It's time to get to know the people who want to get to know you.

A record number of candidates ⁠— 17! ⁠— have tossed their hats into the ring for the two open positions on the PDGA Board of Directors, a group that is required for nonprofit status and mandated by the PDGA bylaws. In addition to semi-annual summit meetings, the board conducts monthly teleconferences with staff to accomplish its varied goals, such as setting PDGA policies; hiring and supervising of the executive director, who is responsible for headquarters, staff, and ongoing operations; financial management, including an annual budget; identification of responsible future board members; and representing the membership’s visions for the future of the sport and the association.

Two at-large board member positions will be elected this year, with the pair receiving the most votes stepping in for three-year terms from September 1, 2020, to August 31, 2023. Elections take place throughout the entire month of July, so members have a month to break down all of the candidacies. For additional information, please refer to the PDGA Elections page, or the PDGA Radio Podcast.

Here's who wants to serve the PDGA's ever-expanding membership base, along with their statements of intent.

2020 Board Candidates

• Geoff Hungerford, #688 | Colorado
• Amye Rosenthal-Jerez, #4368 | California
• Wilbur Wallis, #6583 | Illinois
• Dion Arlyn, #24781 | Washington
• Will Schusterick, #29064 | Tennessee
• Tim Petrea, #34756 | Wyoming
• Nate Heinold, #49340 | Illinois
• Aaron Rogers, #55442 | California
• William McKaskle, #61881 | Tennessee
• David Foss, #68895 | Virginia
• Yohannes Desalegn, #69150 | Ethiopia
• Stuart Miller, #78248 | California
• Chad Chubb, #89723 | Indiana
• Mark Oxer, #112340 | Alberta
• John Alexander, #112436 | Maine
• James Bussone, #126816 | Massachusetts
• Caleb Pearson, #129078 | Virginia

Geoff Hungerford, #688

• Location: Louisville, CO
• Born: 1955
• Gender: Male
• Education: Ph.D. Materials Science, B.S. Chemical Engineering
• Occupation: Professional Disc Golfer 

Biography: Geoff Hungerford was a career engineer, working in new product development for over 40 years in the USA and United Kingdom. Geoff retired from engineering in 2016 and is now engaged full time with disc golf competitions and related pursuits.  He has served for over 3 years on the PDGA Seniors committee. Geoff was also a director for the Mile High Disc Golf Club until his board position expired recently.

Geoff started competing at disc golf in 1974 at the American Flying Disc Open. He designed the first Frisbee golf course in Colorado (1974), which was permanently installed in 1976 by the Univ. of Colorado. He started the Chinook Frisbee Group in Boulder, CO in 1975. He ran the Boulder Flying Disc Festival in 1977. He competed in the World Frisbee Championships at the Rose Bowl in 1975, 76 and 77, invited by Wham-O Mfg. Co. He served as one of two International Frisbee Association (IFA) Regional Directors for region 9 from 1976-78.

Since that time Geoff has had an unquenchable passion for disc golf. In 1992 he founded the Colorado Disc Sports Association, a 501(c)(4) that managed the Colorado disc golf tour. He's won over 100 PDGA pro events with career earnings in excess of $63,000. Over the past four years Geoff has been engaged full time competing in the biggest disc golf events offered in the USA and Thailand. He competes in 30-40 PDGA events per year across the U.S.

Candidate Statement: I have been passionate about disc golf since the PDGA was created in 1976. Ed Headrick told us why he was starting the PDGA at the Western Nationals in 1976 held in Boulder, CO. He anticipated the sport would grow tremendously and need regulation for professionals who play for money, like other professional sports. Since then the PDGA has achieved Ed's original vision and taken the sport to levels unimaginable at that time. Tournaments, tours, players, clubs and companies have come and gone since then, but the PDGA has endured with the vision of taking our sport to the next level of professional sports.

I'm still as excited today about that vision as I was almost a half century ago. I want to see disc golf take its place among major professional sports. Now that disc golf is a full time pursuit for me, I have the time to contribute to the PDGA Board. With my travel schedule taking me to a new city almost every week, I can see firsthand how the sport is developing at major events. I'm active on social media and love to interact with disc golfers. I'm most excited about three things in particular:

1. growth among women playing disc golf
2. media coverage of major events both Pro and Am
3. a PDGA Seniors Tour modeled after the PGA Seniors Tour

Professional Experience: 

• Process Engineer: silicon wafer fabrication
• Engr Manager: Microlithography
• Engr Manager: magnetic recording head fabrication
• Software Development (enterprise storage systems)
• Physics Teacher (college level)
• 3 U.S. Patents: #6362934, #6212040, #6118605

Disc Golf Experience: 

• First major disc golf tournament: 1974 American Flying Disc Open
• Competed in 1975, 76, 77 World Frisbee Championships (Rose Bowl)
• Designed Colorado's first installed disc golf course (CU campus 1975)
• Founded the Colorado Disc Sports Assn (1992), a 501(c)(4) non-profit
• Over 100 PDGA pro wins (never competed as an amateur)
• PDGA Sr. Player of the Year (last 2 years)

Amye Rosenthal-Jerez, #4368

• Location: Tujunga, CA
• Born: 1966
• Gender: Female
• Education: Associates of Arts Degree
• Occupation: Retired

Biography/Candidate Statement: A pioneering Female Disc Golf player whose roots start at the famous Oak Grove Park in Pasadena, CA. I started playing in the 80's and devoted weekdays and weekends in helping to in advance my personal game and be part of the growth of a sport that I love.

I had to leave the sport I love due to breast cancer in coming back almost 19 years later, my dreams have started to come to fruition with Disc Golf. I am ready to lend my type of expertise, be a team player and ready to contribute to the next exciting phase of "OUR SPORT" Disc Golf.

