Ron Stepanek, who served the past nine years as executive director of the Southern Ohio PGA Section, was named PGA Senior Manager of Player Development at The PGA of America's national headquarters in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Stepanek, 41, a native of Watertown, Conn., was elected to PGA membership in 1994. He has spent a combined 14 years as a PGA Section executive director, beginning with a term from 1993-97 with the Central New York PGA, in Syracuse, N.Y., and from 1997 through mid-April with the Southern Ohio PGA, with its headquarters in Fairborn, Ohio.

As Southern Ohio PGA executive director, Stepanek established self-sustaining management operations, directed the progress of a Section that grew to feature a tournament schedule of 120 annual events, increased sponsorship revenues, and developed Play Golf Ohio Inc. Stepanek was also a catalyst in bringing the 2004 PGA Club Professional Championship to Longaberger Golf Club in Nashport, Ohio.

"The PGA of America is proud to welcome Ron Stepanek to our national staff," said PGA of America President Roger Warren. "Ron's career in golf has been a study in a commitment to player development. We are delighted to have his expertise and skill in developing more programs to serve golfers everywhere."

Stepanek is a 1986 graduate of Central Connecticut State University, where he received a bachelor's degree in mathematics. He earned a master's degree in sports management in 1992 from Springfield (Mass.) College.

"I believe this new position hits my great passion for golf," said Stepanek. "I'm all about promoting golf to the everyday golfer. It will be exciting to be working with the PGA staff and Player Development team, to help foster the development of these programs."

His golf career took off in 1978, as Stepanek began working at Watertown's municipal course, Crestbrook Park. At age 14, he helped out in the golf shop, took care of golf carts and was responsible for overseeing an extensive junior tour.

Stepanek's two biggest inspirations in his career were his father, Dan, and the late Ed Bennett, Crestbrook Park's PGA Professional.

"My father saw the value of a PGA Professional at a facility from the beginning," said Stepanek. "As the town's recreation director, he hired Ed Bennett to manage the operations. Bennett took a failing golf course, developed programs and instruction, and eventually directed Crestbrook to become one of the most active courses in Connecticut. He was a pioneer in Player Development."

Stepanek turned professional in 1987, and became assistant professional at Watertown Golf Club. He went on to establish the Connecticut Assistant Professional Association. He was named the organization's first president in 1989.

The PGA of America, founded in 1916, is a not-for-profit organization that promotes the game of golf, while continuing to enhance the standards of the profession. The Association is comprised of more than 28,000 men and women PGA Professionals who are dedicated to growing participation in the game of golf.