PDGA Announces Joe Chargualaf as New Executive Director

The Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Joe Chargualaf as its new Executive Director. After a comprehensive international search process that began in December 2016, Chargualaf was selected from over 170 candidates for the position. The selection follows the resignation of Brian Graham, who served as the PDGA's Executive Director since April 2007.

Chargualaf will officially assume his new role on June 1, 2017, although a six-week transition period is planned to begin in April. During this time, Graham will continue to serve as Interim Executive Director. The formal introduction of Chargualaf as the new PDGA Executive Director will take place at the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships in Augusta, Georgia from June 20-24, 2017.

As a seasoned leader with 21 years of experience in the United States Air Force, Chargualaf brings a wealth of expertise to the position. His background includes senior leadership roles, where he oversaw global support for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities across the entire Air Force. He also managed large-scale sporting events and tournaments, including golf, football, basketball, soccer, swimming, and youth sports.

In addition to his executive experience, Chargualaf has a strong track record of organizational success. He led two large organizations with over 1,000 employees, managing facilities and budgets worth millions of dollars. His expertise also includes process improvement, program management, and human resources.

Moreover, Chargualaf is an active disc golfer with a long history in the sport. He has been a PDGA member since 1999 and has competed in numerous sanctioned events. In recent years, he has served as tournament director for several large disc golf tournaments on Air Force bases and has designed and installed multiple courses, including the Wind Creek Park Disc Golf Course in Wichita Falls, Texas.

Chargualaf expressed his enthusiasm for the new role, stating: "I'm honored to serve our membership and the disc golf community as the next PDGA Executive Director. As a long-time PDGA member, I share your passion for disc golf and look forward to working with you to 'grow the sport' globally." He aims to build on the record growth in membership, tournaments, media coverage, and sponsorship support experienced by the PDGA in recent years.

The PDGA's selection of Chargualaf as its new Executive Director is seen as a significant development for the organization, bringing both experience and enthusiasm to the role. As he begins his tenure, Chargualaf looks forward to working closely with members, industry leaders, and external partners to sustain and enhance the growth of disc golf worldwide.

ORIGINAL ARTICLE:

Then Lt Col Chargualaf gives the ceremonial speech at the ribbon cutting ceremony of the Wind Creek Park disc golf course located on Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, TX.

The Board of Directors of the Professional Disc Golf Association is pleased to announce the selection of Joe Chargualaf #15615 of San Antonio, Texas, as the new Executive Director for the organization. The selection was made as a result of an extensive international search process which began in December of 2016. Over 170 candidates from both inside disc sports as well as outside professions were considered for the position.

This process was necessitated by the resignation of Brian Graham, who served the PDGA since April of 2007. Chargualaf officially assumes the position on June 1, 2017, however, there is a 6-week transition period planned starting in April. Graham has served as the Interim Executive Director since January 1st of this year, and will continue to do so until Chargualaf comes onboard in June. We will formally introduce Chargualaf as the new Executive Director at the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships in Augusta, GA on June 20-24, 2017.

Joe Chargualaf takes over as the PDGA Executive Director on June 1, 2017.

Chargualaf brings a wide range of professional expertise, executive-level experience, and a track record of organizational success to the PDGA:

Served 21 years in the United States Air Force as a successful officer and senior leader

Provided global support for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities across the entire Air Force

Oversaw Air Force Sports Programs; provided planning, budgeting, execution, and marketing for large complex global and regional sporting events and tournaments that include all major U.S. sports such as golf, football, basketball, soccer, swimming, youth sports, and more

Twice served as the commanding officer (top executive leader) of two large organizations consisting of 1000+ employees  responsible for all base-wide business/retail operations, fitness and sports activities, hotels, human resource functions, marketing, finance, and child and youth programs; managed 100 facilities and a $30M budget

Significant experience in administering membership programs, commercial sponsorship, advertising, and marketing programs

Expert in process improvement, program management, and human resources

Led his organizations to countless “Best in Class” awards throughout his Air Force career

In addition to Chargualaf’s significant executive experience, he’s also an active disc golfer:

Began disc golf in 1991; PDGA member since 1999 (#15615)

Competed in his first PDGA sanctioned event in 1999; currently active in the Advanced division

From 2012-2016, served as tournament director for four large disc golf tournaments on two Air Force bases

Designed and installed the Wind Creek Park Disc Golf Course in Wichita Falls, TX (2014)

Currently working with Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX to design/install a disc golf course

Planning committee member for redesigning the campus course at Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, TX

Volunteer staff member for several PDGA sanctioned events

Joe and the dedicated team of volunteers pause for a quick photo before installing the final basket at Wind Creek Park.

In short, our new Executive Director brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this challenging job. In accepting the post, Joe had these words for the members of the PDGA: “I’m honored to serve our membership and the disc golf community as the next PDGA Executive Director. As a long time PDGA member, I share your passion for disc golf and look forward to working with you to “grow the sport” globally. We are currently at a historical point in our sport where we’re experiencing record growth in membership, tournaments, media coverage, and sponsorship support. My goal is to work closely with our members, disc golf industry leaders, and external partners to not only sustain this growth, but also to increase and enhance the quality of our events and overall gameplay.”

Joe putts out on one of his favorite holes at Lake Lewisville Park disc golf course in Lewisville, TX.

This article was compiled from disc golf coverage with AI assistance. Source: pdga.com — https://www.pdga.com/meet-joe-chargualaf-your-new-pdga-executive-director