FAIRBORN, OH – The Southern Ohio PGA Section is pleased to welcome Joseph (Joe) Galeaz to its staff as the 2023-2024 PGA WORKS Fellow.
Galeaz, a native of Campus, Illinois, was introduced to the game of golf at Kankakee Country Club where he worked as a bag room assistant after high school while waiting to depart for military service. He became familiar with the game and some aspects of facility management before leaving to serve as an In-Flight Refueling Specialist in the United States Air Force. Galeaz spent three years at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas refueling USAF aircrafts, moving cargo, and assisting passengers. His service took him across the globe and the United States, during which he earned Senior Airman rank in June 2019. After completing his service, Galeaz attended Loyola University Chicago and recently graduated with a Bachelor’s of Arts in English.
“I’m eager to learn more about the golf industry as a whole and to contribute to the growth of the SOPGA HOPE program,” Galeaz responded when asked what he is looking forward to learning while in the Southern Ohio PGA team. “I hope to develop lasting relationships with PGA Professionals, PGA HOPE participants, and SOPGA Junior golfers who have wide-ranging experiences with the game of golf. It’s a game that can effectively build community on and off the course, and I’m excited to see everything it has to offer.”
In his new role, Galeaz will support the Section’s PGA REACH programming and fundraising efforts. He will work closely with Section staff to continue growing the PGA HOPE Southern Ohio Program, SOPGA Junior Tour and other Foundation programming. Players will also see him on the course at Section events throughout the season. Galeaz hopes to learn the specifics of tournament and golf course operations management while networking with Section Professionals to explore what professional opportunities are available within the PGA and game of golf itself.
“The PGA WORKS Fellow is a vital role on the Southern Ohio PGA Section staff team and we are thrilled to bring Joe Galeaz in for the next 12 months,” noted Southern Ohio PGA Executive Director Patrick Salva. “We are thankful for Joe’s service to our country and excited to show him all the opportunities the golf industry has to offer as he looks towards his future.”
Since 2018, the Southern Ohio Section has employed six PGA WORKS Fellows for a timeline of 12 months. The PGA WORKS Fellowship provides the opportunity for a one-year, paid immersion in a PGA Section’s Foundation operations. The entry-level experience offers a taste of what a career in the golf industry can look like by introducing participants to all facets of the industry. The program is part of the PGA WORKS strategic initiative designed to diversify the golf industry’s workforce. PGA WORKS is funded by PGA REACH, the 501(c)(3) charitable foundation of the PGA of America.
To join the Southern Ohio Section in welcoming Joe Galeaz, please send him an email at jgaleaz@pgahq.com.