The Carolinas Golf Association has hired Alabama Golf Association’s Andy Priest as its executive director effective in January.
Priest, who had held four posts with the CGA, will replace Jack Nance, who announced his retirement earlier this year.
“We are thrilled that Andy will be returning to his roots in the Carolinas to lead our association into a bright future,” said Rick Riddle, CGA president. “During the process it became clear that Andy’s vast experience with the CGA in his prior 16 years with us, his highly successful run as executive director of the Alabama and the Southern Golf Associations, his strong relationship with the USGA and his leadership of the Elite Amateur Golf Series made him the best choice to be our next executive director.”
Priest started his golf administration career in 1997 as a summer tournament intern for the CGA after graduating with an MBA from Campbell University. Upon completing the internship, he landed a position with the International Junior Golf Tour based in Hilton Head as its tournament and tour director.
In January 2000, he returned to the CGA. In Alabama since 2015, Priest doubled its championship program, increased membership by 75%, established the Alabama Golf Foundation, introduced a junior golf program, co-founded the Elite Amateur Golf Series, directed the Southern Golf Association day-to-day operations, served as head rules official for the SEC Men’s Golf Championship and officiated several major events including USGA championships, the Masters Tournament and Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
Priest also served two terms on the 12-member Allied Golf Association (AGA) Council who works closely with the USGA regarding AGA/USGA relations.
Nance, a former Wake Forest golfer from Clinton, joined the CGA in 1984 as an assistant and then promoted to Executive Director in 1992.
“I have known Andy since his internship with us in 1997,” said Nance. “He has been a great leader and innovator in each of his jobs. He knows the CGA well and now will be able to lean on his experience from other golf associations to make the CGA even better. The CGA will be in good hands, and I look forward to making this transition a good one.”
Priest and his wife, Tiffany, also a former CGA staff member, will move to the Pinehurst area later in the year.
