Claire Bey was selected as Houston Golf Association’s President and CEO in April 2025 after serving as HGA’s Director of Fund Development since August 2016. She worked closely with the HGA board of directors to build a culture of philanthropy after the organization evolved from having one primary corporate donor to cultivating multiple, sustainable sources of charitable revenue. Claire was brought in to launch new fundraising campaigns for the largest First Tee chapter in the national network and to lead capital campaign efforts to raise $12 M to restore Gus Wortham Park Golf Course. She will continue to oversee the organization’s current $6 M capital campaign to renovate F.M. Law Park, improving First Tee – Greater Houston’s main youth facility that offers numerous practice and tournament opportunities for thousands of students ranging from elementary school through college. The campaign will expand HGA’s community programming while ensuring long-term sustainability for the organization’s initiatives.

Since 2004, as a full-time staff, volunteer and consultant, Claire has helped numerous nonprofits strategically increase and diversify charitable funds from individuals, foundations, government grants, corporations, United Way and civic organizations. In Houston, she has had volunteer and professional roles with her children’s Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Mission Squash, Family Services of Greater Houston and Child Advocates, Inc. Prior to moving to Houston, Claire worked and volunteered for charities in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota such as Girl Scouts and Big Brothers Big Sisters. HGA combines her passion for youth sports, helping at-risk kids reach their potential, preserving green spaces and offering targeted neighborhoods economic revitalization and affordable, high-quality recreation. A former Division I college softball player, Claire’s golf swing is problematic, but she plans to devote more time to lessons now that her son is happy at the University of Texas in Austin and her daughter has verbally committed to playing softball nearly 2,000 miles away at Sacramento State. Originally from Southern California, Claire earned a JD from University of Utah College of Law and a BS from Southern Utah University.

Brian Ladet is the Executive Director for First Tee – Greater Houston, a charter held by the Houston Golf Association. Brian has served as a full time staff member for the First Tee for over twenty one years, helping to grow the program to one of the premiere chapters in the network. As a former national trainer with First Tee Headquarters, Brian has had a hand in shaping the development, techniques and activities of hundreds of coaches nationwide. During his tenure he has had the opportunity to serve the network at many national First Tee teen events. Currently he oversees chapter operations, relationships with major donors and community partners.

As a native Houstonian Brian participated in HGA Junior Golf, attended Texas Southern University as a student athlete on the men’s golf team while earning a degree in Business Management. He also completed his first internship with First Tee during his college years. During his free time Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, squeezing in the occasional round of golf.

Mark Rossi, originally from Rockville, Maryland, brings a deep passion for golf and extensive experience in golf operations to the HGA.

Mark began his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Suburban Club in Baltimore, Maryland, and at Rhode Island Country Club. In 2012, he relocated to Texas, where he became the General Manager at Clear Creek Golf Club in Houston. Most recently, he served as the Golf Operations Manager for the Houston Golf Association for three years, also taking on the role of Tournament Director for the prestigious Greater Houston City Amateur.

Mark played collegiate golf at Virginia Wesleyan College and holds a degree in Golf Management from the Golf Academy of America.

Now residing in Pearland with his wife and their 8-year-old son—an aspiring young golfer—Mark is poised to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to the team and continue the success of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course

As Director of External Affairs, Kim leads all marketing, communications, and branding efforts for the Houston Golf Association, First Tee – Greater Houston, and Gus Wortham Golf Course. She also continues to oversee the organization’s expansive community engagement work, which includes more than 550 First Tee School Program sites, partnerships with local organizations, and extracurricular activities that introduce youth to golf while fostering character, life skills, and STEM exploration.

Kim directs flagship events such as Champions Challenge, an annual competition that brings together over 200 fourth-grade participants to showcase what they've learned through First Tee’s School Program. She also collaborates with Chevron, the Astros Golf Foundation, and PGA TOUR professionals on engaging experiences during the Houston Open—merging golf with STEM, nutrition, and mental wellness education for area students.

Her background is rooted in fundraising, having managed large-scale events at Sky High for Kids that helped raise over $6 million for pediatric cancer causes, including Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Global HOPE, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis. She later worked in Major Gifts and Donor Relations with The Salvation Army, supporting programs that serve families across the Houston area.

A proud graduate of Louisiana State University, Kim continues to cheer for the Tigers. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, learning new languages, and spending time on the golf course. goes here

Diana Duque Ordoñez joined Houston Golf Association | First Tee - Greater Houston in April 2025 as the Development Manager. Diana works closely with the CEO to develop fundraising strategies, manage donor communications and stewardship, support capital campaigns, and plan events in support of HGA and First Tee – Greater Houston. 

Diana holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Houston and earned her Certified Nonprofit Professional credential through the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance. Her background also includes over a decade of experience as a legal assistant and office administrator, during which she developed strong skills in client relations, research, and organizational leadership. Her transition into the nonprofit sector was driven by a deep commitment to youth development and creating opportunities for youth and their families. 

Luis Cruz serves as the Controller for the Houston Golf Association, where he oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s mission to enrich the community through the game of golf. Prior taking on his current role in June 2024, Luis started his career in the oil and gas industry but found a more fulfilling path in the nonprofit sector, where he enjoys aligning his professional skills with meaningful causes. Passionate about youth development and community engagement, Luis actively volunteers with First Tee - Greater Houston, helping introduce young people to the game of golf and its life lessons. He also lends his time to Gus Wortham Golf Course, offering support whenever needed. His work reflects a strong commitment to giving back and making a positive impact through sport and service.

Luis Cruz is a native Houstonian with an Accounting degree from Texas State University (Eat em up!). He strives to keep improving his golf swing whenever he is not crunching the numbers.

Maya Freeman, an ex-NCAA Division II collegiate golfer and dedicated educator, is the current Program Director for First Tee – Greater Houston. Originally from Little Rock, Arkansas, she graduated from Christian Brothers University in 2018 with a bachelor’s degree in English for Corporate Communications and Psychology. Her diverse experiences—from collegiate golf to community involvement—led her to discover a deep-rooted passion for empowering girls and women.

After relocating to Houston through Teach For America, Maya immersed herself in education and earned a master’s degree in Teaching from Relay Graduate School of Education. A certified LPGA Class A Instructor, she brings six years of classroom experience and holds multiple coaching certifications through First Tee, Girls Golf, and the Positive Coaching Alliance. Her background in both education and competitive golf continues to shape her commitment to youth development and expanding access through character-driven programs in the game of golf.

Jose Garcia is the superintendent of both golf courses operated by HGA. Since 2014, Jose has managed Gus Wortham and F.M. Law Park golf courses. With over 37 years of experience, he has done an exceptional job maintaining our parks with the highest efficiency and integrity. Starting in 1988, in a small town in Borrego Springs, California, Jose worked at a small golf course with his siblings. He then gained more experience in San Jose as he was able to be a part of the senior tour at Coyote Creek for three years. In 2002, he relocated to Houston, Texas, where he joined the Redstone Golf Courses. After 12 years with the company, he worked with a major PGA tournament, the Shell Houston Open. Jose managed his coworkers and kept the course up to professional standards. In 2014, he was given the opportunity by the HGA to bring his skills and knowledge to F.M. Law Park and the renovation at Gus Wortham Park Golf Course. Jose is an important part of the HGA team as he continues to maintain and improve our parks.