New Marketing Manager Joins PDGA with Fresh Perspective

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has appointed Mary Sicard as its new marketing manager, effective April 18. With an impressive background in marketing, spanning almost two decades, Sicard is eager to apply her skills to promote disc golf and enhance the membership experience.

Although not a seasoned disc golfer herself, Sicard is keen to learn from Executive Director Joe Chargualaf, who has been playing for nearly 30 years. She jokingly challenged him to a round at one of their upcoming meetings, demonstrating her intrepid spirit. This fearlessness, combined with her extensive marketing experience, made her stand out among the over 60 applicants.

Sicard's journey began in San Antonio, where she grew up as an "Army brat." She later settled in Augusta, Georgia, and spent eight years at Ingersoll Rand's Club Car, a leading manufacturer of golf carts and commercial utility vehicles. Her expertise lies in both business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing, with a long list of successful campaigns and strategies under her belt.

In addition to her corporate experience, Sicard has founded several small businesses, including a digital marketing firm where she developed websites and focused on search engine optimization for 15 years. She's also an avid tennis player who has captained numerous United States Tennis Association teams in Georgia since 2000.

When she stumbled upon the PDGA's hiring post earlier this year, Sicard jumped at the opportunity to join a "rapidly developing international sports organization." She sees disc golf as a perfect blend of her love for organized sports and the outdoors. Her mission is two-fold: to honor the sport's heritage while making the membership experience a top priority.

To achieve this goal, Sicard plans to adopt corporate marketing practices in the non-profit sector. "Even as a non-profit, you must adopt for-profit brand-building practices," she said. Chargualaf and other PDGA officials are confident that her skills will have an immediate impact on the organization.

"We were extremely impressed with the depth and breadth of Mary's marketing experience," Chargualaf said. Elaine King, representing the PDGA Board of Directors on the selection panel, noted Sicard's ability to organize players at a grassroots level would translate well to the position.

Sicard acknowledges that her inexperience in disc golf may be both an advantage and disadvantage. She plans to ask questions, listen, and learn from Chargualaf and other experienced members. Her unique perspective as an outsider allows her to approach marketing challenges with fresh eyes and innovative ideas.

"I think that's what I bring to the table – I don't have tunnel vision," Sicard said. With her extensive experience and enthusiasm, Mary Sicard is poised to make a significant contribution to the PDGA and disc golf community as a whole.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/new-marketing-manager-sicard-ready-find-out-what-core-wants