The American Junior Golf Association (AJGA) is proud to announce that Patrick Cansfield, Senior Director of Development, has been elected to the Sports Events & Tourism Association (Sports ETA) Board of Directors, becoming the first AJGA staff member to serve on the organization's governing board.
Sports ETA is the leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry in the United States. The 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization represents more than 800 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals, advancing the growth and success of the sports tourism industry nationwide.
"We are thrilled to welcome Patrick to the Sports ETA Board of Directors. His experience building strategic partnerships and advancing one of the nation's premier amateur sports organizations gives him a unique perspective on the needs of rights holders and the importance of strong destination relationships."
Now in his 10th year with the AJGA, Cansfield oversees more than $2.5 million in annual revenue while leading fundraising initiatives, including the AJGA Online Auction. He works closely with the Association's extensive network of sponsors, partners and donors to expand opportunities for junior golfers pursuing collegiate scholarships through competitive golf.
Cansfield was one of seven individuals elected to the Sports ETA Board of Directors and will serve as a Rights Holder Representative, a role dedicated to representing the interests and perspectives of event owners and operators. He joins Sarah Austin of USA Track & Field and Austin Bennett of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) as one of three newly elected representatives in this category.
"I am honored to join the Sports ETA Board of Directors and look forward to sharing the AJGA's perspective while helping identify new opportunities to strengthen collaboration, drive innovation and create lasting economic and community impact through sports."
As a member of the Board, Cansfield will serve a three-year term and help guide Sports ETA's strategic efforts to advance the sports events and tourism industry. His election reflects both his leadership within the industry and the AJGA's growing presence in the broader sports landscape.
Cansfield's appointment underscores the AJGA's ongoing commitment to building impactful partnerships, expanding its influence within the sports industry and creating more opportunities for young golfers to pursue their dreams both on and off the course.
