Gary Bernard Has Knowledge, Passion For Job

I’m not sure what the search parameters were for the selection of the new Canadian PGA executive director, but I’m looking forward to seeing how Gary Bernard settles into his new position now that he’s been selected.

I’ve met Gary and he’s a great guy. He’s worked with the Canadian PGA for a long time and he’s got the knowledge, and more importantly, the passion for the association. I think that’s something Steve Carroll had when he was on the job and I think passion is a big part of success in the position.

I like the idea of a member leading the association. It’s a good thing as long as the person has the qualifications.

Gary’s got a huge job ahead of him. There are a lot of things in the hopper right now and he’s going to be a busy guy to say the least. From not only an association standpoint, but from a personal standpoint, I hope he hits the ground running and I hope to see a lot of good things in the next six to eight months.

Gary worked for a long time with Steve Carroll and, from my own dealings with Steve, I like the way he ran the ship, so if Gary can keep it going in that direction, everybody’s going to benefit. From what I understand, it seems like there will be a lot of similarities.

Anytime there’s a change like this within an association, there are going to be some who agree and some who don’t, but I think we need to give this a chance to work in the long run.

J have all the confidence in the world in the CPGA hiring committee, the executive search firm and, of course, Gary Bernard, so I’m looking forward to the next little while under his leadership.