The LPGA worked fast and appointed Marsha Evans temporary commissioner of the oldest women's sport organization. Evans is a former CEO of the American Red Cross and a Navy Admiral.
Of course Evans has a past. She was forced out of the Red Cross in 2005 after contentious relations with her board. (So were her two predecessors, though--both women--one of whom was Elizabeth Dole.) Apparently they board of governors did not like her "command-and-control" management style.
Wonder how that will go over on the LPGA...
Meanwhile, a search committee has been formed and one member assures us that the new permanent commissioner will have a background in sport management. (Bivens did not.) Annika Sorenstam has stepped up to become an advisor to the LPGA board in the time of transition.
And right now the three names being floated for Bivens's permanent replacement are (drum roll, please): Donna Orender (current head of the WNBA); Cindy Davis (current head of Nike Golf); and in-house candidate Zayra Calderon who is CEO of the Futures Tour and was just promoted to Executive Vice President, Tournament Development & Worldwide Sales.
1 comment:
Having an established business relationship with Zayra Calderon since 1996 while she was developing the FUTURES Tour, now the Duramed FUTURES Tour, I can attest first-hand how she would be an ideal candidate for the Commissioner position with the LPGA.
She has the business acumen, the respect of the players, the tournament directors/owners and sponsors to offer a complete package to the LPGA. As an Executive VP of the LPGA for new business development she is keenly aware of the marketplace and the need for addressing the economic issues in place today.
The other candidates certainly seem qualified in terms of where they are currently but with Zayra, she has the inside knowledge and experience of the golf industry that is what her predecessor was missing.
My hope is that the offer is extended to Zayra!
Post a Comment