Professional Experience: Assistant to Private Detective, Assistant to California Court Appointed Conservator for Elders with Dementia and Alzheimer's

Disc Golf Experience: 

• Professional Female player from 1986-2001, 2020-
• Attended World Championships 2nd - 1992
• Doubles Female World Championships 1st place with partner Kelly Freeman 1993
• Professional Disc Golf's Sportswomen Award 2018
• Tournament Director, B-Tier Events
• Working with Parks and Recreation acquiring funds for course improvements and events

Wilbur Wallis, #6583

• Location: Rantoul, IL
• Born: 1963
• Gender: Male
• Education: Some college
• Occupation: Distribution Projects Manager for a sporting goods manufacturer

Professional Experience: In my professional life, I have worked in retail and restaurants for over 20 years, so I have a lot of experience dealing with many types of personalities. I am currently the Distributions Projects Manager for a large bicycle accessories manufacturer. I am responsible for a department of 25 people that builds freestanding displays filled with various bicycle accessories: helmets, locks, pumps, etc. These displays are in most major retailers in North American. I help design, lay out, test and build the displays. I have interaction with many outside suppliers, salespeople and buyers as well as working with every department within our organization on a daily basis. I have been with this company for 18 years.

Disc Golf Experience: I started throwing discs as a young child in the early 70’s. I first threw at baskets at Bradley Park in 1986. I fell in love with the game during my first round! I started playing in tournaments in 1991 and joined the PDGA in 1992 so I could start being a Tournament Director. I have run well over 100 tournaments and have been on staff for 15 World Championships (usually as a Course Director), 12 USWDGC’s (assistant TD for 7 of these) and 4 other Majors. I was named as the first Illinois State Coordinator and served in that position from 2000 to 2004. I was on the Board for the Peoria (IL) Frisbee Club for many years, serving as the President for 10 years. After moving to the Champaign, IL area I helped start the Champaign County Disc Golf Club and have served as the President since its founding in 2013. I am a member of the Disc Golf Course Design Group and have designed or consulted on 29 disc golf courses in the Midwest. I have run clinics/demonstrations for many years introducing children and adults to this sport. This summer I am hoping to be working with 2 of my local park districts to teach disc golf in their summer camps. My local DG club is partnered with one of the park districts and I am teaching classes through them. I was named an Innova Ambassador in 2018.

Candidate Statement: Greetings fellow PDGA members. I am Wilbur Wallis, PDGA# 6583, and I am seeking your vote for the PDGA Board of Directors. I have played this great sport for 34 years. I have much experience as a player, tournament competitor, teacher, official, tournament director and administrator. I feel that the future and growth of our sport is with the youth. I will work to try to get disc golf into more schools.

Dion Arlyn, #24781

• Location: Steilacoom, WA
• Born: 1987
• Gender: Male
• Education: High School Diploma
• Occupation: Digital Systems Analyst

Professional Experience:

• Financial Industry (8.5 Years)
• Digital Systems Analyst (IT)
• Training and Development Specialist
• Testing Coordinator (IT)
• Assistant Branch Manager
• Financial Services Consultant
• Teller
• Martial Arts Instructor (10 Years)
• Head Instructor
• Professional Disc Golfer (17 Years)

Disc Golf Experience:

• Tournament Director 12 Sanctioned Events (10+ Non-sanctioned events)
• State Coordinator for Oregon - 2 Years
• PDGA Member since 2004
• Nearly 200 Sanctioned Events Played (50+ Non-sanctioned Events)
• 34 Career Sanctioned Wins
• 2010 WFDF World Champion - Distance Throwing

Candidate Statement: Thank you for taking the time to consider me as your next Director for the PDGA. I have been involved in the sport of disc golf since 2003 and like many of you have a deep passion for the sport. I believe I possess the knowledge, experience, and skillset to grow the sport and serve on the board. As a board member I would bring my experiences from the following areas to the table and continue to focus on and enhance the accessibility of the game for all current and future PDGA members:

• Technology: In my current role as a digital systems analyst I develop digital experiences for members of Sound Credit Union. I enable financial inclusion for all customers through digital means and I would like to also increase the digital footprint for the PDGA. Through continued partnerships with popular mobile apps and added features/functionality on the PDGA website itself I believe leveraging modern tools will drive the growth of the organization through scalable technology.
• Education: Having spent 10 years as a martial arts instructor and one year as a trainer in the financial industry I have a passion for sharing my knowledge and a strong communication skillset to do so. Having more visibility within school curriculums and educational experiences is a must if the PDGA wishes to expand youthful participation.
• Competition: Sanctioned events stand out as the primary benefit of being a PDGA member, yet most tournament directing practices and execution vary widely from event to event. As someone who has directed over a dozen PDGA events (ranging from C tiers to A tiers) making it easier for clubs and individuals to sanction and host a tournament is critical. Clarifying our competition standards, developing digital first event organization, and simplified reporting and participant feedback systems are necessary to event directing in the 21st century.

Please consider voting for me in the 2020 PDGA Elections and encourage your fellow PDGA members to vote as well.

Will Schusterick, #29064

• Location: Dalton, GA
• Born: 1992
• Gender: Male
• Occupation: General Sales Manager, Prodigy Disc Golf

Professional Experience: My professional experience stretches across the disc golf world with accepting my first Pro cash at 15yrs old, designing courses around the Southeast, and organizing events to help grow the sport. Outside of my Professional disc golf career I have directed dozens of instructional videos that are currently on the internet. These videos have been viewed more than 1 million times by disc golfers around the world and focused on being simple to understand and focused on beginner-advanced level players. While traveling the world playing disc golf I have organized and hosted several instructional clinics at schools, private courses and public parks. In 2013, I was fortunate to be one of the 13 players chosen to help launch a new disc golf company, Prodigy Disc Inc., which helped change the disc golf landscape at that time. I have been involved in many areas including marketing, contract negotiation, product development, and currently General Sales Manager. One of my top qualities in my career is always wanting to learn as much as I can with research and development to be successful in any endeavor.

Disc Golf Experience: Saying “disc golf is my life” is an understatement when it comes to my experience in disc golf. I started playing in 2005 with my first PDGA event at The Memorial Championships in Phoenix, Arizona where I played in the intermediate division. While in High School I would go to school during the week and as soon as Thursday afternoon or Friday morning hit, I would be traveling to a new event. During my senior year in high school I competed in 20-30 events before graduating. After graduation, my career in disc golf took a huge turn when I won the United States Championship in 2010. In my +10 years on tour I have accumulated 4x Major wins, multiple World Doubles titles, NT titles, top 3 finishes at World Championships, top ranked player in the world, highest rated player in the world, and a total of 3x US Championships. Although I was fully focused on traveling and being the best player in the world, I never lost sight of how important it was, and is, to expose others to the sport through clinics and videos. With the rate of growth disc golf has seen of the last few years instructional material that is easily accessible to the masses needs to be widely available to teach players to play the right way.

