Kelly Gilley - Member Spotlight
Kelly Gilley, PGA
Western Region Team Leader | PGA Career Services
Proudly serving the Northern & Southern Texas PGA Sections as Career Consultant
How would you describe the state of the industry today?
The industry is evolving! We all have to evolve and grow and change with it.
What changes/improvements have you seen in the workplace since you’ve started?
Employers are beginning to understand the importance of work/life balance and wages that reflect what is happening in other industries. We have to continue to improve in both areas to attract top talent.
What is the best piece of advice you could give for people in the industry or those trying to get in the industry?
Look out your window and, if possible, get outside to soak up why the golf industry is so incredibly special. Our office is totally different than the one most people walk into each day. There is a certain magic to that--don't forget it!
What is the PGA of America doing that is going to benefit the PGA member?
PGA of America has a wide variety of tools and programs that support the member, with the Compensation Profile Survey being one of those I feel strongly about. Dozens of customized reports have been prepared for Members in our Section over the last year that have made a big difference in a Member being able to negotiate their compensation. But we need more Members and Associates to complete it. It becomes important when it impacts you and your family, and that is where we truly want to be able to help.
The PGA of America has a system they use called Execu|Search. Can you share more about what that is?
Execu|Search is a brand under the PGA of America's Career Services. Our goal is to be the most trusted professional resource for employers seeking a new leader for their golf operation, overall facility, instructional program, etc. This is a fee based service where we provide support for every step of the recruitment, marketing, administrative and communication functions of the hiring process. When we are involved to this level, we can better serve our Members by helping make the role as good as it can be from a competitive standpoint, but we can also serve the employer and become lifelong partners to support their needs going forward.
What benefits or rewards come from working as a career consultant and helping PGA Professionals find their place in the industry?
Every day I am grateful for the opportunity to serve a group of PGA Members and Associates I feel are the best in the country. The greatest reward is in helping professionals advance their career in a way that is truly life-changing for them and for their family. There is no greater reward than that feeling.
How do you see the industry evolving in the next five years?
I see compensation trending up based on supply and demand. I see professionals getting creative with staffing, hours of operation, and new ways to serve their customers, members and guests. The creative minds in our industry have already started making monumental changes. We will all benefit by learning from them as they share best practices.
What is your favorite part about working with the Southern Texas PGA?
My time with Southern Texas PGA led to some phenomenal relationships that I hold very dear. I still feel like a part of the staff at the STPGA and always look forward to events where we get to see our professionals. While my background is not in tournaments, I absolutely love the atmosphere at an STPGA tournament! Thomas, Scott and the team always welcome me to the events and create ways for me to get to know Members and Associates better while I am there.
What are five words that best describe you?
Optimistic, loyal, committed, caring and creative
What is your favorite golf memory?
Wow, I am blessed to have a lot of amazing memories. Getting to play Augusta National at age 13 is probably top of list; having my brother on the bag caddying for me in the 1993 US Women's Am and making it to the quarterfinals is second.
If you could give a piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don't be so hard on yourself. Failure is part of life and makes us all better if we learn from it and move forward.
What is your favorite part about working in the golf industry?
Without a doubt, the people. Amazing, quality people who share a love for something in such a way that brings us together.
What would be your go to song at karaoke?
Don't Stop Believin by Journey
What is your personal motto?
Every day is a new chance to get better
