Paula Purifoy – CEO

Paula is a graduate of Metropolitan State University with a degree in Communications.  She left her position as a television producer where she specialized in public information programming when she met the staff and volunteers at First Tee.  She fell in love with the programs and mission.  She was ready to make a change in her life and the former Executive Director gave her a chance to have a meaningful career.

Under her leadership, programs have grown from serving 400 participants to more than 10,000 annually.  Program facilities also grew from 3 to 28 while keeping expenses the same and lowering administrative costs. Programs have expand to Arapahoe, Adams, Boulder, Delta, Jefferson, Douglas and Eagle Counties; she raised enough capital dollars for four junior golf courses and two learning centers; created and implemented the professional development curriculum for participants; an endowment fund was created; and she has gathered concrete statistical data that shows First Tee – Colorado Rocky Mountains’ true impact on grades, attitudes and attendance. She was even a caddie for a participant at The First Tee Open at Pebble Beach.

Her passion for the program makes her a wonderful advocate for the program and mentor for the participants.  Her energy and enthusiasm are magnets for kids.  She is dedicated to helping others, especially youth, realize their full potential.