Sammamish Native Named Program Director of First Tee

Sammamish native Evan Johnsen has been named program director of The First Tee of Greater Seattle, following two years in various roles with the nonprofit association.  Among his new responsibilities at the youth development organization, he will oversee the professional coaching staff and a volunteer network of more than 200 adults.

“Evan Johnsen is a natural choice for this new position after working for the organization for the past two-plus years as head coach, facility coordinator for the Crossroads Par 3 Golf Course in Bellevue, and as coordinator of the program’s mentorship program,” said Executive Director Heidi Wills in announcing the promotion. “He possesses exceptional leadership skills, an ability to build rapport with diverse populations, and he has a passion for The First Tee’s mission and core values,” she added.  

Johnsen, a native of Sammamish who currently lives in Seattle’s Madison Park neighborhood, has worked at several area golf courses and competes in amateur events. The former captain of the golf teams at Skyline High School and at Claremont McKenna College was voted MVP (most valuable player) by teammates at both schools. He is a 2005 graduate of Claremont where he earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology and legal studies.

The First Tee of Greater Seattle provide safe, fun, and effective ways to introduce youth to basic golf skills while fostering character development through The First Tee’s Nine Core ValuesÔ.  Those values are: confidence, responsibility, judgment, respect, sportsmanship, courtesy, honesty, integrity, and perseverance.

As program director, Johnsen is responsible for the ongoing management and supervision of daily golf programming at three facilities, ensuring consistent lesson delivery, fiscal management, policy implementation and safety of all First Tee programs.   He will also maintain and cultivate community partnerships with youth agencies such as the Ryther Child Center, Boys & Girls Clubs, area community centers, King County Juvenile Justice Program, and other allied organizations.

The First Tee is a leading non-profit organization in the Puget Sound region that focuses on character development of youth through the sport of golf.  Its programs include The First Tee Life Skills Experience, which reaches 1,200-plus participants at three golf course facilities (Jefferson Park Golf Course, Jackson Park Golf Course, and Crossroads Par 3 in Bellevue).

Seattle is one of more than 200 chapters throughout the U.S. and around the world.  Since inception in 1997, The First Tee has reached a cumulative 4.7 million young people.

About The First Tee of Greater Seattle 

The First Tee of Greater Seattle was formed in 2001 from a collaborative effort involving the City of Seattle and Broadmoor Golf Club Foundation.  The First Tee mission is to positively impact the lives of young people from diverse backgrounds by providing educational programs that ensure the learning of life-enhancing values and character development through the game of golf.  The First Tee of Greater Seattle is celebrating its 10-year anniversary serving youth. The not-for-profit organization raises funds for programs and scholarships through events, grants, sponsorships and contributions from individuals and corporations. Weekly spring programming begins for youth ages 5-to-18 on March 29, 2012. To learn more, visit The First Tee of Greater Seattle’s website: www.thefirstteeseattle.org.