Rogers-Lowell Area News

The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas Announces New Executive Director

Local nonprofit, The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas, has announced the promotion of Elizabeth Prenger to Executive Director. She will lead the organization's day to day operations, while maintaining her role in development and community relations.

“Elizabeth has been a key part of the success of this program, and we were thrilled to promote her to this critical position,” said Chris Woodard, President of The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas Board of Directors. "We have some big ideas and goals in our future and we need a leader who can see them through."

Prenger, 32, joined the organization in 2013 as Director of Outreach and quickly established innovative avenues for community and donor relations for the youth development program. Mrs. Prenger was previously with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching, a nonprofit focused on education reform, after a four-year tenure in political consulting in Washington, D.C. and in Little Rock. Mrs. Prenger received a Communications degree from the University of Arkansas and is currently pursuing her Certified Fund Raising Executive certification. She serves on multiple boards for local organizations, including Chilirhea and the Northwest Arkansas chapter for the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

“I’m honored to continue the momentum that has made this program soar over the past 12 years” says Prenger. “Our previous Executive Director, Mike Shea, has left us with a wonderful teaching facility and large programming presence in Northwest Arkansas and I am determined to take the organization to the next level. Thanks to the support of our programming staff, volunteers, board of directors, donors and The First Tee families, we have a bright future ahead of us.”

Also in a new leadership role is Brian Thomas, Director of Programs and Facility, who will oversee all aspects of the organization’s education programs and facilities, including coaching staff, curriculum development and implementation and course management.

The mission of The First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing learning facilities and educational programs that promote character development and life-enhancing values through the game of golf. The First Tee of Northwest Arkansas is a 501c3 non-profit organization founded in 2005 whose goal is to serve youth from all backgrounds in Northwest Arkansas by teaching leadership skills, core values and healthy habits through the game of golf. Find out more about TFTNWA at www.thefirstteenorthwestarkansas.org or www.facebook/TheFirstTeeNWA.