The First Tee of Orange County Taps Seasoned Nonprofit Professional as New Executive Director

    ANAHEIM, CA, January 20, 2016 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The First Tee of Orange County (TFTOC), one of the county's most respected youth development organizations, has named Gail Courtney as executive director, effective immediately. Courtney brings to TFTOC more than 15 years of experience in community relations, fund development, operations and marketing. Previously, Courtney served as the executive director of the Downey Chamber of Commerce.

"The First Tee of Orange County is proud to welcome a proven leader dedicated to serving nonprofits - backed by a wealth of experience in relevant industries," said The First Tee of Orange County Board President Tim Casey. "Gail's longstanding fund development knowledge, coupled with her extensive management background, will allow her to seamlessly step into this executive leadership role and immediately help TFTOC kick off 2016 in fine form."

Courtney's impressive professional background spans the consumer and nonprofit sectors - highlighted by positions with Orange County Register, Easter Seals of Southern California and Irvine-based Families Forward. Her vast skill set includes sales, strategic development and philanthropic campaign development and execution. The DePauw University graduate earned a bachelor's in Liberal Arts and will work in tandem with TFTOC Board of Directors to support financial sustainability and community engagement.

"As a mother and avid sports enthusiast, TFTOC immediately captured my professional interests and imagination as an organization where I could see myself making an impact," said Courtney. "I can't imagine a more worthwhile nonprofit to work for, and look forward to the rewarding experience of helping advance its mission of creating successful futures for our local youth."

Founded in Anaheim in 2013, TFTOC enables children ages 7 to 18 in Orange County to create a solid sense of self as they expand their knowledge of golf. The organization provides education programs through golf which teach life skills that present kids with the stepping stones to achieve success. These skills include goal-setting, emotion management, conflict resolution and more. The nonprofit focuses on Nine Core Values -- confidence, responsibility, respect, honesty, judgment, perseverance, sportsmanship, integrity, and courtesy -- at every skill level.

About the First Tee of Orange County
The First Tee of Orange County (TFTOC) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit youth development organization with a mission to impact the lives of young people through the game of golf. TFTOC creates opportunities for local youth through character-building programs aimed at instilling important values and promoting healthy choices. Based in Anaheim, California, the Orange County affiliate localizes the national work of The First Tee organization, which has introduced the game of golf and its values to more than 7.6 million young people in the United States and internationally. For more information, visit the chapter's website or connect with TFTOC on Facebook.

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