PGA promotes Steranka

Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. – Joe Steranka, who has guided the growth and promotion of the communications, marketing and broadcasting branches of The PGA of America since 1988, has been named as only the second chief executive officer of the world’s largest working sports organization.

Steranka, 47, succeeds Jim Awtrey, who is concluding his 19th year of service as the longest tenured c.e.o. among America’s leading golf associations.

A resident of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Steranka joined the PGA of America in 1988 as director of communications and broadcasting. Since 2003, he has served as managing director of communication and broadcasting. Steranka will be introduced to delegates in his new position, Nov. 1, at The Association’s 89th annual meeting at the Hyatt Regency in Scottsdale, Ariz.

“The PGA of America marks a new chapter in leadership with Joe Steranka stepping forward as our chief executive officer,” says PGA of America president Roger Warren. “Since he joined The PGA of America, Joe has developed an exceptional track record in creating and marketing a wide variety of programs and services for PGA members and the golf industry. He has established invaluable partnerships within the golf community and the sports business and television worlds. Most importantly, he has a dynamic vision for the future of The PGA and our leadership position in the game and business of golf.”

Steranka began his business career in the marketing department of the NBA’s Washington Bullets (now known as the Wizards). Following a two-year stint as the director of public relations with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he joined the sports management firm of ProServ in Washington, D.C. in 1983, before joining The PGA of America in April 1988. He was named senior director of marketing and public relations in July 1989, and a year later became senior director of communications and broadcasting. Since 2003, he has served as managing director of communications and broadcasting, overseeing The PGA’s broadcasting, communications, interactive media, consumer marketing and research programs.

“On the threshold of The PGA’s 90th anniversary, it is with a great deal of pride that I take the torch passed by Jim Awtrey to direct a talented staff dedicated to fulfilling the mission this association’s founders established in 1916 – to elevate the role of the PGA professional and to grow interest and participation,” says Steranka. “Our association’s strength and success comes from the 28,000 men and women PGA professionals who promote this great game to millions of American families each year. As much as The PGA has done to improve our services and events for our members, golf employers and our sponsor and media partners, there are considerable opportunities to grow these even further and to develop new initiatives.”

As managing director, Steranka guided the partnerships between The PGA of America and the nation’s leading networks to broadcast the PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, Senior PGA Championship, PGA Grand Slam of Golf and PGA Club Professional Championship to unprecedented worldwide audiences. In addition, he directed the development of the organization’s popular member-only Web site PGALinks, its business of on-site merchandising at its major championships, the formation of The PGA’s interactive media alliance with Time Warner for PGA.com and the marketing and programming of Play Golf America, the association’s industry-wide player development program.