Doug Bjerkaas presents a trophy at the 2023 PDGA Junior Disc Golf World Championships.

In the search for the next executive director of the Professional Disc Golf Association (PDGA), the Board of Directors sought candidates from several sources. In the end, they did not have to look far.

The PDGA Board of Directors is pleased to announce the selection of Doug Bjerkaas #14902 as the new Executive Director of the PDGA.

When former Executive Director Joe Chargualaf retired at the end of 2023, the PDGA Board of Directors’ intention was to seek candidates for the organization’s fourth executive director in-house on the PDGA staff before expanding the search.  Bjerkaas, after a long and established career within the sport of disc golf, joined the PDGA staff as director of operations in April 2023 after working with Dynamic Discs for over seven years, including serving as president for the final two years of his tenure at the manufacturer.

New PDGA Executive Director Doug Bjerkaas (right) stands with Deputy Executive Director Mike Downes at the 2023 Champions Cup.

"The PDGA BOD is excited to work with Doug moving forward and is confident in his ability to lead this organization,” PDGA Board of Director President Nate Heinold said. “Doug's vast experience makes him uniquely qualified for this new role. The PDGA is in good hands with Doug, and we are grateful for his willingness to serve."

After discovering the sport in 1997, Bjerkaas became a PDGA member in 1999 while working in the education field. Since 2011, Bjerkaas has served as a tournament director for 126 events, including five PDGA Disc Golf World Championships and numerous Elite Series events. His disc golf experience also includes course design and installation as well as work in the non-profit sector of the sport.

Doug Bjerkaas joined the PDGA in 1999.

Bjerkaas served as events coordinator, HR director, and in community outreach for Dynamic Discs for five years prior to being named president in 2021. He has led the Operations and Logistics, and Support and Training Teams since joining the PDGA staff last year.

“Disc golf has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years,” Bjerkaas said. “The impact that the sport has had on both me individually and my family has been incredible. I am honored and humbled to take on my new role as the executive director of the PDGA. I am dedicated to serving the members of the PDGA and am optimistic about the future of the sport we love.”