Jason Barkley Named New Executive Director

Jason Barkley to Lead Pennsylvania Golf Association  

Succeeds Mark Peterson after 23 years.  

For Immediate Release-February 16, 2023  

Broomall, Pa.- Jason Barkley is the new Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Golf Association (PAGA). The announcement came during a meeting of the 15-member executive committee on Jan. 19, according to PAGA President Annie Vanzant. He succeeds Mark Peterson, who held the position for the last 23 years.  

Barkley served as the Pennsylvania Golf Association President from 2020-21 and also served on the Executive Committee for12 years. An accomplished amateur player, he has competed in multiple PAGA Championships as well as served in a volunteer capacity in the administration of many other championships. He brings 25-plus years of business experience to the position from a career in sales and sales management. He also served as the associate head coach of the Kutztown University women’s golf team. Barkley is a member of the Moselem Springs Golf Club and Huntsville Golf Club. 

 “We are happy with the installation of Jason Barkley. With his vast experience at the Pennsylvania Golf Association, he was a perfect fit. His role as our future Executive Director will enhance our ability to serve all competitive golfers in our great Commonwealth,” said Vanzant. 

 “I am excited to make my entire focus on Pennsylvania Golf Championships, building on the tradition of excellence established by Mark Peterson,” said Barkley. 

 Peterson, who has operated as the Executive Director of not only the PAGA but also GAP and the J. Wood Platt Caddie Scholarship Trust (JWP), is transitioning in order to devote more time to those two organizations. GAP has experienced tremendous growth over the past few years as it is one of 58 Allied Golf Associations in the United States licensed by the USGA to oversee handicapping, course rating, rules and other related services for golfers throughout Eastern Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey and Delaware. 

“Mark has done a tremendous job over the past 23 years in guiding Pennsylvania Golf, and we can’t thank him enough,” said Vanzant. “Under his leadership, PAGA experienced tremendous growth in participation, achieved financial stability and successfully merged with the Pennsylvania Women’s Golf Association. Both GAP and J Wood Platt are fortunate to have his undivided attention going forward.”  

“It has been an honor to serve and promote championship golf across the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for the past 23 years. The friendships I have made over the years will carry me for a lifetime. Expanding championship opportunities for all golfers while enhancing customer experiences continues to elevate my passion in the industry. I am proud of where PAGA stands today as I focus on even more opportunities to introduce this wonderful game to the next generation of golfers,” said Peterson    

“As I reflect on two decades of service, I am humbled to have assisted in the development of our competition staff: Michael Schanne, Jr., Tyler Riggin, Cory Reighard, Justin Reasy and Neil Gilman. They have all advanced in their business growth, service to the game and understanding of the golfer. I am proud to say that I have worked with these amazing administrators.  

“To all of the past Presidents and Committee Members who have assisted in my development and the advancement of the Association, thank you. You have been the lifeblood that carried our championship advancements and Association growth.”  

 Created in 1909 with the intention of promoting the interests of golf throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Golf Association (PGA) is the authoritative body of amateur golf in the state. The Association’s focus is to promote growth, preserve traditions and protect the integrity of the game through its competitions and member services. The Association’s individual members and 300 Member Clubs are spread across the entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.