Troy Smith named THE PLAYERS 2021 Tournament Chairman; Marc Hassan joins volunteer leadership team as newest vice-chairman
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 30, 2020
CONTACT:
Emily Tillo, THE PLAYERS Championship, emilytillo@pgatourhq.com, 904-424-8572
PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FLA. – THE PLAYERS Championship announced today several updates to its volunteer leadership team. Troy Smith has been named the 2021 Tournament Chairman (Red Coat), succeeding Andy Carroll. In addition, Marc Hassan is the newest volunteer vice-chairman (Blue Coat), joining First Vice-Chair Matt Welch and vice-chairs Houston Bowles, Lee Nimnicht and Tyler Oldenburg. The Red and Blue Coats lead the team of 2,000-plus volunteers that makes the PGA TOUR’s flagship event possible.
Troy Smith
Entering his eleventh year as a volunteer at THE PLAYERS, Troy Smith has held leadership positions on multiple committees, including: General Parking, Ecology, Commissary, VIP Parking, Benefactor and Volunteer Shuttle. Smith is a partner at the law firm Burr & Forman, where he is a member of the firm’s Construction and Project Development practice group, focusing on complex commercial litigation within the construction industry. He is a Florida Bar Certified Construction Attorney and has been named a Florida and Top 100 Super Lawyer, Florida Trend Legal Elite attorney and was recently named one of the Best Lawyers in America for Construction Law. Smith received his undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and his juris doctor degree from Stetson University College of Law.
In addition to his involvement with THE PLAYERS, Smith is a board member at Palmer Catholic Academy and has previously served on several other boards in Northeast Florida, including Learn to Read Jacksonville, the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and president of the Jacksonville Bar Association’s Young Lawyers Division as well as president of the Jacksonville Bar. He lives in Ponte Vedra Beach with his wife, Jenni, and their six kids.
“THE PLAYERS is in great hands with Troy leading our team of ‘Golf’s Greatest Volunteers,’” said Andy Carroll, 2020 Tournament Chairman. “He brings a positive, team-oriented approach to every task he undertakes and inspires everyone around him to do the same. I wish Troy and the team all the best as they help bring THE PLAYERS to new heights in 2021.”
“I would like to thank THE PLAYERS and its team of past tournament chairmen for entrusting me with the job of leading our volunteers,” said Smith. “This is a responsibility I don’t take lightly, and I promise to continue the incredible work of the Red Coats before me so that we can deliver a world-class championship and positively impact more lives in Northeast Florida.”
Marc Hassan
A Jacksonville native, Marc Hassan graduated from Bishop Kenny High School and then went on to earn undergraduate and graduate (MBA) degrees from Jacksonville University. Hassan currently serves as President, Sole Owner and qualifying Florida Licensed Real Estate Broker of Spectrum Realty Services, LLC (SRS), a Jacksonville-based residential and commercial real estate brokerage and property management firm. Hassan is married to his high school sweetheart, Meghan, also a Jacksonville native. The couple reside in Jacksonville with their three children.
Hassan first joined THE PLAYERS’ volunteer team in 2014 and has helped lead various committees, including General Parking, Tournament Support, and Admissions. Most recently, he served as 2020 Chair of the Birdies for the Brave Patriots’ Outpost presented by United Rentals, the hospitality venue for military members, veterans and their families.
In addition to his volunteerism with THE PLAYERS, Hassan is active in other Northeast Florida organizations, including the Rotary Club of Mandarin and past positions with the City of Jacksonville’s Taxation, Revenue and Utilization of Expenditures “TRUE” Commission (2010-2018), San Jose Catholic School Board (2011-2013) and Jacksonville Youth Soccer Club (2010-2014).
As the newest vice-chairman of THE PLAYERS, Hassan will oversee the Volunteer Services division, which supervises apparel, credentials, volunteer dining, office personnel, photography, supply, VIP parking, information, off-site shuttle and volunteer personnel.
“We are thrilled to name Marc as our newest Blue Coat,” said Smith. “His commitment, enthusiasm and passion for this championship, as well as his work ethic and selfless demeanor, make him the perfect addition to our volunteer leadership team.”
“It is an honor to join THE PLAYERS Championship volunteer leadership team and represent the 2,000-plus volunteers, who make this championship possible,” said Hassan. “Having been born and raised in Jacksonville, THE PLAYERS holds a very special place in my heart. It is Northeast Florida’s signature event, and I look forward to playing a role in its continued growth and charitable impact in the years to come.”
THE PLAYERS 2021 is set for March 9-14, 2021. Information regarding volunteer registration will be available in the coming months.
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About THE PLAYERS Championship
THE PLAYERS Championship annually combines the strongest field in golf with the world-class venue that is THE PLAYERS Stadium Course at TPC Sawgrass. Morgan Stanley, Grant Thornton LLP and Optum® are the exclusive Proud Partners of THE PLAYERS. Proceeds from THE PLAYERS benefit Northeast Florida charities and have totaled more than $100 million since it began in 1974 and moved to Ponte Vedra Beach in 1977. In 2019, THE PLAYERS generated a record $9.25 million for local charities. For more on THE PLAYERS, visit THEPLAYERS.com. For more on the surrounding areas, visit floridashistoriccoast.com or visitjacksonville.com.
About Morgan Stanley
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