Biography/Candidate Statement: While I am very proud of my disc golf experience and my accolades on the course, I feel that my development as a professional off the course will be just as valuable as a member of the PDGA Board of Directors.

Tim Petrea, #34756

• Location: Casper, WY
• Born: 1967
• Gender: Male
• Education: BS Recreation Management
• Occupation: Parks, Recreation and Leisure Director, Natrona County Wyoming

Professional Experience:

• National Recreation and Parks Certified
• Program development
• Budget management and forecasting
• 15 years supervision and management experience
• CAPRA Certified Visitor
• Public speaking

Candidate Statement: I could continue on about a lot of my recreation experiences, It would be glad to share these with you.

Most importantly I have been very fortunate to be able to build, design and implement disc golf programs as well as courses in Georgia and North Carolina. My most fond memory is of designing a course at Matthews Park in Georgia where a friend named John Reid walked along with me while I was designing this course and he ended up falling in love with the sport and in turn became an ambassador with Innova disc golf along with me. he did more than just becoming an ambassador he helped to build the club and bring the course to be an amazing force in the sport of disc golf in the state of Georgia. More importantly he helped to make that course what it was designed to be and that was something that would allow that park to have an amazing opportunity to bring a safer environment to that park.

I have enjoyed being able to be a tournament director and ambassador not just for Innova Disc Golf , but even more for the PDGA and I look forward to serving, with your vote, on the board for years to come. Thank you for the opportunity and for your friendship and for allowing me to be able to spread The Blind Hog Disc Golf message.

I look forward to continue to grow the PDGA, by serving as a board member. It is very important to me to be able to continue to set the standards for this sport and our competition, especially during our changing environment in this world. Growing this sport is very important to me.

Nate Heinold, #49340

• Location:  Washington, IL
• Born: 1986
• Gender: Male
• Education: Masters Degree (MBA), CPCU (Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter)
• Occupation:  Vice President, Ledgestone Insurance

Professional Experience: For the last ten years I have worked at Ledgestone Insurance as the Vice President. I have approximately 1000 clients all over the Midwest including several disc golf organizations. I focus on commercial insurance and have a specific focus with contractors and Churches. I specialize in risk management for my clients, and my focus at the university level was in financial matters. I have an MBA from Illinois State University and have the equivalent of a Masters Degree in Insurance, the CPCU.

Disc Golf Experience: I have run the Ledgestone Insurance Open disc golf event for the last 10 years and have run over 50 other events. I was the TD for the 2019 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships and will be the TD for the 2021 Combined PDGA Masters and Juniors Professional Disc Golf World Championships. I have been involved with several course projects in the Central Illinois area, ranging from funding, construction, design, etc. I have been involved in the following course projects: McNaughton Park (funding), Wildlife Prairie Park (funding), Westwood Park (funding), Original Northwood Park (construction), Northwood Gold (funding/construction/design), Washington Park (funding), Lake Eureka Temp (funding/construction/design), Kennel Lake (funding/construction/design), Eureka Permanent (funding/construction/design), Sunset Hills (funding) and others.

I am a current member of the PDGA Board of Directors, a past Treasurer of the PDGA Board of Directors and the current secretary of the organization. I am the liaison to the Pro Tour Players Committee, am the past liaison to the PDGA Competition Committee, and am the current Chair of the PDGA Majors and NT Committee.

Candidate Statement: I have played disc golf for the last 20 years after growing up playing ball golf. I live just outside of Eureka, IL, with my wife Laurie and our two children, Caleb and Maxwell. Caleb has started to pick up the sport and so we enjoy playing together. Outside of disc golf I enjoy board games, national parks, pickleball and traveling to see new places. I am classified as a professional disc golfer, but my 970’s rating hardly qualifies as such!

When I ran for the PDGA Board of Directors originally in 2017 I wanted to focus on growing youth in our sport and also wanted to focus on our professional tour and adding a 4th consistent PDGA Pro Major. At my first Summit I presented on both of these topics, asking the PDGA to hire someone to work in Youth and Education. I also proposed adding a 4th Major at this first Summit. Neither one of those ideas came to fruition right away, but with time my vision has started to be realized with the hiring of a full-time staff member to work in Youth and Education to help coordinate all of the efforts that are happening around the country when it comes to disc golf in our schools.

When it comes to our professional tour, I have been an ardent supporter of the DGPT and the efforts of Jeff Spring and others to grow and expand the professional tour. I advocated right away to add a 4th PDGA Pro Major. This was initially shelved in favor of other priorities, but there is more work to be done here. I hosted the 2020 PDGA Majors Summit in Peoria, IL and much of the time at the summit was spent on this topic, and the committee came to a unanimous agreement on how to move forward with this event. The spread of COVID-19 around the world will delay those plans slightly, but I do plan on presenting this concept to the PDGA BOD sometime this year for approval, with the hope of having this Major in 2022 and beyond.

There is still more work to be done with Youth and Education and our Professional Tour. I truly believe that the best way to continue to grow the sport is for us to continue to make investments in these two avenues, along with our other priorities. As a BOD member I cannot focus on everything; we have BOD members and staff who have focused on sustainability, leagues, marketing, technology, membership outreach, etc. My focus and expertise lies with the above two topics, and I believe if I continue to put my energy behind those ideas that the organization will benefit with increased exposure and continued growth.

Aaron Rogers, #55442

• Location: Long Beach, CA
• Born: 1990
• Gender: Male
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Economics & Finance, MBA
• Occupation: Manufacturing Manager

Professional Experience:

• International Paper:
  • Credit Analyst: 2013 - 2016
  • Manufacturing Management Associate: 2016
  • Maintenance Manager: 2017-2018
  • Manufacturing Manager: 2019

Disc Golf Experience:

• Tournament Player and 8 year member of the PDGA
• Involved in local clubs, participating in league events including singles, doubles, and putting leagues
• Assisted in course cleanup and maintenance for larger tournaments
• Ambassador of the sport

Biography/Candidate Statement: I have been active in the disc golf community since joining the PDGA in 2012, when a back injury limited how aggressively I could push myself in other athletic competitive outlets. In that time, I have competed in several tournaments each year since then in all divisions from intermediate to open. I have also dedicated time to cleaning, preparing and installing additional holes to Shelby Farms in Memphis, TN. I have introduced several people to the sport, and do my best to eliminate barriers to entry for those curious to pursue the game further.

