New Executive Director Named at First Tee Phoenix

First Tee – Phoenix announced that Erin McDonough has been named executive director. In that capacity, McDonough will provide leadership and direction to one of the largest First Tee chapters in the United States.
First Tee is a youth development organization that teaches life skills and helps children and teens build strength of character through the game of golf.

Prior to joining the First Tee – Phoenix, McDonough served as executive director of the WOU Foundation at Western Oregon University in Monmouth, Oregon where she led all fundraising, development, alumni relations and marketing communications.

“Finding someone with Erin’s qualifications to lead our chapter was remarkable,” said Dan Calihan, chairman of the First Tee – Phoenix board of directors. She possesses all the qualities we were looking for to not only run our organization, but to truly make an impact on the lives of youth in our community.”

“I am excited to bring my passion for helping kids build character and succeed in life to the First Tee – Phoenix,” said McDonough. “By utilizing the game of golf to teach life skills, we create learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience. This is a dream job for me.”

A fifth generation Arizonan, McDonough has also held positions with the American Heart Association, Utah State University and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Bentley University and a Master of Science degree from Arkansas State University.

First Tee — Phoenix is one of 150 First Tee chapters across the U.S. and select international locations. Its mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and instill life-enhancing values through the game of golf. First Tee — Phoenix reaches 140,000 kids and teens annually in metropolitan Phoenix through programming delivered at 17 locations, Valley-wide schools and youth centers.