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 February of 2001. She feels she has found a good home here 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
Todd Tracy - Volunteer since 2002
Andy Wilkinson - Volunteer since 2006
Board of Directors
Chair - Dr. Michael Hurdzan - Hurdzan/Fry Golf Course Design
Treasurer - Matt Kaufman - Ernst & Young
Peter Barr - Independent
Michael Flock - Cardinal Health
Kelli Gargasz - Fifth Third Bank
David Hollingsworth - Hollico LLC
Karen Kostelac - Independent
Bob Roof - Business Partner of Polaris
Richard Smith III - Independent
Bill Stines - Scioto Country Club
Advisory Board
Terri-Lynne Smiles - Collis, Smiles & Collis, LLC
Dan Sullivan - The Memorial Tournament
Ellen Tressel- wife of OSU Football Coach Jim Tressel
Dennis Walters - World Famous Golf Trick-Shot Artist