I believe I would be a good candidate for the board of directors due to my love of the game, as well as my personal and professional experience up to this point. I went to the University of Memphis and earned degrees in both economics and finance. Shortly upon graduation, I started working in the finance department at International Paper (a Fortune 500 company). While continuing my career I went back to school to pursue my MBA, which I obtained in 2017. Since then, I applied and won a management-training program at International Paper, and progressed through that quickly to become one of the youngest manufacturing managers in the company. My current role entails responsibility for the strategic direction of the facility, as well as oversight of production and the safety of nearly 100 employees.

If nominated, I would bring my personal and professional experience, as well as my drive for results to help build upon the shoulders of those who have bolstered up the PDGA before me.

William McKaskle, #61881

• Location: Nashville, TN
• Born: 1984
• Gender: Male
• Education: Albuquerque Bible College (Old Testament Survey/Biblical Language); West Virginia Wesleyan College (Philosophy/World Religion & Writing)
• Occupation: Electrician, Asst. Instrument Maker

Professional Experience:

• Technical Support/Computer Repair (AOL, White Mountains Online) 2001-2003
• Health Insurance Claims Adjustment (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield) 2004-2005
• Hospitality Management (Holiday Inn Express, Best Western) 2006-2008
• Electrical/AV Installation & Repair (Vanderbilt University Medical Center) 2010-Present

Disc Golf Experience:

• Started playing disc golf in 2013
• First PDGA event as TD in 2016 (Oggwood Armageddon - C Tier)
• Presented the 2019 Seven Oaks Volunteer Of The Year award by the Nashville disc golf community.
• Joined the event staff of the Music City Open in 2015, and have served as the Tournament Director for the last three years. In that time, the event has grown from a B tier with 238 competitors, to achieving record-breaking attendance in 2018 and 2019 consecutively, and being selected as the 2020 PDGA National Tour finale.
• Volunteered at multiple large events in the southeast.
• Served as a Course Director for the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open.
• Led introductory disc golf presentations at multiple community events each year including the Good Neighbor Day Festival, the Outdoor Recreation Festival & Expo, and others.
• Hosted/produced 80+ episodes of the MCDG Podcast since 2018, providing updates on current events in the Nashville area and engaging in long-form conversations with guests ranging from top touring professionals to administrators/promoters and media figures.
• Elected to the Music City Disc Golf (MCDG) Board of Directors for 4 consecutive years:
  • 2017 - Information Officer
  • 2018 - Operations Officer
  • 2019 - Present - Executive Officer
  • MCDG is a non-profit public charity and the largest disc golf club in Tennessee. We are home to 350+ active members and we host 20-30 sold-out events each year to raise money for course development, maintenance projects, and charitable donations. Over the last 4 years, we have:
• Organized work days at all of our area courses, and provided funding for the installation/replacement of bridges, retention barriers, and other course amenities.
• Purchased a set of new championship targets for one course each year.
• Installed two new courses at Cane Ridge Park (beginner and advanced).
• Assisted with a complete renovation of one of Nashville’s oldest courses at Two Rivers Park, including a new layout, tee pads, signage, and baskets.
• Begun design and installation of our first modern championship course at Mill Ridge Park, with the help of PDGA Events Manager Shawn Sinclair.
• Transitioned all of our general operations into digital formats.
• Redesigned our website and improved its features and functionality.
• Expanded our online presence with additional social media platforms.
• Obtained 501(c)(3) articles of incorporation for MCDG in 2019.
• Developed fundraising partnerships with local organizations, such as our 2020 partner charity, Tennessee School For The Blind.
• Cultivated a close working relationship with Nashville Metro Parks and the local government.
• Brokered a partnership with Dynamic Discs for sponsorship of the annual MCDG Bag Tag Series, which now draws 150-190 players at each event. We are one of only two clubs in the country with seasonal sponsorship by DD.

Biography: Wil McKaskle is the president of Music City Disc Golf in Nashville, TN. With 350+ members and over 30 events annually, MCDG has become a leading force in the growth of disc golf in Tennessee and the southeastern United States.

He is the TD of the Music City Open and has been a part of the event’s staff since 2015. In that time, the MCO has grown from a B Tier to its selection as the 2020 PDGA National Tour finale. He is also a course director at the Dynamic Discs Glass Blown Open. He is the host/producer of the PCDG Podcast, producing 80+ weekly episodes since 2018 with guests ranging from top professionals to media personalities and TDs/promoters.

Candidate Statement: Disc golf is growing at an exponential rate. More than 60,000 people have joined the PDGA in the last seven years, and that growth doesn’t appear to have been slowed by the recent global pandemic and shelter-in-place orders, as more people than ever before seek an affordable means of outdoor recreation. As PDGA membership continues to skyrocket, we will continue to face new challenges, and it will become more vital, and more difficult, than ever for the organization to remain “in touch” with the disc golf community at the ground level.

A huge part of my process as a club administrator is maintaining close communication with our members, and being aware of the things that matter most to them. By cultivating an open dialogue and implementing fluid strategies, I’ve been able to represent our community’s best interests and provide it with a worthwhile experience, while giving our members a greater sense of ownership in the decisions that shape our future. I’ve always tried to put myself in the shoes of those I serve and be willing to look at sensitive issues from a different perspective, and that’s something I will bring with me to the PDGA Board if elected.

Disc golf is also experiencing significant maturation as an industry, but it is still very much a niche market. Historically, doing business in our sport has been a largely speculative endeavor in an uncertain and constantly changing landscape, and historically, the common model has been to fight for whatever slice of the pie you can get, and then protect it at all costs. However, I personally believe that much of the growth we have experienced in recent years can be attributed to a greater willingness to collaborate. In Nashville and Middle Tennessee, as many entities have given up fighting over a piece of the pie in the interest of

When I’m asked for advice by a first-time tournament director or a new member of our team, I often say that administration in disc golf is equal parts procedure and philosophy. Just as important as the nuts and bolts that hold the machine together, so are the heart and soul that you pour into it to make it move. I am deeply dedicated to making this sport as great as it can be for as many people as I possibly can, and I’m excited for the opportunity to do so on a larger scale. Thank you for your consideration!

