The LPGA has announced its replacement for Commissioner Mike Whan. The tour announced on Tuesday that its Board of Directors had unanimously elected Mollie Marcoux Samaan to step into the role. Marcoux Samaan currently is the Ford Family Director of Athletics at Princeton University.
“Our selection of Mollie Marcoux Samaan as the LPGA’s next Commissioner is the outcome of an extensive and deliberate search process. The position attracted a diverse group of outstanding internal and external candidates, all passionate about the LPGA. We concluded that Mollie is the right leader to guide the LPGA’s next chapter of growth, impact and achievement,” said Diane Gulyas, Chair of the LPGA Board of Directors and the Search Committee.
“Mollie understands the power of golf to change the lives of girls and women. As a values-centered leader, she’s known for her skills in collaboration, managing through complexity and building a winning team culture. In every role, she’s had an outstanding record of performance in navigating change, forging lasting partnerships, and seeing – and seizing – new opportunities,” Gulyas said.
Marcoux Samaan will be the ninth commissioner of the LPGA since its formation in 1950. She replaces Whan, who announced in January he would be stepping down from the role. In February, Whan was named the next Chief Executive Officer of the USGA.
Expect Whan to help Marcoux Samaan transition into the new role.
“I’m excited and enthused to hand the baton to Mollie,” Whan said. “With her vision and the strength of the existing LPGA leadership team, the Association is poised for incredible growth. I’m fully committed to being Mollie’s biggest cheerleader and supporter as she takes the LPGA to new heights.”
Marcoux Samaan has been a golfer since she was 11. She was a two-sport varsity athlete at Princeton, earning four letters each in soccer and ice hockey.
Following graduation, Marcoux Samaan served as assistant athletic director, assistant dean of admissions, and coach of girls’ ice hockey and soccer at the Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville, New Jersey). After that, she began a 19-year career with Chelsea Piers Management before transitioning back to Princeton in 2014 as the Director of Athletics.
“I believe passionately that sports have the power to change the world. And in this moment in time – with the positive energy around women’s sports, women’s leadership and society’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion – I believe the LPGA has an incredible opportunity to use our platform for positive change,” Marcoux Samaan said.
“I’ve devoted my career to developing character, confidence and opportunities through sports. My mission and the LPGA’s mission are fully aligned: providing women and girls the opportunity to achieve their dreams through golf.
“Under the leadership of Mike Whan and the executive team, the LPGA is strongly positioned for continued growth and impact. I’ll look forward to working with Mike and the leadership team to meet the many people and organizations that have been so integral to the LPGA’s success. With its committed sponsors and fans, talented players and members, and exceptional staff and Board, my role will be to continue the positive momentum and increase opportunities, awareness, impact and respect for the LPGA worldwide.”