scholarships and instructed over 17,000 veterans and active duty military across all 50 states.
The PGA WORKS program leverages fellowships, scholarships, career exploration events and the PGA WORKS Collegiate Championship to inspire and engage students from all backgrounds and encourage them to pursue employment opportunities in the golf or sports industries. In 2024, we matched over 80% of our PGA WORKS Fellows with employment opportunities in the sports industry.
It is my goal to continue to grow these numbers to reach more people nationwide, as well as educate everyone about what the PGA of America REACH Foundation is doing so all can love this game. By providing a platform in which we can positively impact lives through golf, we’re developing lifelong players and future leaders, while also creating lasting memories and communities for today, tomorrow and generations to come.
What are you most looking forward to as executive director?
I’m most excited about sharing the impact of the PGA of America REACH Foundation and how it gives back to the communities we live in. I look forward to sharing more about PGA HOPE and the tremendous success it has on improving the lives of our veterans, as well as hearing the stories from our PGA WORKS Fellows about how our programs opened new doors to opportunities in industries that never knew existed. Watching the next generation of talent rise through the ranks of PGA Jr. League excites me for the future of the game. Ultimately, I hope by sharing the profound impact of the foundation’s work we can attract more people to get involved with and support the mission.
How is the foundation impacting the North Texas community?
The PGA of America REACH Foundation programs are available throughout North Texas, including right here in Frisco. We offer PGA Jr. League programs at the PGA of America Coaching Center throughout the year. PGA HOPE clinics are available at both the PGA of America Coaching Center, as well as the Northern Texas PGA Section and several other Frisco-area golf courses (find the program closest to you here).
This June when we host the KPMG Women’s PGA Championship, which is a Major Championship in women’s professional golf, we’ll feature several ways to support the PGA of America REACH Foundation and learn about ways to get involved. Specifically, our “Beyond the Green” program will invite young women and girls to the course to learn about how we operate a major spectator championship, as well as share careers in the sports industry.
Throughout the year, and in the years to come, we’ll continue to provide PGA Jr. League and PGA HOPE classes and clinics.
How can members of the community get involved?
I encourage everyone to pick up a club and give golf a try! Whether you go out with your friends, sign your child up for PGA Jr. League, tell a friend about PGA HOPE or sign up for a clinic at the PGA of America Coaching Center, golf is something everyone can play. I encourage everyone to visit www.pgareach.org to learn more about the foundation’s programs and how you can support our work.
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