David Foss, #68895

• Location: Burke, VA
• Born: 1978
• Gender: Male
• Education: BS Secondary Schools Education
• Website: http://foss2020.com
• Occupation: Public School History Teacher

Professional Experience: 7th Grade History Teacher, Mark Twain MS, Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools, 2002-present (Department Chair 2007-12, 2016-2018, Team Leader 2019-present); Faculty and Staff Advisory Council, 2002- present; Fairfax County Textbook Adoption, 6th and 7th grade committee chairman, 2009 & 2016).

Disc Golf Experience: PDGA Board of Directors, 2017-present (Vice President 2018-present, Rules Committee Liaison 2017-present). Oversaw the reorganization of the rules committee, the inclusion of affiliate clubs as part of the PDGA's strategic plan, and creating registration exemptions for TDs in the competition manual.

Co-Founder and Board of Directors, NOVA Disc Golf Association, 2014- present (President, 2019-present). Oversaw the growth of the club to over 200 dues-paying members and 2,000 followers on Facebook. Experienced TD of PDGA and unsanctioned events, including logo design, marketing, and sponsorship solicitation.

Built a successful after-school disc golf program at Mark Twain Middle School with that was later incorporated into the school's physical education curriculum.

Candidate Statement: Three years ago, I asked for and received your support in running for a position on the PDGA's Board of Directors. My platform was focused on 4 main areas: recruitment, retention, relationships, and ratings. Over the three years that I have served as one of your representatives on the Board, we have seen unprecedented growth and retention of members, significant growth in the quality and quantity of our social media outreach and have converted our ratings system to a fully automated process. I revitalized the Rules Committee in 2019, bringing in new, younger members and changing the focus from exploring new rules to making the existing rulebook cleaner, clearer, and easier to read. I led the charge to permit tournament directors to offer early registration for club members, volunteers, and sponsors. This allows tournament directors to reward the people who make events happen and keep our courses in great condition. I also had the privilege to volunteer at the 2019 USWDGC. I am grateful and proud that our members afforded me the opportunity to be a part of the dedicated team of volunteers and staff who have made these significant strides happen.

However, the job is not done and the PDGA needs to continue growing, evolving, and strengthening the game for our members. I am asking for your support to continue working as your representative on the PDGA Board of Directors.

I am on the PDGA Board of Directors, but I am also the President and co-founder of my local club. I run the fun, local C-tiers that are as much social gatherings as they are competitions. I help run our club doubles and monthlies. I started a disc golf club at my school that later grew into part of the curriculum for our PE classes. I go out on our courses to trim trees and clean up tee pads. I do this not only because it is the right thing to do, but because it is a reminder of what makes this sport great: our players and our community

If you are the member who is playing in your local C-Tier on a weekend, the member who is volunteering to clean up trash on the course, the member who is passing out discs to kids playing for the first time, the member volunteering their time to TD events, or the member working to build their local club, then you are what makes this sport great. You are the backbone of the PDGA. Your elected representatives should understand that and should work to support those who do so much to build our sport. With your help, I want to focus my second term on being that representative for you.

We need to do more for our affiliate clubs. We need to provide them with on-line resources on PDGA.com to manage their club, we need to provide them with discounts for sanctioning multiple events throughout the year, and we need to provide them with entry-level PDGA memberships for club members who want to participate in leagues but may not be ready or interested in sanctioned tournaments.

We need to do more for our tournament directors. We need to provide tournament directors more thorough training materials to help them be successful. We have started to improve how TDs can fill their tournaments but need to do more to reward those who sponsor and volunteer for our events. We need to continue expanding the functionality and accessibility of PDGA Tournament Manager.

We need to continue growing and supporting women’s disc golf. We need to bring back the postponed WGE for 2021 and support the growth of female tournament directors. We also need to increase our commitment to our youth and education programs, growing disc golf through schools and exposing more girls and young women to our sport.

We need to make our events more accessible for our members. We need to provide a lower-cost tier of events that focus squarely on competition. This means lower costs for our players, lower costs for our tournament directors, and more opportunities for rated rounds without the significant costs associated with playing multiple events in quick succession.

Three years ago, our members entrusted me with being your voice on the PDGA Board of Directors. I have worked hard to represent our members to the best of my ability and the PDGA has made amazing gains over the last three years. With your support, I will continue to work for our members, our clubs, and our TDs that make our organization what it is today.

Yohannes Desalegn, #69150

• Location: Assosa, Ethiopia
• Born: 1994
• Gender: Male
• Education: BA degree in Management and another B.SC. degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Occupation: Self-employed as Engineer

Professional Experience: I have B.SC. Degree in electrical and computer engineering at Assosa University and another Management degree from Rift Valley University. starting from 2017 up to now. I am serving as Executive Director for Assosa University Disc Golf Association as my part time job.

Disc Golf Experience: I founded the sport of disc golf in Ethiopia and leading to establish the Ethiopian Disc Golf Association in 2015. It all started ten years ago, at the age of 16, when I first started playing disc golf in my home country of Ethiopia.

In 2013, I made my first official promotion of disc golf in my living area, in a few schools, including Assosa University, and the great renaissance dam project on Nile River (where the biggest dam in Africa is being built); the annual sport meeting of Ethiopian Public universities and some other events. After my first promotion, I was moved by the response from the participants. I didn't expect this would happen. I realized that there was a real interest for this sport. It also gave me great motivation to continue and follow my dream when I saw the smiles and how much the people liked it. They were so enthusiastic and interested about learning the game! All who have tried it love it because the basics are easy to learn.

In 2015, I applied for a Marco Polo grant Program from the PDGA with hopes of building the first course in Ethiopia and teaching the sport to thousands of African children. PDGA awarded $5000 grant from its Marco Polo Program which made it possible to build the first course, acquire material and travel from city to village and everywhere spreading the word of disc golf. Additional, I have won another MP PDGA grant this year for Disc Golf for UNHCR Refugee (United Nation for Refugee), which reached over 17,000 refugees. Currently, I serve volunteer PDGA Ethiopia Country Coordinator and Executive Director of Assosa University Disc Golf Association.

