The Board of Directors of the Professional Disc Golf Association is pleased to announce the selection of Joe Chargualaf #15615 of San Antonio, Texas, as the new Executive Director for the organization. The selection was made as a result of an extensive international search process which began in December of 2016. Over 170 candidates from both inside disc sports as well as outside professions were considered for the position.

This process was necessitated by the resignation of Brian Graham, who served the PDGA since April of 2007. Chargualaf officially assumes the position on June 1, 2017, however, there is a 6-week transition period planned starting in April. Graham has served as the Interim Executive Director since January 1st of this year, and will continue to do so until Chargualaf comes onboard in June. We will formally introduce Chargualaf as the new Executive Director at the PDGA Pro Disc Golf World Championships in Augusta, GA on June 20-24, 2017.

Chargualaf brings a wide range of professional expertise, executive-level experience, and a track record of organizational success to the PDGA:

Served 21 years in the United States Air Force as a successful officer and senior leader

Provided global support for Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities across the entire Air Force

Oversaw Air Force Sports Programs; provided planning, budgeting, execution, and marketing for large complex global and regional sporting events and tournaments that include all major U.S. sports such as golf, football, basketball, soccer, swimming, youth sports, and more

Twice served as the commanding officer (top executive leader) of two large organizations consisting of 1000+ employees responsible for all base-wide business/retail operations, fitness and sports activities, hotels, human resource functions, marketing, finance, and child and youth programs; managed 100 facilities and a $30M budget

Significant experience in administering membership programs, commercial sponsorship, advertising, and marketing programs

Expert in process improvement, program management, and human resources

Led his organizations to countless “Best in Class” awards throughout his Air Force career

In addition to Chargualaf’s significant executive experience, he’s also an active disc golfer:

Began disc golf in 1991; PDGA member since 1999 (#15615)

Competed in his first PDGA sanctioned event in 1999; currently active in the Advanced division

From 2012-2016, served as tournament director for four large disc golf tournaments on two Air Force bases

Designed and installed the Wind Creek Park Disc Golf Course in Wichita Falls, TX (2014)

Currently working with Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX to design/install a disc golf course

Planning committee member for redesigning the campus course at Northwest Vista College, San Antonio, TX

Volunteer staff member for several PDGA sanctioned events

In short, our new Executive Director brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to this challenging job. In accepting the post, Joe had these words for the members of the PDGA: “I’m honored to serve our membership and the disc golf community as the next PDGA Executive Director. As a long time PDGA member, I share your passion for disc golf and look forward to working with you to “grow the sport” globally. We are currently at a historical point in our sport where we’re experiencing record growth in membership, tournaments, media coverage, and sponsorship support. My goal is to work closely with our members, disc golf industry leaders, and external partners to not only sustain this growth, but also to increase and enhance the quality of our events and overall gameplay.”