Annika to Advise LPGA Board of Directors
LPGA Names Evans as Acting Commissioner Following Bivens’ Resignation;
LPGA Legend Annika Sorenstam appointed Advisor to the Board of Directors
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., July 13, 2009 – Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Board of Directors Chairman Dawn Hudson announced today that Rear Admiral Marsha J. Evans, U.S. Navy (retired) and a member of the LPGA Board of Directors, will serve as the player association’s Acting Commissioner effective immediately.
The move follows the resignation of Commissioner Carolyn Bivens, also announced today. The association has embarked on a search for a full-time Commissioner and made several changes within the leadership structure of the organization, including the appointment of LPGA player legend Annika Sorenstam as Advisor to the LPGA Board of Directors.
“We’ll soon have in place a Commissioner to lead us into 2010 and beyond, but until then, it’s important that we immediately appoint an Acting Commissioner whom we know and trust,” Hudson said. “As a Board of players and independent directors, we wanted an Acting Commissioner with experience leading large organization, one who appreciates and listens to our player members and tournament owners, understands sponsors and their challenges and needs, and has a track record that commands respect. We’re pleased that Marty Evans will be our Acting Commissioner, as she fits all the criteria necessary during these challenging economic times for sports leagues.”
“We respect Carolyn’s decision to resign since she has led this organization professionally and passionately the past four years,” said LPGA Board of Directors President Michelle Ellis. “We appreciate the unwavering commitment that she provided the LPGA, and during her four years, Carolyn accomplished a great deal for the LPGA and its player members.”
During her tenure starting in 2005, Bivens acquired and integrated the Duramed FUTURES Tour, a burgeoning developmental Tour, into the LPGA; secured ownership of a Major, the LPGA Championship; upgraded the quality of the courses on which LPGA players compete; introduced the first drug-testing program in professional golf; secured a landmark five-year TV rights agreement with South Korea’s J Golf which includes a new tournament in southern California starting in 2010; and secured a ten-year partnership from 2010-2019 with the Golf Channel, creating a dependable viewing schedule for LPGA events.
“The LPGA is a special organization comprised of great players, teachers and fans with a rich history,” Bivens said. “I love the LPGA and have been proud to serve as its Commissioner for the last four years. I am also proud of what the LPGA has accomplished during my tenure. My job was to be a change agent, to help move the LPGA into the strongest possible position to ensure its future. Those changes were only possible because the members are dynamic women who provide great value to our sponsors and tournaments. We also have a talented and dedicated staff supported by an engaged board that worked closely together to make progress. “It is time to turn this organization over to someone who can build on the solid foundation we’ve established. I wish the LPGA and its members nothing but fairways and greens as it enters its 60th year.”
Evans has a distinguished background that includes a nearly 30-year career with the U.S. Navy, where she rose to the rank of Rear Admiral. She also has served in top leadership positions with the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts of the USA. She served on the LPGA Commissioner’s Advisory Council in 2007-2008, and began serving on the LPGA Board this year. “It is an honor to have been selected to serve in the role of Acting Commissioner pending the selection of the Association’s next Commissioner,” Evans said. “We look forward to making progress on completing negotiations for the 2010 schedule and build on the impressive work of Commissioner Bivens to execute the Association’s long-range strategic plan.”
The Executive Search Committee will be led by LPGA Board member Leslie Greis and joined by Board members Juli Inkster, Helen Alfredsson and Bill Morton. Their work will be supplemented by the full Board of Directors and renowned executive search firm Spencer Stuart. Hudson also announced several other changes within the LPGA. Sorenstam, one of the LPGA’s legendary players who retired last year and has embarked on her own business ventures, will serve as Advisor to the Board of Directors, assisting the association with on-going discussions with tournaments and sponsors.
“Obviously, I will do everything possible to ensure that the LPGA remains the pre-eminent women’s sports association in the world,” Sorenstam said. “I’m committed to getting up to speed quickly on the challenges facing the Board right now, and will assist the LPGA in a number of ways both immediately and long-term.”
Zayra Calderon, the LPGA’s Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and CEO of the Duramed FUTURES Tour, has been promoted to Executive Vice President, Tournament Development & Worldwide Sales. She now will assume responsibility for all tournament business affairs, working closely with tournament owners and title sponsors to secure renewals and new tournaments and sponsors for the LPGA. She will retain her responsibilities with the Duramed FUTURES Tour.
Additionally, Bill Susetka, who recently retired from the LPGA as its full-time Chief Marketing Officer, has been nominated to fill Evans’ position on the Board of Directors. “The LPGA Tour has a bright future thanks to its appealing fan- and sponsor-friendly players, world-class sporting events, and stability as a women’s organization that was founded 59 years ago,” Hudson said. “The community and charity outreach of the LPGA players and tournaments remains imbedded in the organization’s DNA, and the LPGA boasts impressive domestic and global strength due to its membership make-up and media reach. We anticipate great things for the LPGA in the months and years ahead.”
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