The Southern Ohio Section of the PGA has named PGA Member, John S. Newkirk as its new Executive Director. Newkirk has been fulfilling the role of Interim Executive Director since the departure of the former ED in April 2005.  

A 1998 graduate of Wright State University, John, wife Andrea and children Austin and Isabella reside in the Springfield area. John has been in the golf industry for the past 20 years. He entered the PGA's Apprenticeship Program in 1991 and was elected to PGA Membership in 1995.  His entire golf career has been within Ohio, beginning with his first job in the golf business at Springfield's Municipal Course, Reid Park Memorial.

His extensive knowledge of the Southern Ohio territory and membership facilitated his acquiring employment as SOPGA Tournament Director in 1998. Since then, Newkirk's dedication and loyalty allowed him to progress into the role of Assistant Director and now as Executive Director.

SOPGA Section President, Gary Dixon states, "John has always admirably worked in the best interest of the Section and our membership.  The Board of Directors is confident he will continue to do so in the role of Executive Director.  We are fortunate to have a PGA member of his caliber administrating the affairs of the Southern Ohio PGA."