James Koizumi - Canadian Candidate for the PDGA Board of Directors

Did you know that the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA) has a global board of directors that oversees the organization and its activities? According to the PDGA Bylaws, the board is comprised of 7 to 9 unpaid individuals with a majority elected by active PDGA members for 3 year staggered terms. These individuals are usually disc golf enthusiasts, players, and/or professionals who are passionate about disc golf and dedicated to promoting the sport worldwide. They work together to, among other things, guide the direction of the PDGA, set policies, hire and supervise the Executive Director responsible for PDGA staff and operations, and identify future board members.

James Koizumi, a key player in the Calgary disc golf scene, is one of six candidates vying for two board positions this year. Introduced to disc golf about 5 years ago, James is a relative newcomer to the game but he has already played disc golf in 21 countries and racked up an impressive number of volunteer hours helping to grow disc golf. As well as having a passion for growing disc golf globally, James had to demonstrate a background and expertise in the following desired knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) in order to make it on the ballot:

• Experience developing or managing youth sports and/or recreation programs
• Olympic and/or collegiate sports experience at the management and event organization level; management experience with other sporting governing bodies
• Executive management/leadership experience
• Experience with developing/managing diversity and equity programs
• Experience with policy and strategic planning development
• Legal background
• Accounting, finance, and/or investment management experience
• Education background, curriculum development
• Proficient in marketing, advertising, and/or sponsorship programs
• Strong background in media and communications fields

James' detailed candidate information and interview with PDGA Radio are available here.

Online election instructions should be emailed to all current PDGA members in July. If you would like to see the PDGA Board have a Canadian voice through James, please take a moment to vote when you receive your ballot in July. The two candidates who receive the most votes will serve three-year terms from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2026. Results will be released August 1.