Chapter President

Kim Zakar

Chapter Treasurer

Dori Smith

Communications Director

Theresa Daniels

Kim Zakar is a Business Development Manager with over 30 years of experience selling to the federal government. A member of the LPGA Amateurs (formerly EWGA) since 2005, she began with the Northeast Bay Chapter and has been part of the Palm Springs Desert Cities Chapter for the past 10 years. Kim has served on the Membership Committee and held leadership roles as the 2018 LPGA Cup Finals Captain and 2024 Cal Cup Co-Captain.

Her passion for golf is about having fun, meeting new people, and sharing the game with others. As Chapter President, Kim looks forward to fostering camaraderie and ensuring every member enjoys the season — whether in competition or casual play.

Dori J. Smith is founding president of the LPGA Amateurs Palm Springs chapter. In her marketing/communications career, she worked for Fortune 500 companies GTE/Verizon, MasterCard, and Praxair. She and husband Rupert – who live with Jakki the cat -- ran Wordsmiths Communication, a marketing and PR agency in the Coachella Valley before retiring.

An active member of the Palm Springs/Desert Cities Chapter from it’s beginnings as Executive Women’s Golf Association since she first started golfing in 2001, Theresa enjoys playing competitive and recreational golf, and has held numerous volunteer leadership positions at the local, regional and association level. She has served on several golf related boards and on the Advisory Committee for the Southern California PGA of America.

Events Director

Jeanette Sison

Membership Director

Laurie Briggs

Education Director

Elise Thomas

With over 25 years of experience planning events for companies like Taco Bell, Hoag Hospital, and Brinker International, Jeanette brings a thoughtful and creative approach to every event. She’s passionate about creating experiences that are organized, inclusive, and genuinely fun. As Events Director, she’s excited to bring together her two passions — event planning and golf — to serve the LPGA Amateurs Palm Springs/Desert Cities Chapter.

Laurie works full-time as a local Realtor. Originally from Canada, she golfs far less now than she did 20 years ago when winters meant months surrounded by snow—time for a change! These days, she enjoys golfing occasionally with local and visiting friends, family, and clients. It was through one of these outings that she was introduced to the local LPGA Amateurs chapter, where friendships quickly blossomed. Always eager to lend a hand, Laurie took on the role of Co-Membership Committee Chair in 2024 and looks forward to welcoming new members into the fold.

Elise has been a member of the LPGA Amateurs Palm Springs/Desert Cities (PSDC) Chapter for almost 20 years.  She has held several Board positions including Secretary, Treasurer, Membership, Handicap and Education Chairs.  She enjoys competitive, casual and especially team golf.  She was a member of three PSDC scramble teams which qualified for Nationals in Tennessee, Arkansas and Florida.   Although retired, Elise continues to work as an Adjunct Counselor at College of the Desert.