The Maine State Golf Association has announced that Brian Bickford has been hired as its new executive director.
The Maine native replaces longtime executive director Nancy Storey, who retired in January after a 21-year career with the organization.
“[Bickford] has been involved in Maine golf at so many levels and has done so much for the game,” MSGA Board President Curtis Jordan said in a release. “We know we have found the right replacement for Nancy, and we are thrilled to have him as our next executive director.”
Bickford will assume his new role in mid-March.
Bickford began his career in the health care industry, eventually becoming a hospital CFO before making a career change to pursue his lifelong passion for golf. Since 2006, Bickford has been the director of golf and head golf professional at Val Halla Golf Course in Cumberland.
“Following Nancy will be extremely tough, but I think we are well positioned to continue making a difference in our sport in Maine, and I look forward to the challenge,” Bickford said.
Bickford helped promote junior golf in Maine during his days at Val Halla and will continue trying to make golf more accessible and appealing to young people in his new role.
“We need to make golf a great option for kids, especially as parents are now opting out of some contact sports,” he said.
Bickford is a former club president and board member, a board member of the New England Professional Golfers’ Association, a high school golf coach, and the treasurer of the MSGA during his long tenure on the board. He was elected to the Maine Golf Hall of Fame in 2016 and was recognized by his peers as the NEPGA Maine Chapter Golf Professional of the Year in 2013 and 2018.
“Brian’s stellar reputation, wide-ranging talents and deep experience, both in golf and as a successful executive, make him uniquely qualified to lead the MSGA into the future,” Jordan said.
Bickford also has served as the recreation director for the Town of Cumberland since 2010, and expressed his gratitude to the town and its manager, Bill Shane, for the opportunity to serve both the membership at Val Halla and the surrounding community.
Bickford is prepared for the challenges of nurturing and promoting golf in Maine.
“What works in York County may not work in Aroostook County. We need to make sure to address golf at the local level,” Bickford said. “One of my first goals will be to open up the lines of communication around the state and listen to the issues facing our courses, our golfers, our superintendents and our golf professionals. We are all in this together.”