Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/106075
Interview with Rob Dauphinais Executive director of The First Tee and Illinois PGA Foundation and Cheryl Justak, publisher of Golf Now! Chicago —October 8, 2012 of The First Tee of Greater Chicago since 2008 and has progressed through the program to achieve Eagle Level. Our program director, Cole Hyland, chose him because Corbin shakes his hand every time he sees him and consistently displays Courtesy and Integrity." GNC: "Rob, you are the Executive Director of the The First Tee of Greater Chicago and the Illinois PGA Foundation. That is quite a large responsibility. Tell us about your roles in both of these organizations as Executive Director." RD: "I'm aware that it is a unique and special opportunity and a role that I take very seriously. Fortunately, I have great teams around me that make it all work – board of directors, committee members and staff that take part in planning and administering our programming and fundraising initiatives. As executive director I am responsible for shaping an annual plan to effectively make a positive difference in the community through golf. We operate the charities as partnering organizations and together collaborate with our allied golf associations on programming that include internships (GolfWorks), junior tournaments (Illinois Junior Golf Association), caddying (Evans Scholars) and special needs programs (Sunshine Through Golf Foundation)." GNC: "How did you get involved in the organizations and what are the short- and longterm goals?" RD: "I am beginning my 14th year with the Illinois Section PGA in 2013 and over the years moved up to the executive director role. In that time, the Foundation has maintained a close relationship with The First Tee of Greater Chicago since it was founded in 2000 by KemperSports. The Illinois PGA Foundation has provided the chapter financial and administrative assistance since that time and in 2008 worked with The First Tee home office and KemperSports to develop a new board of directors. I was named executive director and have been working in a dual role ever since. The First Tee of Greater Chicago specifically aims to instill in young people, 7-17, a value system that will help them make healthy choices in their lives and prepares them for success in school and life. The Illinois PGA Foundation is a partner in youth development as well as promoting the goodwill of the game to additional audiences (families, community, industry). I work with our boards, committees and staff to put together the plan, the cost of the plan, and then work with our staff and committee chairs to ensure that the projects and strategies are successful. GOLF NOW! Chicago 71