WHAT THEY ARE SAYING
“ I am excited for Anne to be the next president of the VSGA and to work closely with her to promote and serve golf in Virginia . She has been dedicated to the VSGA since her involvement began nearly 10 years ago and already has been incredibly impactful . Anne played a vital role in the VSGA Women ’ s Division merging with the VSGA and that moment was a huge step for golf in Virginia . The association has made huge strides over the last seven years to have more female representation in our governance — board , committees and staff — and that is reflected in Anne ’ s election as president .”
– Matt Smiley , VSGA Executive Director
“ It was such a giant step forward to have a Women ’ s Division with its own budget . Later it was another step not to have a Women ’ s Division , but to be incorporated into the VSGA without a separate division . With that inclusion comes the responsibility of service , of doing the work . I can think of no one who is more suited to do the work , to be of service , to put gender issues aside , to be VSGA president . With her example , her leadership and her capacity to mentor others , I think that qualified and dedicated women from the ranks of Virginia golfers and businesswomen will rise to leadership and to service .”
– Robbye Unger , Virginia Golf Hall of Fame Class of 2018 .
“ Today ’ s VSGA is a dynamic organization that doesn ’ t prioritize one group — men , women , seniors , juniors — over another . That ’ s something the organization ’ s leadership has worked to achieve for decades and installing a female president will be the pinnacle of that work . I ’ m excited for Anne Gordon Greever because she ’ s given a lot of her time and expertise in service to golf and the VSGA . It ’ s always gratifying when the right person for the job actually gets the job . In this case it ’ s a bit more emotional for me because that person is a woman .”
– Meg Gilmer , Women ’ s Division president 1996-97 and Virginia Golf Hall of Fame committee member .
“ I think it is a big step for the organization . I strongly believe the VSGA will become a better place under her leadership and guidance . Anne is passionate about the game of golf and works incredibly hard to grow the game and increase participation in Virginia .”
– Lauren Greenlief , current Board of Directors member .
We undertook the integration process to get women seats at the table where the decisions are made about the VSGA , the game of golf and the business of golf in Virginia .”
— Anne Greever
LOOKING AHEAD
its programs . The Women ’ s Division board concluded that we would never get meaningful representation at the real table until we took the initiative to make it happen .”
The written integration agreement provided for additional seats for women on the Board of Directors and on key committees ( finance , nominating ).
“ Once the VSGA-WD was dissolved and that unified organization became a reality and women became members of the VSGA Board , I felt confident a female president was just around the corner . In my mind , it was always going to happen ,” said past Women ’ s Division president Meg Gilmer .
As a VSGA board officer , Gib Palmer helped formulate a long-range plan that included the assimilation of women in governance . The transition to one organization took place during his term as president ( 2014-15 ).
“ Anne has a deep commitment to the VSGA . She is a golfer who appreciates the role the VSGA plays for golf in Virginia . She brings excellent organization and communication skills to the position ,” Palmer said . “ I believe her election as VSGA president demonstrates that leadership opportunities are available to those who have the skills , knowledge and experience and who seek to contribute to the growth and success of the VSGA .”
Three words Greever uses to describe her VSGA self are organized , deliberate and enthusiastic . Others use committed , passionate and respected .
Greever , a member at Willow Oaks Country Club , is a volunteer just like her fellow Board and committee members . She and Beck shared the VSGA ’ s
Volunteer of the Year Award in 2014 . One of her goals is to enhance programs such as the Fleming Fund ( of which she has been chair ), the VSGA-VIP Scholarship Foundation and Youth on Course .
Greever is one of five women on the 18-member VSGA
Board . Boodie McGurn , Linda DiVall , Lauren
Greenlief , and newly elected member Katie Cox also serve on the Board .
The VSGA “ has been so welcoming since we merged ,” said McGurn . “ The VSGA has given anybody any opportunity to rise in the ranks . I think we are positioned to have some wonderful opportunities with leadership going forward .”
The VSGA Board of Directors works collaboratively with VSGA Executive Director Matt Smiley to establish organization goals . In early 2022 , the Board will embark upon a strategic planning process to update objectives for the coming decade . Board president Anne Greever includes these goals on which her sights are set :
• Further strengthening our already solid financial position
• Expanding our golf offerings for both championship level and recreational level golfers
• Enhancing our charitable efforts such as Youth in Course , the Fleming Fund to support junior girls golf and our college scholarship program
• Extending our outreach to increase participation in the VSGA by enthusiastic golfers all over the state , including golfers with a military connection , juniors and women
SARA BUECHLER