Annual LPGA Tournament to Host Inaugural Networking Event
PHOENIX– The ninth annual LPGA Bank of Hope Founders Cup is excited to announce the inaugural Women’s Leadership Forum, an extension of its annual “What’s Fore Lunch” program. The networking event on Thursday, March 21 will feature LPGA Chief Brand and Communications Officer, Roberta Bowman as the keynote speaker.
Bowman is a longtime sustainability and communications executive who spent most of her business career at Duke Energy. Currently, she serves on the Board of Directors of Blue Cross North Carolina, Echo Health Ventures and Healthcare Trust of America and she recently returned to the LPGA as chief brand and communications officer. In this newly established position, Bowman oversees communications, public relations, television, website/digital, social media, branding, marketing and the LPGA’s creative department.
A panel of influential Valley community leaders will include Filippa McDougall, the new director of golf operations at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, Jamie Rahaeuser, FSOP division manager at Swire Coca Cola and Valley radio personality Beth McDonald. Moderated by LPGA major champion and Golf Channel host Karen Stupples, guests will be able to participate in a Q&A style forum with the panelists.
McDougall earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and minored in English at Duke University, while also helping lead the Blue Devils to their first NCAA championship. After several years as a touring golf professional, she was promoted to head professional and most recently director of golf at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort & Spa.
Rahaeuser, an Arizona State University alum who majored in marketing, has been with Coca-Cola for seven years and currently manages the on-premise business for Arizona. Prior to this, she spent two years working for Bolthouse Farms and has been involved in Camp Kesem, a local nonprofit which she continues to support.
McDonald began her career in the Valley as a reporter and anchor after moving from Indiana. At KEZ, McDonald spent her career as a news reader and moved her way up to lead host of “Beth and Friends” which has been on the air for more than 30 years.
“The LPGA is a celebration of powerful women in golf and we’re excited to kick off the tournament with the help of these influential business leaders,” said Scott Wood, Bank of Hope Founders Cup tournament director. “It is our goal to advance and empower women, across industries, by connecting these featured guests with the next generation of leaders.”
At the networking event, guests will enjoy lunch before heading out to the course to watch the best female golfers in the world during the first round of the Bank of Hope Founders Cup. The day will end on the driving range with golf demonstrations and tips from LPGA teaching and club professionals, open to all skill levels.
Individual tickets are available for $140 or as a table for $1,000. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit. Go.lpga.com/phxtickets.com
The Bank of Hope Founders Cup, taking place from March 19 to 24, was created to honor the 13 women who founded the LPGA in 1950. Last year, a record performance by Olympic gold medalist Inbee Park clinched her 19th LPGA win at the 2018 Bank of Hope Founders Cup.
For more information on purchasing tickets and tournament updates visit LPGAFoundersCup.com. To request credentials for the upcoming tournament visit LPGAMediaCredentials.com.
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