As you may have read recently, the PGA of Canada has named Matt Allen as its new chief innovation officer.
He will be the point-person for all special projects coming out of the national office, as well as the key contact for the PGA of Canada’s nine zones and other industry stakeholders, both nationally and internationally. You can read more here.
Matt is our director education and he’s been with the PGA of Canada for seven years. He’ll be front and centre when we launch our new education program the week after the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando.
When I first became CEO just over a year ago, I wanted everyone at the national office to think differently. I want everyone involved in every facet of the organization and we had staff meetings to come up with new, innovative ideas.
For example, we just sent out a job posting for a new marketing manager. That wasn’t my idea. It’s one that came from the entire staff at a meeting.
I have a white board in my office and at any one time, there can be between 15 and 20 ideas on it. On the right hand corner of that white board, I put “chief people person” on it last January.
I didn’t know what chief people person meant and I’m not sure I do now, but we needed someone to focus on innovation.
Matt is well-liked by everyone. He’s organized and has his hand not only in the education department, but also sits in on financials and other aspects of the association.
He was a natural pick to work with the rest of the staff and he’ll also be working closely with the zones and other organizations in golf.
Of course, I’ll always be available, but I want an idea to go through the entire staff and Matt will be the conduit. I want everyone to know that there’s no such thing as a bad idea.
