The East Lake Foundation is proud to announce that four of its associates have been named as “best” in their respective professions. These recognitions have come from the local or state chapters of the professional organizations that each play active roles in leading, outside of their day-to-day work.
Jeff Dunovant, director of instruction for The First Tee® of East Lake, has been named the2012 Junior Golf Leader by the PGA Georgia Section. Jeff influences the lives of hundreds of East Lake’s children who either take golf lessons as part of the physical education curriculum at Charles R. Drew Charter School or who participate in The First Tee of East Lake’s programs. Jeff’s recognition as Junior Golf Leader acknowledges his contributions to junior golf programs, his leadership in promoting junior golf and his “acceptance by junior golfers as a person of outstanding character,“ according to PGA Georgia. Jeff has been a PGA Member since 1993 and has been the Director of Instruction for The First Tee of East Lake since 2004. He has also been a golf instructor for programs such as Evening at Emory, Play Golf America, Get Golf Ready, and was featured in the CBS Sports Special “Passion for the Game.”
Jeff and his father, Harold Dunovant, are the only African-American father and son PGA Members in the history of golf.
Jeremy Story, golf professional at the Charlie Yates Golf Course, has been named Assistant Professional of the Year by the PGA Georgia Section North Chapter. Jeremy, who graduated from the University of North Carolina-Wilmington, has been affiliated with East Lake since 2009, when he joined East Lake Golf Club as an assistant pro. The Charlie Yates Golf Course is an East Lake landmark and serves as an important feature in fulfilling the “golf with a purpose” mission.
East Lake Golf Course’s Ralph Kepple, CGCS, has been named the Georgia Golf Course Association’s Superintendent of the Year. The GGCAS is dedicated to supporting golf and the golf course management profession through advocacy, education, environmental stewardship and recognition for the professionals in the industry. Ralph was recognized for his work in leading the East Lake’s horticultural team in keeping the East Lake Golf Course in top condition for both members and PGA professionals who play the TOUR Championship by Coca-Cola there each September. Ralph is featured on the cover of the January-February, 2013 issue of the association’s magazine, “Through the Green.”
Finally, East Lake Golf Club’s pastry chef, James Mullaney, CEPC, has been recognized as Pastry Chef of the Year by the Atlanta Chapter of the Culinary Federation of America. With more than 27 years of experience, Jim has become well-known for his sweet creations. He began his culinary career in the U.S. Army as a Distinguished Honor Graduate of the Food Service Specialist Training Program at Fort Jackson, SC. He later graduated from an accredited Pastry Apprenticeship Program at The Cloister at Sea Island, a program he later directed.