In 2018 February I have organized the first ever PDGA sanctioned event in Africa called Ethiopian Open 2018 and which was a great experience sharing for me, which 7 nations around the world has participated. I have also organized with other team members of African Disc Golf Tour, which will include two stops in 2019 and 2020: The Zambia Open at the end of January and the return of the Ethiopian Open in February. I am hoping to add two more countries to the tour near future. I am also winner of PDGA 2018 volunteer of the year.

I have also recently founded African Disc Golf Initiative with Innova discs, which I am Ambassador for, aims introducing disc golf to new African countries and build upon Africa’s small, but growing disc golf scene through disc golf demos and events for school children and adults, and tournaments.

Now, I still love playing disc golf but I want to share this sport with other Ethiopians even more and I want to help disc golf in the future to become a part of the sport culture of Ethiopia and Africa.

Candidate Statement: For the past ten years I have been playing and growing the sport of disc golf in schools, universities, military camps, UNHCR refugee camps and many other places. One of the thing I have witnessed all those years was everyone want to try to play the sport, maybe when it comes with a new things humans instincts might lead us to an intention to try new things, but with disc golf many peoples that I have met and introduced want to learn more about the sport after their first time.

I hope I will be the first person to run for PDGA Board of Directors from Ethiopia, Africa, but it’s not about being the first for me to run for the Board of Directors, my main reason is to help strength PDGA by creative and supportive ideas.

My Goal of joining PDGA Board of Directors is:

• Support Disc Golf Growth in Africa - I believe growing the sport in each corner of the globe would be a great asset for PDGA getting a worldwide Popularity and Africa would be one of the destinations. Arranging way to increase PDGA members in Africa, in a way which local members pay their membership through their own local currency and this brings increasing of PDGA members in Africa and lead to establish PDGA Africa.

My qualities as Board member for PDGA:

• Passion: A very deep interest for the sport of disc golf
• Experience: Over 10 years’ experience of playing and mostly growing the sport from grass root.
• Leadership and Management: Ability to lead a lot of disc golf projects and successfully manage the project.
• Stewards: My Integrity to serve the interests and purse the goals of PDGA as well as the interests of the members.

Finally, I will work on creating winning strategies to increase sponsorship revenue of PDGA and grow our sport of disc golf.

Thanks for the vote!

Stuart Miller, #78248

• Location: Cypress, CA
• Born: 1983
• Gender: Male
• Education: Cypress High School Class of 2001
• Occupation: Owner, Squadron Disc Golf LLC

Professional Experience: After 14 years as a cashier assistant at Costco, I quit my job in December of 2019 and founded Squadron Disc Golf LLC. Since our launch in February, Squadron has shipped more than 55 orders, and established a sterling reputation with our customers, who love our apparel and dyed discs. I am primarily an artist and graphic designer, skills I utilize to produce high quality on and off course apparel from initial design to printing the garments themselves.

Disc Golf Experience: I began playing around 1995 as a kid and continued through my teens.

After a few years away from the game, I rediscovered disc golf in my early 30ʼs while recovering from alcoholism. I began making friends, traveling and playing tournaments. More than five years later, Iʼm just as passionate about the game as ever, and Iʼve maintained my sobriety with ease.

Candidate Statement: I am running for the PDGA Board of Directors because I love the sport, and I’ve experienced how vital it can be to a person’s happiness. In fact, disc golf helped save my own life. I see our great game taking a more central role in mainstream culture in the near future, and I’m humbly asking to be a part of that growth; to help maintain the core values of our sport while ushering it into an exciting new era. I’ve been a disc golfer for almost 25 years, and as the owner of a disc golf company, disc golf is my life’s passion and my job. 

Chad Chubb, #89723

• Location: Carmel, IN
• Born: 1979
• Gender: Male
• Education: College
• Occupation: Business Owner

Professional Experience: Prior to starting Chubb Disc Golf in 2016 I was a stay at home father for 14 years. This is something I take great pride in and is what I consider the greatest career in the world. In 2016 I took a passion and formed a business. We have stuck with our original idealism when we entered this sport. We put our players first, create events, and a community where everyone is welcome. In 2019, I was directly involved in leading or vending over 20 events locally, creating value for the player as well as the community. I am in my second year of serving on the Board of Directors for the Hamilton Disc Golf Union here in Hamilton County, Indiana and was 2018’s Leader of the Year. Disc Golf is not only my full time job, but we also live on our own 9 hole course.

Disc Golf Experience: I have played in 62 events and I have won 6 of those out of pure luck. I have missed more 15 foot putts than I could write down here. What keeps me coming back? I love the experience regardless of my play. The community is unlike any other. If we have carded together you know I am rooting for you. I want to see you do great things. I want to see you win. If we haven't played together, I hope we can at some point. Some of the best friends I have made in my life started on a disc golf course. I have traveled to 11 states and played 150 courses in the last 2 years with my friends and family, and plan to play many more.

Candidate Statement: Disc Golf is a passion for me. We have all been to events that we day dream about for weeks and months later. Those events never just happen. It is the hard work of tournament staff that makes it possible.

I think we have a great opportunity to bring better tools to our Tournament Directors and events that can help further our ability to not only fund quality events, but introduce our sport to the community and potentially new players. Tools that can help a club bring data to the city, parks department, and area businesses to build strong long-term relationships.

I will be focusing on developing more tools for our Tournament Directors and for our players that will help Tournament Directors share information to the player before the event, during the event, and after the event.

Our sport is growing quickly and is evolving. Our players have high expectations from our courses, events, and community. Together we can shape that and help communities all over the world to grow and maintain an emerging community.

Locally, I have been fortunate enough to be able to serve my community and build better disc golf and we have grown it quickly. I want to help your community do the same.

My picture (above) is that of our team. Team Chubb Disc Golf. Why this picture? We can do good things as individuals. We can only achieve greatness through teamwork. I’m proud to be a part of a team that works to bring the best disc golf possible at every turn. As leadership I’ll do what I’ve always done and work with everyone to bring the best our sport has to offer to everyone.

