The New Jersey Section of the PGA of America and its charitable arm, the New Jersey Golf Foundation, on Wednesday announced staff promotions and new executive positions within each respective organization.
Greg Zohovetz, who has served as the director of junior golf and player development for the NJPGA since 2014, will transition to a new role as the first director of operations for the NJGF.
The NJGF was created in 2004 to positively impact lives and communities through the game of golf, with a focus on three core pillars: youth, military and special needs. Under the guidance of PGA professionals, programming is designed to provide individuals from all backgrounds with an opportunity to experience the game of golf in a welcoming environment.
This new position for Zohovetz was prompted by substantial growth in NJGF programs, highlighted by PGA HOPE, or Helping Our Patriots Everywhere — a rehabilitative golf program for military veterans that has doubled in size over the past year to serve more than 500 veterans annually.
Another successful, ever-growing NJGF program is Golf in Schools — golf in gym class at more than 200 schools across the state impacting more than 120,000 boys and girls (K-8). Additionally, PGA Junior League — featuring more than 80 teams and 1,300 kids under the age of 17 throughout New Jersey — continues to surge as one of golf’s greatest player development programs. Moreover, the NJGF continues to expand its golf programming footprint with Special Olympics New Jersey Golf and other programs for those with special needs.
“Backed by the incredible growth of NJGF programming, we recognized the need to add a new position to the team, with a primary focus on player development programming,” Chris Hunt, executive director, NJGF said. “Greg Zohovetz will assume this new role where he can focus more attention specifically on New Jersey Golf Foundation operations.”
Zohovetz will be responsible for overseeing all player development programs at the Inspiration Golf Range. The venue, which is currently receiving a facelift thanks to the PGA of America Places to Play Grant, serves as the homesite for NJGF programming, highlighted by PGA HOPE and youth programming. The venue also serves as a training site for Special Olympics New Jersey Golf & Els for Autism — which delivers transformative golf programming for individuals with special needs.
The NJPGA is also excited to announce that Christina Paulsen, who has been working with the NJPGA/NJGF for eight years, will assume the role of director of junior golf & player engagement for the NJPGA. Paulsen started with the section in 2016 when she was selected as the NJPGA’s first-ever PGA WORKS fellow, where she had the opportunity to support initiatives in conjunction with the PGA Championship hosted at Baltusrol Golf Club. Following her fellowship, she transitioned into an assistant role to support the NJPGA Junior Tour and Tournaments department, handled administrative duties and supported NJGF programs.
“The entire staff takes great pride in serving our PGA of America golf professionals, Junior Tour members and all New Jersey Golf Foundation programming and events,” Chris Bauer, executive director, NJPGA, said. “We are thankful to have the opportunity to elevate some of our current staff members and reward them with career growth opportunities such as these.”
Additionally, the current PGA WORKS fellow, Joe Oliveri, who has been instrumental in supporting NJGF programming, will transition to a full-time position as NJPGA tournament administrator at the conclusion of his fellowship on June 1. In his new role, Oliveri will be responsible for supporting the NJPGA Tournaments Division, the NJPGA Junior Tour and related special events.
