C
hristine Garrity has spent the last 23 years with the PGA of America. She began her career with the organization in 1990, as director of contract administration. She continued with the group in the decades to come, working in various roles. In March of this year, she became the first female chief administrative officer and general counsel for the group, responsible for its work with government relations, legal affairs, special events, membership, and diversity and inclusion operations. She reports directly to PGA of America CEO Pete Bevacqua and manages a staff of 35.
Garrity had an affinity for sports while growing up, playing basketball, volleyball and softball through high school. Now also a golfer for the past 10 years — she has a handicap of 20 and, as she says, is “hoping to get it lower” — Garrity helps promote the sport through programs such as the PGA’s Diversity Scholarship Program and National Golf Day.
She also marks as an annual highlight the opportunity to serve as parliamentarian at the PGA of America’s annual meeting, a role she has filled since 1993, when she was director and legal counsel. As parliamentarian, Garrity manages the order, rules and decorum of the meeting. “It is very stressful, but it’s a good kind of stress,” she said. “I love the challenge.”
— Stephanie Brown
“For nearly two decades, I’ve watched Christine at the table structuring some of the most significant contractual arrangements that are positively impacting the PGA and will do so for years to come — from a commercial standpoint as well as from a membership association perspective. She excels at pushing her team out front and empowers them to lead and grow. She’s also been a role model on how to achieve the elusive work-life integration that so many professionals, particularly career-oriented women, seek.”
— Sandy Cross | Director, women’s and new market initiatives | PGA of America
