MIDLOTHIAN — The Virginia State Golf Association has added four full-time employees to round out its professional staff of 14 employees, including one newly created position. Additionally, three current staff members have received promotions in recent months.
The four new hires are Karyn Tancredi, Director, Finance and Administration; Erin Strickler, Manager, Marketing and Outreach; Brian Wright, Manager, Course Rating and Member Services; and Amanda Kelley, Manager, Championships and Events.
Wright’s position is a new one on staff, as he will assume many of the duties performed by independent contractor Tony Caggiano, the longtime VSGA Course Rating Coordinator who is retiring from that role at the end of the month.
“We are excited for Karyn, Erin, Brian and Amanda to join the VSGA staff,” VSGA Executive Director Matt Smiley said. “All bring unique talents to their various roles within the association, and they will help the VSGA continue its mission to serve golfers and member clubs in Virginia in the best way possible.”
Kelley’s tenure began on Oct. 31. A Newport News native, Kelley played golf at Bridgewater College and served as an intern for the Carolinas Golf Association.
Strickler joined the staff on Nov. 14. She comes to the VSGA from Virginia Commonwealth University. A member at Willow Oaks Country Club, Strickler studied at Penn State University.
Tancredi and Wright each started on Nov. 28. Tancredi previously worked for the William and Mary Foundation. She is also a graduate of William and Mary. Wright is a member at Lakeside Park Club in Richmond and has participated in the VSGA’s 100-Hole Hike to raise money for Youth on Course in each of the last two years. Wright, a Virginia Tech graduate, was previously an engineer who worked for the Timmons Group.
Current staff members receiving promotions include Courtney Hamlett, who shifted from the competitions department in September to assume her new role as Director, Member Programs and VIP Card. Hamlett replaces Tripp Sheppard, who retired in September after 16 years at the VSGA.
Also, Kent Holubar and Amanda Braun were promoted to Assistant Director, Championships and Golf Administration. Holubar was previously Manager, Championships and Junior Golf. He has worked at the VSGA for 16 years. Braun was previously Manager, Championships and Women’s Golf. She will begin her eighth year at the VSGA in 2023.
The VSGA is looking to round out its competition staff with another Manager, Championships and Events. For more information, please visit vsga.org/engage/careers.