Smoley joins Lagardère as Golf Division Vice President of Sales & Marketing
RENO, Nev. (March 20, 2013) – The PGA TOUR’s Reno-Tahoe Open today announced the departure of Executive Director Jana Smoley. Well known for helping elevate the profile of the Reno-Tahoe Open and for working in cooperation with other large special events in northern Nevada, Smoley leaves the non-profit organization with a solid foundation for future growth. Smoley joined the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation as a board member in 2005 before stepping into the role of executive director in 2010. Smoley will remain an active member of its Board of Directors.
With more than 15 years of experience in sales, marketing, sports management, business affairs and sponsor acquisition, Smoley steps back from her role with the Reno-Tahoe Open to join Lagardère Unlimited, an international company operating in more than 25 countries throughout Europe, North America, Asia and the Pacific. Smoley has been named Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the company’s Golf Division.
“This has been a very difficult decision for me. I care so much about the Reno-Tahoe Open and the PGA TOUR but also recognize what a special opportunity this is for my family and me,” explained Smoley. “I look forward to staying close to the tournament as a board member and know that it is on solid ground thanks to the hard work and support of our entire community.”
During her tenure with the Reno-Tahoe Open, Smoley helped give back nearly $700,000 to local charities and achieved record-setting attendance at the annual golf tournament held at Montrêux Golf & Country Club. In addition, she was recently recognized by Sports Business Journal as a “Game Changer” for women in sports business.
“We are grateful for the many contributions Jana has made to the Reno-Tahoe Open, leaving it in a position that will enable its growth for years to come,” said Andy Pazder, PGA TOUR chief of operations. “We wish Jana the very best and are thankful she will still be connected to the game through her new position at Lagardère.”
As Smoley transitions to her new role at Lagardère, the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation and the PGA TOUR will work together to find a suitable replacement; a task not easily undertaken considering the impact she has had on the tournament in recent years.
“Jana has worked tirelessly to grow this tournament and her commitment and energy will certainly be missed,” remarked John Sande, chairman of the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation. “We wish her all the best at Lagardère and will work closely with the PGA TOUR throughout the process of determining a new executive director.”
For more information on the 15th annual Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux, including ticket sales, vacation packages, volunteer and sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RenoTahoeOpen.com or contact the tournament office at 775-322-3900.
The 15th annual Reno-Tahoe Open at Montrêux, an official PGA TOUR event, takes place July 29-August 4, 2013 at Montrêux Golf & Country Club in Reno, Nev. The tournament is one of just 45 full-field stops during the PGA TOUR Season and is part of the FedExCup series, a points competition for PGA TOUR professionals. The internationally-televised event brings in millions of dollars in coverage for the Reno-Tahoe region through its affiliation with The Golf Channel as it follows 132 PGA TOUR professionals competing for a share of the tournament’s $3 million purse. The Reno-Tahoe Open is managed and operated by the Reno-Tahoe Open Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, comprised of key sponsors including the Eldorado Hotel Reno, Montrêux Development Group and NV Energy.
