Melinda "Mindy" Derr, Executive Director
Mindy Derr is the founder and Executive Director of Fore Hope, Inc., one of the first golf programs of its kind in the country. Mindy started Fore Hope on February 1, 1989 in Northern Ohio after her father, Guy Derr, an avid golfer and two-handicapper, was stricken by Lou Gehrig's disease. She witnessed the depression and isolation that crippled his life and took him away for the sport he loved. An avid golfer, Mindy chose to leave her position as Exploring Executive of the Boy Scouts of America, to start Fore Hope. She researched the need for an adaptive golf program by contacting caregivers, rehabilitation centers and golf professionals across the country. EDUCATION - Bachelor of Arts Degree, Communication The Ohio State University, 1981
Lisa LaVelle, Recreation Therapist
Lisa joined Fore Hope in September of 2009 and is a recent graduate of Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Recreation Studies. She believes she can be a great asset to Fore Hope and our participants with the knowledge and care she has for persons with disabilities.
Pam Hudson, Administrative Assistant
Pam has served as an Administrative Assistant at Fore Hope since 2001. She feels she has found a good home at Fore Hope where she can utilize her communication skills for day-to-day office operation, program and volunteer development, marketing, accounting, technology and special event planning.
Golf Professionals
Paul Hobart - PGA Professional, Volunteer since 1991
Brent Kalb - PGA Professional, Volunteer since 2006
Board of Directors
Kelli Gargasz, Chair - Fifth Third Bank
Richard Smith III, Vice Chair - Independent
Matt Kaufman, Treasurer - Ernst & Young
Michael Flock, Secretary - Cardinal Health
Karen Kostelac - Independent
Jim Mackie, Delta Dental of Ohio
Bill Stines - Scioto Country Club
Advisory Board
Dr. Michael Hurdzan - Hurdzan / Fry Environmental Golf Design
Kathleen Johnson - Independent
Terri-Lynne Smiles - Collis, Smiles & Collis, LLC
Dan Sullivan - The Memorial Tournament
Ellen Tressel - Independent
Dennis Walters - World Famous Golf Trick-Shot Artist
