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Lavoie to build on history-rich foundation to continue growing game in new era for PGA of Alberta,
Jason Stanier named Vice-President

EDMONTON—One of the province’s most respected members, Shawn Lavoie, has been named President of the PGA of Alberta.

Lavoie, who has served on the Board for 15 years and the last two as Vice-President, has committed his life to the game of golf since his unlikely entry into the sport at the age of 12.

“I was doing yard work at my aunt’s place one day and she took me to the golf course. This led me to getting a job at the course, working in the back shop cleaning clubs. I loved everything about it and didn’t want to leave,” said Lavoie on the heels of being officially named 31st President at the Association’s 2025 Annual General Meeting in Edmonton. “By Grade 11, I was working at golf programs and knew I wanted to chase a career in golf.”

After graduating high school, Lavoie moved to Edmonton to attain his Professional Golf Management Diploma at Grant McEwan University. He got his first opportunity as a head professional at Jackfish Lodge before he moved to Calgary for a brief stop as Associate Professional at Priddis Greens Golf Club. Lavoie took on the head pro position at The Winston Golf Club for 10 months before he became General Manager at the Club – a role he served over the next 10 years. He took his leadership skills to Canyon Meadows Golf and Country Club (2019-2023) where he orchestrated the revitalization of one of Calgary’s most prestigious golf clubs.

“There have been lots of projects that I have been proud to have worked on over the years, but what I have been most proud of is being part of the PGA and being on the Board, spending time with leaders in the Association and learning from those people,” added Lavoie.

The soft-spoken, self-described golf junkie has been passionate about growing the game. He first joined the PGA of Alberta’s Board of Directors in 2010. After serving as Tournament Chair (2014-2016), Lavoie took his leadership skills to the Buying Show Committee where he was accountable for the delivery of the largest golf show in Canada. Lavoie also oversaw the financial stewardship of the organization as Vice-President (2022-2025).

“I’m very proud to be a PGA of Alberta member. It’s a flag that I’ve been flying my whole career and it has always been really important to me,” said Lavoie. “It’s cool to be a golf pro and be apart of something that is growing and thriving. My focus now, is to ensure that we all, as the PGA, focus on keeping people playing, making sure we have programs and services for the youth in our communities, but also making sure everyone’s having a great experience.”

Lavoie will take comfort in having a supportive network of members with him on the PGA of Alberta Board of Directors.

Jason Stanier will take on Vice-President responsibilities over the next two years.

Jason Stanier and Chris Paskin were re-elected for another two-year term to the Board of Directors. The Board also elected Shelley Charlton and Samuel Kirkness to their first two-year term on Monday.

Outgoing President, Matt Johnson, will now assume the Past-President role on the 12-member Board of Directors that also includes: Dallas Cantera; Kevin Chow; Blake Clayton; Josh Fleming; Todd Halpen; Jeff MacGregor; Miles Mortensen; and Chris Paskin.

Joseph Busetto, Nic Longley, Amy Popkes and Colin Yarchuk were elected to join the nine-member Assistants’ Board of Directors. Stephen Yanitski was named President of the Assistants’ Board that also includes: Tyler Leicht; Gina Nelson; Lisa Rosengarten; and Elizabeth Stewart.

For more information about the PGA of Alberta, please visit www.pgaofalberta.com.