Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame
- Induction:
- 2002
- Class:
- 1969
Tim Finchem is just the third person ever to become Commissioner of the Professional Golfer's Association (PGA), and is considered one of the most powerful men in sports. After assuming the post on June 1, 1994, Finchem has expanded the PGA's financial and marketing influence domestically and internationally. Known throughout the golf sphere as a tough and hard-working leader, Finchem has been instrumental in the formation of International Federation of PGA Tours and the World Golf Foundation. The World Golf Foundation's First Tee program is dedicated to growing the game for future generations.
Finchem started at the PGA as the Vice President for Business Affairs in 1987. In 1989 he began a five-year stint as the Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer. Before joining the PGA, Finchem co-founded the National Strategies and Marketing Group, a Washington consulting and marketing firm, in 1984. Finchem was the deputy adviser for economic affairs to President Jimmy Carter (1978 and 1979) and the national staff director for the Carter-Mondale presidential campaign in 1980. He is now a member of the President's Council on Physical Fitness. Finchem came to the University of Richmond on a debate scholarship and graduated in 1969 with a bachelor's degree. He earned his Law Degree from the University of Virginia in 1973.
