The AJGA is committed to creating an engaging, safe, and inclusive environment. By welcoming people from all backgrounds and embracing diverse perspectives, we believe we are better equipped to accomplish our mission of developing golf’s next generation.
This month, we are highlighting the impressive career of former AJGA staffer, Kristi Bradley. Bradley interned with the AJGA before going on to work full-time in the communications department. She reflects on her time with the AJGA and the tools and skills she translated into a successful career in the hotel industry. She shares valuable insight on her personal journey and how important it is to be yourself and practice inclusivity in the workplace.
Bradley began her AJGA venture as a Communications Intern in the summer of 2008. She then transitioned into a full-time position from 2009 to 2012 as a Manager of Media Relations. She values the AJGA for instilling within her the skills and values she still carries today.
“You work hard, and you’re surrounded by a ton of people that want to work hard so it just instils you with good skills and values,” Bradley said. “Things like showing up on time, being professional, working swiftly but effectively and all of those things built a really good foundation for how I’ve succeeded in my career thus far.”
After her stint with the AJGA, Bradley went on to work in marketing for ClubCorp’s Sequoia Golf Management before finding her calling in the hotel industry. She began in a Marketing Manager role at Starwood Hotels then worked at Marriott as a Senior Manager for Field Marketing.
“It was really a great transition for me and where I found my passion,” Bradley said. “The hotel industry is amazing. I am supporting hotels and resorts that have a goal and I feel like the AJGA and Marriott are similar, we both work with our members to provide excellent service. This perspective helps you approach every situation differently to make people feel at home.”
In her current role as a Senior Manager of Distribution, Bradley manages Marriott's day-to-day global relationship with Expedia. Although it wasn’t her background, she attributes success to her thirst for knowledge and an overall curiosity about how things work.
“I think staying curious and learning is the key [to being successful] and it’s what I’ve used to guide my career,” Bradley said. “I think you always need to expand your mindset and your knowledge base and that’s really easy to do in the hotel space. Learning what other people do is important to working better together.”
While Bradley is proud to be a part of the LGBTQIA+ community, there were still moments she was challenged to embrace who she really was both in her personal and professional life. She came out when she was working with the AJGA and was dating a coworker.
“I just knew you had to sign a form, but it had never been signed by two women at the time so there was fear,” Bradley said. "It ended up being totally fine and everyone supported us. It was just do you have enough bravery to jump off the cliff and see what’s on the other side? It was a slow process of coming out to family and friends but 13 years later, that’s not even a question for me.”
Bradley runs the LGBTQIA+ associate resource group at Marriott in Atlanta and really loves how she and others like her can truly be themselves at work or wherever she is. She feels no matter who you are, it’s important to drown out the negative noise and be your authentic self.
“I run and help put on our pride festivities here in Atlanta and it just feels so amazing to be fully out and authentic,” Bradley said. “It’s not worth it to put yourself in a box or not to show who you truly are because that can make you miserable in the long run. It’s just important to be who you are no matter where you are if the space doesn’t feel right, change that but don’t change who you are.”
Bradley has grown from her time at the AJGA and it helped her both in her personal and professional life to get where she is today. Her willingness to adapt, learn and be curious while staying true to herself has made her happy and successful in her career.