Mark Oxer, #112340

• Location: Airdire, AB
• Born: 1978
• Gender: Male
• Education: MSc, MA, Charted Professional Coach, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist
• Occupation: Faculty of Kinesiology, University Instructor

Professional Experience:

EDUCATION

• MA Leadership & Management, (anticipated 2020)
• MSc Strength and Conditioning with Distinction, 2017
• Post Graduate Certificate (PGC) Sports Coaching, 2014
• Bachelor of Arts, Sports Coaching, 2011
• Bachelor of Arts, Kinesiology and Applied Health, 2007
• Bachelor of Arts in Youth Ministry, 2004

CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING

• Chartered Professional Coach - Coaching Association of Canada
• Academic Member – Canadian Sport Psychology Association
• National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Courses: Managing Conflict, Leading Drug-free Sport, Concussion Training, Olympic Weightlifting, Respect in Sport Certification, Emergency Action Planning
• Certified Personal Trainer - Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology
• Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist – NSCA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

• Faculty of Kinesiology, Instructor – U of Winnipeg, 2017-2020
• Faculty of Business Management, Instructor – Olds College, 2012-2016
• Sport Coordinator
• Community Learning Campus – Olds, Alberta, 2012-2016
• Syncrude Sport & Wellness Centre, Fort McMurray, Alberta, 2008-2010
• Event Committee Member
• Men’s Basketball Provincial Championships, 2016
• Women’s Volleyball Provincial Championship, 2015
• Men’s and Women’s Curling National Championships, 2015
• Women’s Basketball Provincial Championships, 2014
• Alberta Powerlifting Union, Provincial Championships, Event Director, 2014
• Collegiate Futsal Provincial Championships, Event Director, 2013
• Collegiate Men’s Volleyball National Championship, 2010
• Sport Coach
• Powerlifting, Head Coach: Team Canada, Team Manitoba
• Head Soccer and Futsal Coach: Olds College, Olds High School, University of Worcester, University of Manitoba, Granite United Soccer Club, Keyano College, Alberta Soccer Association, Canadian Mennonite University
• Sport Management Team Member: Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference, Fort McMurray Youth Soccer Association, Big Country Soccer Association, Olds Minor Soccer Association

Disc Golf Experience: I threw my first golf disc in 2003 with a friend, but it wasn’t until 2012 that I bought my first disc and played recreationally a few times a year with it on my local course (small, open field, 9 hole). In 2017, I incurred a life changing traumatic knee injury that impacted my ability to participate in competitive sport. I was frustrated, unable to feed my competitive fire, but in May 2018 a friend invited me to join him for a round of disc golf and it changed my life. I moved from playing disc golf a few times a year to playing several times a week and playing multiple tournaments a year. I have now played rounds on 100 courses in 7 different countries, and served as: a tournament director, Chair for the provincial disc golf committee, and committee member for a National disc golf organization.

RELATED DISC GOLF EXPEREINCE

• Guinness World Record (pending)
• Most disc golf courses played in a year (100+ courses)
• Canadian Disc Golf Association
  • Education Committee
• Manitoba Organization of Disc Sports
• Disc Golf Manitoba Chairperson.
• MODS Volunteer of the year
• Creation and implement of adult leagues
• Coed Spring and Summer Leagues
• First ever Marksman Putting League in Manitoba (now expanded to three leagues across the province).
• Tournament Director
  • Provincial Championships
  • First & largest B tier tournament in Manitoba
• Brokered sponsorship agreements with a local retail vendors
• Developed and implemented clinics for youth and adults:
• School program for high school and middle schools
• Sport day clinic with the Canadian Armed Forces
• Sport day clinics with Rural Municipalities
• Ministry Ambassador with Eagles Wings Disc Golf
• Sponsored athlete by: Prodigy Discs, Top Link Disc Golf, and Flytco

Biography: At 9 years old, I was chosen to participate in the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games as a torchbearer. I ran with the Olympic torch for 1km during its trek across Canada and was then also chosen to be one of 88 torchbearers to participate in the Olympic Games opening ceremonies. This was a formative experience that shaped and fueled my passion for lifelong sport.

I have expressed my passion and dedication to lifelong sport through service during the last 15 years’ of my life passionately growing sport at the: youth, amateur, collegiate and professional levels. I am honored to have served in these roles and through these efforts have also earned the highest coaching certification available in Canada, Chartered Professional Coach (ChPC), through the Coaching Association of Canada (CAC).

I desire to continue to serve in the sporting community and at this time I would like to utilize my knowledge and experience to serve the disc golf community as a member of the PDGA Board of Directors.

Candidate Statement: My interest in the position is related directly to my education and experience. With my Master’s education in both Sports Coaching and Leadership and my several years of practical experience as a professional coach have led me to this candidacy.

The sport has been attracting new interest along with new participants and is situated to grow. As your PDGA representative I would like to be proactive in addressing the growth of our sport rather than reactive. This positions the sport and its members for the best possible experiences as well prepares us for future growth opportunities.

As your representative on the PDGA Board of Directors, my focus GROW the sport and will focus on the following areas: (1) Grassroots (2) Recruitment & retention, (3) Operations/Organization, and (4) Women & Youth.

G – Grassroots. “Exposure and engagement for everyone”

Maintain low barrier to entry, while increasing exposure of the sport. Promote disc golf in schools, from grade school to post-secondary, all the while improving the media coverage of the sport. Continued promotion of the whole health benefits of the sport: physical, mental, social, and emotional for all ages. Initiate a more active role for the PDGA on: social media, YouTube, Instagram, etc. Seek out opportunities to incentivize “first disc” programs. Support an increase in signage at local courses so that more “casual” disc golf players are aware of: local clubs, local events, PDGA, UDisc, etc. Work with the appropriate governing agencies to develop athlete and coach development pathways, to ensure a successful sport for life model.

R – Recruitment & Retention. “Everyone welcome and a strong culture”

Continue to help make disc golf a sustainable and vibrant sport of the future. Welcoming more clubs into the PDGA family, providing diverse membership opportunities. Ensure we are listening to and meeting the needs of new and old PDGA members. Continue to build a strong support system and learning culture.

O – Operations/Organization. “Sustainable and innovative frameworks”

Continue to improve our technological tools for players and TD’s and continue facilitate the implementation of digital registration, digital scorecards, digital payouts and online educational opportunities. Increase programming and competitive opportunities for those in “northern” communities and who cannot play outdoors year round. Continue working with existing disc golf organizations while also pursuing strategic sponsorships with corporate entities. Work together with WFDF (World Flying Disc Association) and other international and national sport organizations. Review of the current rating and divisional system.

