Today, TGR Foundation announced the appointment of Gordon McNeill as the foundation’s new President and CEO. McNeill, a seasoned nonprofit leader with experience in education, corporate strategy, capital raising and event management will lead the foundation as it continues its mission to empower students to pursue their passions through education.
McNeill succeeds Rick Singer, who announced his retirement after serving as the foundation’s President and CEO since 2014. Singer will assist in the leadership transition as a consultant to the foundation. “We want to thank Rick for his leadership and stewardship of the foundation over the last six years,” said Tiger Woods. “He will be missed.”
“I am excited to have Gordon join us. I know he will do a tremendous job leading the foundation as we head into our 25th year,” Woods added. “His nonprofit leadership experience, both locally and globally, made him the ideal candidate for the position. I’m looking forward to expanding our programs significantly under his direction to continue to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.”
A native of California, McNeill comes to the foundation with more than 25 years of experience in business and education. Prior to joining TGR Foundation, McNeill spent 19 years at Sage Hill School in Newport Beach, California, most recently serving as its Head of School and then President for the past 12 years. Under McNeill’s leadership, Sage Hill completed its campus master plan and garnered a national reputation for its academic excellence, innovative programing, community involvement and support for students from underrepresented communities.
“It’s an honor to lead this remarkable organization and become a part of the critical work TGR Foundation is doing in the lives of underrepresented youth,” McNeill said. “I am grateful for this opportunity, and I can’t wait to get started.”
McNeill will be based in the foundation’s Irvine, California office and lead a 68-person staff across the organization with additional offices located in Anaheim, Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. In his role as President and CEO, he will have executive responsibility for all aspects of the foundation’s programs and outreach, including the flagship TGR Learning Lab in Anaheim, five satellite Learning Lab locations, the recently announced TGR Learning Lab at the Carol Kimmelman Academic and Athletic Center for at-risk youth in Los Angeles and the Earl Woods Scholar Program. The foundation also operates signature fundraising events, including two PGA TOUR tournaments.
McNeill holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, San Diego and a master’s in Educational Leadership from Columbia University. He is a past advisory board member to the University of California, Irvine School of Education, a field instructor for Columbia Teacher’s College and a trustee of Giving it Back to Kids.
“Gordon McNeill has proven himself to be an outstanding leader with a demonstrable record of institutional success and a passion for working with young people,” TGR Foundation Board Chairman Michael McKee stated. “We are excited to have him join us as the foundation continues to meet the needs of the underrepresented communities we serve by providing access to quality education and support.”
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I too want to express our sincere appreciation to Rick Singer for his dedication and commitment over the last six years as our President and CEO,” McKee added. “He made a difference, and he leaves with our gratitude and best wishes.”