Page 8 - Florida Sentinel 4-22-22

Feature
Tampa Sports Authority V. P. Of Golf Operations Retires To Takes Prestigious Position With PGA
BY MONIQUE STAMPS Sentinel Staff Writer
The Professional Golfers' Associ- ation (PGA) has been working to- ward the goal of inclusion. The traditionally exclusive sport has been actively seeking to promote di- versity.
Kennie Sims, the newly retired VP of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority, is taking a new role to help the PGA achieve their goal of reaching more minority play- ers.
Earlier this month, Sims was named Senior Director of PGA REACH Impact. PGA REACH is the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America. The mission of PGA REACH is to positively impact the lives of youth, military, and di- verse populations by enabling access to PGA Professionals, PGA sections and the game of golf.
The four pillars of PGA Reach are PGA Junior League, a competitive program for young and minority players; PGA HOPE (Helping Our Patriots Everywhere) that seeks to assist disabled veterans to play golf; PGA WORKS, a strategic initiative, designed to diversify the golf indus- try’s workforce; and A Place to Play, which assists failing municipal golf operations across the country. Sims will oversee the four pillars.
Sims will work closely with the PGA Board of Directors and PGA REACH Trustees to execute strate- gies that will maximize program growth and impact, drive PGA Mem- ber and Section support and engage-
KENNIE SIMS
... New Senior Director of PGA REACH
ment, and elevate PGA REACH awareness.
Sims states, “I have been closely aligned with the goals and the four pillars which made this position a great fit.”
“It fits in with many things that I am already doing to make the game more diverse and provide opportu- nities for all kinds of people.”
Sims, who has been a PGA pro- fessional for over 35 years, has long worked with the PGA to expand possibilities for Black players and hopefuls. At the beginning of his ca- reer, Sims noticed that he was the only Black person in the room at PGA meetings. Years later, at an An- nual Meeting, he spoke about his disappointment that he was still the only Black person in the room.
“I had to back up my words and start working to change things my- self. I became heavily involved in
governance on the local, state, and national level. I started sitting on committees and bringing ideas about inclusivity to the table. I at- tended every committee meeting, and I created the Inclusion and Di- versity Council for the North Florida section of the PGA, while serving on the Board of Directors.”
Sims’ hard work paid off on the National level as well, serving on the Membership Committee.
After the summer of reckoning in 2020, following the death of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and others, the PGA began to exam- ine how to fix the inequalities exist- ing within the golf industry.
It was only natural that the PGA would contact Sims and get his opinion on inclusion.
Sims co-wrote a strategic plan to increase the positive experiences of the Black golfer.
The plan was so well-received that Sims became a trusted advisor to senior members of the national PGA governing body. The plan is still being used today.
Sims’ new position is a direct product of his Strategic Plan. The PGA has taken every suggestion from the Strategic Plan.
Sims will start his new position on Monday, April 25, 2022, in Frisco, TX.
Born and raised in New York City, Sims started playing golf with his father when he was eight. He worked at Rogers Park Golf Course after coming to Tampa. Sims worked under the tutelage of Dr. Michael Cooper, a well-known
pro golfer and educator.
Sims is a graduate of Fayetteville
State University where he received his BA in Business Administration. He has an MBA from the University of South Florida.
Sims was the Vice President of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority, with direct respon- sibilities for three Tampa golf courses - Babe Zaharias, historic Rogers Park, and Rocky Point before accepting the position with the PGA.
Sims says his time at Rogers Park was a steppingstone to his suc- cessful management style.
“I really connected with the peo- ple at Rogers Park. When Dr. Cooper offered me a job as a golf cart operator, it was like a dream be- cause I could play golf every day for free. Forty years later, I can reflect on the great people I have met and the many golfers I have known.”
Sims credits the Tampa Sports Authority, and especially his former boss, CEO, Eric D. Hart, for the tremendous support he has received in Tampa. Hart was particularly supportive of Sims’ move to the PGA and Sims considers him a mentor and friend.
Sims also deeply appreciates Dr. Michael Cooper, his long- time mentor, guide, advisor, and friend. Sims states that Dr. Cooper is the “moral compass” of golf in Tampa.
“Whenever I find myself in a tough spot, I always ask ‘What would Coop do?”
Sims is the father of two adult children.
Local Event
Free Unified Community Event
Bounce Boy, Inc. will host a free community event, “Unified With Unity Community Event,” on Saturday, April 23, 2022. Bring family and friends to the event at Kings Forest Park, 8008 E. Chelsea St., Tampa (33610).
There will be free food, gift card giveaways, prizes, entertainment, gospel music and activities for the kids. All the fun begins at 11 a. m. and lasts until 4 p. m.
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