Newland begins new role on Jan. 1, 2021
(Lutherville, MD, June 1, 2020) – The Maryland State Golf Association (MSGA) Board of Directors announced today that it has named Kelly Newland, PGA, to be the association’s next Executive Director, effective January 1, 2021. Newland will be the organization’s fourth Executive Director, succeeding William K. Smith, who has announced his retirement effective at the end of the year.
Newland has served as the MSGA Director of Rules & Competitions since 2015, leading a tournament operation which conducts nearly 50 events each season. In his new role as Executive Director he will be responsible for leading the MSGA’s professional staff, overseeing the association’s strategic planning and administration, and working with the association’s board, volunteers and membership, which includes more than 145 member clubs and 40,000 golfers.
“The MSGA has been a very important part of my life over the last five years,” said Newland. “Our board, great staff, and volunteers have provided me the opportunity to put roots down, start a family and create a home here in Maryland. This organization has given me a sense of community and allowed me to pursue my passion for our great game. I look forward to bringing a renewed focus to the association’s long-term goals, partnerships and events and continuing to be part of our terrific team of staff and volunteers.”
The MSGA Board of Directors conducted a national search to fill the position beginning in February.
“We are very grateful for the outstanding candidates who expressed interest in becoming our Executive Director,” said Selection Committee Chair Cliff Patterson. “In the end, Kelly’s experience, hard work and dedication to the organization made it clear to us that he is the best fit for the role.”
“Since the MSGA was founded in 1921 we’ve only had three Executive Directors: the patriarch of the Association, Jack Emich, after whom our headquarters is named; Emmet Gary, after whom our Turf Grass Scholarships at the University of Maryland are named. And of course Bill Smith, who has selflessly dedicated himself to the Association for 35 years,” said Alexander B. Martin, MSGA President. “It seems somehow fitting that, as we look forward to our centennial year, the Association will be led by such an outstanding young person as Kelly.”
Before joining the MSGA Newland, a PGA Member Professional and Eastern Kentucky University Business Administration / PGA Golf Management graduate, served as the Director of Junior & Senior Competitions for Golf House Kentucky (including the Kentucky State Golf Association and Kentucky PGA Section) and Director of Junior Golf for the Gateway PGA Section. He has also worked and volunteered for several local, regional and national golf competitions since 2006.
Newland resides in the Lutherville, MD, area with his wife Whitney, and son Everett.
About the Maryland State Golf Association
Founded in 1921, the Maryland State Golf Association is the Allied Golf Association for Maryland and the District of Columbia. Under its relationship with the USGA the MSGA sponsors and conducts state championships as well as USGA qualifying events, provides USGA handicap services, educates and informs golfers about changes in the game and its Rules, and awards scholarships. For more information, visit www.msga.org
Contact
| Kelly Newland | Bill Smith |
| 410-215-5469 | knewland@msga.org | 410-215-5972 | bsmith@msga.org |
