Chief Administrative Officer role added among senior leadership transitions
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FRISCO, Texas – The PGA of America today announced key leadership appointments, including the addition of Vanessa Vogler as Chief Administrative Officer, along with promotions within the Association’s legal team to position the organization for continued growth and success.
“As we continually strive to serve our members and grow the game, Vanessa brings a track record of strong leadership, strategic expertise and operational excellence to the PGA of America,” said PGA of America CEO Derek Sprague, PGA. “Her guidance, along with the promotions of Drew Blasband and Ted Koehler on our legal team, will be instrumental as we continue to build a peak performance organization.”
Vanessa Vogler, Chief Administrative Officer
In this new role, Vogler will oversee the legal department, people strategy and operations, internal communications, as well as operations and events for the Home of the PGA of America and the PGA of America Coaching Center in Frisco, Texas. She will report to Sprague.
Vogler was previously the Senior Counsel for the United States Soccer Foundation in Atlanta, where she managed impactful corporate development projects and played a key role in launching high visibility initiatives for the 2026 World Cup. From 2021-24, she was a lead attorney for the PGA TOUR across Talent & Culture, USA Golf, Risk Management, PGA TOUR Champions, PGA TOUR Tournament Business Affairs, Golf Course Properties, Tax, Global Events and Employee Services.
Legal Department Transitions
After 10 years as Chief Legal and Risk Officer of the PGA of America, Henry Smokler has transitioned to a senior advisory role, where he will continue to provide strategic counsel to the Association on several important initiatives. “Henry has been a trusted advisor and steady hand throughout his tenure, guiding our legal department with professionalism, integrity, and deep expertise during pivotal moments for the PGA over the last decade,” Sprague said.
Following the transition, Drew Blasband, who has been with the PGA of America for 19 years, was promoted to General Counsel and named a member of the Executive Team. Blasband joined the PGA of America as Associate Counsel in 2007 and has risen through the ranks since then, serving as Legal Counsel, Assistant General Counsel, Associate General Counsel and Deputy General Counsel. Ted Koehler, who joined the organization in 2021, was named Deputy General Counsel. It is Koehler’s third promotion in four years at the PGA of America.
“Drew has been an invaluable leader within our organization, demonstrating deep institutional knowledge and strategic guidance over the nearly two decades of his tenure with the PGA of America,” Sprague said. “His steady leadership, combined with Ted’s expertise, has been instrumental in navigating our championships, partnerships, properties and more.”
Additional Transitions
Jeff Price, Chief Commercial and Philanthropy Officer, will depart the PGA of America at the end of the year after 11 years of distinguished service. Price will assume the role of CEO at the Heisman Trophy Trust, beginning in January. The PGA of America has engaged Excel Search & Advisory, a division of Excel Sports Management, for the Commercial leadership search. Additionally, Sandy Cross recently stepped down as Chief People Officer after 30 years of dedicated service to the PGA of America. Cross’s responsibilities will transition to Vogler.
About the PGA of America
The PGA of America is one of the world’s largest sports organizations, composed of more than 30,000 PGA of America Golf Professionals who love the game, are expert coaches, operators and business leaders, and work daily to drive interest, inclusion and participation in the sport. The PGA of America owns and operates numerous championships and events, including major championships for men, women, seniors and the Ryder Cup, one of the world’s foremost sporting events. For more information, visit PGA.com and follow us on X,Instagram and Facebook.
Media Contact: Jesse Dodson, PGA – PGA of America, jdodson@pgahq.com