W – Women & Youth. “The time is now- a sport for all ages and genders”
Women – Sport is one of the most powerful platforms for promoting gender equality and empowering women and girls. The PDGA has an important responsibility to take action when it comes to gender equality. Support more women at the recreational levels of disc golf, as well as additional FPO exposure. Continue to develop Incentives for women: to join the sport, join a club and/or PDGA, and participate in tournaments or leagues.

Youth – School and mentorship programs, focusing on low cost, whole person development. Continue developing high school and collegiate programs and partnerships. Disc golf’s long term future depends on the competitive and developmental opportunities we provide to the youth today while ensuring they have a healthy professional example from which they can draw inspiration.

I would like to be part of the team of Directors that diligently and passionately guide the PDGA through this exciting time of rapid expansion in the sport we love. I am uniquely qualified to serve on the board. I have vast experience working in amateur, collegiate & professional sport organizations. I have served as a coach and sport administrator at a local, state, national, and international level throughout my career. If you invest in me, I will bring an inspiring professional attitude with high ethical and moral standards that will place the best interests of the Professional Disc Golf Association as a top priority.

John Alexander, #112436

• Location: Falmouth, ME
• Born: 1957
• Gender: Male
• Education: College
• Occupation: Accountant

Professional Experience:

• For profit: G M Sturbridge Yankee Workshop 20M catalog company
  •          Salaried Pro./Robert Half International
  •          Project/Shop Mgr. Bagala Window Works - Preservation Trade
  •          Accountant: Smiling Hill Farm
• Nonprofit: Executive Producer Portland Players
  •          Executive Director Schoolhouse Arts Center

Disc Golf Experience: I have been playing disc golf for 5 years and learning from those better than me for all that time. I have a passion for the outdoors and for the community of discers that I have met during my time on course.

Candidate Statement: I am 62 and have lived in New England all of my life - Married for 25 years with one daughter who is in college - have 2 great standard poodle dogs (one dog loves to play disc): I have run for profit companies and Arts organizations for over 30 years. I have seen what COVID-19 has done to the world community and would like to offer my support to a sport I have grown to love. We all need each other and most important we all need to heal. Disc Golf is an activity that I feel is shared by families across the world. To find a way to steer a course to open this sport back up safely is a goal that I would like to take on.

James Bussone, #126816

• Location: Danvers, MA
• Born: 1963
• Gender: Male
• Education: BS Business Administration & Finance
• Occupation: Self-employed/Analyst

Professional Experience: Currently, I am consulting as an analyst for a web development and digital marketing firm. Prior to that I was an equity research analyst for 15 years.

I have served on the Board of Directors of both private and publicly listed companies.

As a Director I have collaborated with board members and executive management in overseeing the operation of a publicly listed software company serving the Department of Defense. As an Executive Board Member, I have advised and assisted with restructuring, risk management, long range corporate and tactical planning. I have had extensive involvement with negotiations, financial and legal transactions, and navigating a company out of bankruptcy. I have performed financial modeling, budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and monthly financial evaluations. I participated in the analysis and execution of securing capital infusions.

I have also held financial, analytical, and operational positions at various publicly listed companies in the banking, utility, retail, and high-tech sectors.

Disc Golf Experience: I have been playing disc golf for the last two years and love it. I totally enjoy the challenge the sport has given me. I have a penchant for digging into any interest and disc golf has been no exception. I enjoy researching and learning all that I can about the sport. It has given me a greater appreciation of the skills and athleticism exhibited by the pro players. I am by no means a pro, nor even a rated player. I am essentially a bogey player. Nonetheless, I have a great passion for the sport and I am always looking to improve my game.

Biography/Candidate Statement: I have been a sports enthusiast most of my life. I have coached youth sports in soccer and football. I have been involved in special education as a board member for a Special Education Parents Action Committee. I am an avid board game player. I also enjoy gardening and spending time with family and friends.

I was introduced to disc golf two years ago and I wish I had discovered the sport years earlier. Disc golf is a great sport for all ages and skill levels. It allows me to exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and enjoy scenic locations. For as many people who I have encountered that play disc golf, I have found just as many, if not more, that have never heard of the sport. I would like to see that change.

In growing the sport of disc golf, I would like to garner greater viewership at the professional and tour level, bring awareness to cities and towns to encourage leagues and group play, and make the sport more accessible and fun for casual players.

I have observed a solid grassroots movement around disc golf, and I would like to harness that to further grow the sport. To that end, I created a website (www.firstcirclediscgolf.com). My goal was to encourage new players with information and inspiration from a wide variety of aspects of the disc golf community.

As a newer player to the sport, I bring a different perspective regarding ideas and ways of helping to grow the sport and strengthen the disc golf community. I also bring a strong business and analytical background and I believe I would be an asset as a PDGA Director.

Caleb Pearson, #129078

• Location: Winchester, VA
• Born: 1996
• Gender: Male
• Education: Bachelor’s Degree
• Occupation: Director of Student Ministries

Professional Experience: Four years of Directing and Executing a variety of programs ranging from Student Chapters to Summer Camps and Coaching Sports Teams. Ten years of Marketing experience beginning with DECA and resulting in Brand Creation/Management, Social Media Networking, etc.

Disc Golf Experience:

• Ten years’ experience of Disc Golf competitive play. 
• Two years’ experience of tournament play.
• Two PDGA-sanctioned tournaments under my belt, winning one.

The majority of my expertise rests in growing the sport on social media and in my community.

Candidate Statement: Youthful and highly motivated, I bring a passion for marketing and story-telling to the table. It is no surprise that I love disc golf. What ought to stand out to you is my desire to Grow, Keep, and Share the Sport of Disc Golf. I’ve played pivotal roles in multiple organizations, while pursuing multiple missions. Never before have I found one as fun and promising as disc golf. I’m 24 years old. A veteran player and committed ambassador. Like a Buzzz in the fairway, this choice makes sense. Our sport is safe with me. Please acknowledge my candidate video (above) diving further into how I plan to GROW, KEEP and SHARE.

Editor's note: This article was updated with a 17th candidate on June 5, 2020.