Vangellow chosen as membership's first-ever vice president

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Sept. 1, 2009 - A vote by the members of the Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) Teaching & Club Professional (T&CP) division yesterday elected Dana Rader, founder and owner of the nationally-recognized Dana Rader Golf Schools, as the LPGA T&CP National President. For the first-time in the membership's 50-year history, the office of vice president was also created. The national president nominees were able to select a running mate, who would serve as vice president, if elected. LPGA Top 50 Teacher Deb Vangellow was chosen by Rader and will be the first-ever LPGA T&CP national vice president. The duo will assume their offices in January 2010 and will serve a three-year term (2010-12). Patti Benson has served as LPGA T&CP national president for eight years - the maximum allowed by the LPGA T&CP by-laws.

"I am very much looking forward to working with Dana and Deb in moving the T&CP to new heights," said LPGA T&CP Executive Director Leslie Andrews. "I am confident their leadership will help us continue to set a standard of excellence for the LPGA T&CP within the golf industry."

Rader cited three main goals they have during their upcoming term: to build the executive team and reconnect the national membership through more seminars that are easier for more members to attend; roll out a strategic plan and strategic alliances to grow the membership base; and shape the brand messaging and get the LPGA T&CP brand more into the marketplace.

"I had just landed in Las Vegas when Patti (Benson) called," Rader said. "I was walking through the airport when she told me I'll need a lot of rest in Las Vegas because I was going to be the next national president. I just sat down and was overwhelmed with joy, excitement, relief. I thought we ran a good campaign."

Rader, a LPGA Master Professional, has been active in the Southeast Section as a competitor and teacher. Dana Rader Golf School is a Top 25 Golf School, as recognized by GOLF Magazine, with locations at the Ballantyne Resort in Charlotte, N.C., and at Statesville (N.C.) Country Club. Rader is a past section president and has recently served as a LPGA Golf Clinics for Women instructor, as well as a National Education Program (NEP) series instructor. She has been recognized as a Golf Digest Top 50 Teacher and GOLF Magazine Top 100 Teacher.

Central section member Vangellow, who has been recognized by Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine as a top teacher in the region, adds her knowledge and leadership as an experienced teacher and NEP instructor to the team. She recently gave a presentation on the Integrated Performance System Program at the LPGA T&CP National Workshop "The Best of Best: 50 Years of Growth, Tradition and Excellence in the LPGA." She also participated on the Incorporating Fitness into Your Teaching panel. She is currently the director of instruction at Sweetwater Country Club in Houston, Texas.

"This is an incredible honor and opportunity," said Vangellow, who also had an annual presence on the Golf For Women magazine Top 50 Teacher lists. "I am so pleased to be in a position to serve the LPGA T&CP membership with my colleague Dana Rader, a terrific teacher and industry leader. We both believe in the unlimited potential and possibilities of the LPGA and are going to focus on developing a strategic plan that will enable us to have sustainability and growth. The role of vice president will be one of support and challenge - a crucial balance that is integral in a working relationship. The future is exciting and Dana and I will definitely enjoy the journey!"

Rader is also looking forward to have Vangellow in the vice president's role.

"It's one of smartest things we've done as an association (adding the vice president position on the executive team)," she said. "The national president needs to have a person who is side-by-side helping with decisions, being a confidant and who you can help bounce ideas off. Sometimes in leadership, if you don't have that, it's tough."

According to the LPGA Teaching Division Register (1950-90) the LPGA Teaching Committee, which was comprised of Tour members, was created in 1959 and led by a Teaching Committee chairperson. In 1976, the Teaching Committee was reorganized into the LPGA Teaching & Club Professional (T&CP) Division, now known as the LPGA Teaching & Club Professional Membership of the LPGA. As National President, Rader will be the presiding officer of the Executive Committee, which advises the LPGA on all matters pertaining to the T&CP membership.

Dana Rader elected as LPGA Teaching and Club Professional national president

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