LPGA Amateurs Honors Karen Ramsey with the 2026 Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award
Brevard/Space Coast FL Chapter leader recognized for nearly 30 years of volunteer leadership, mentorship, and dedication to growing the game for women
From Left: Nancy Oliver, Karen Ramsey, Melody Lane Buller
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The LPGA Amateur Golf Association is proud to announce Karen Ramsey of the Brevard/Space Coast FL Chapter as the recipient of the 2026 Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award, one of the Association's highest volunteer honors.
Established in 2019, the Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award recognizes LPGA Amateurs members who embody the vision and spirit of founder Nancy Oliver through exceptional volunteer leadership, unwavering commitment to the Association's mission, and a lasting impact on women through the game of golf.
Karen's nearly 30 years of service to the Executive Women's Golf Association (EWGA) and LPGA Amateurs exemplify these qualities. Throughout her volunteer journey, she has served in numerous Chapter leadership roles, mentored future leaders, advocated for the Association, and consistently put the needs of the organization and its members first.
"Karen embodies everything this award represents," said Melody Buller, President of the Brevard/Space Coast FL Chapter. "This honor reflects far more than outstanding leadership - it recognizes Karen's unwavering commitment to growing the game, empowering women, and inspiring others to lead with purpose and generosity. Karen's vision, integrity, and passion have made a lasting impact on our golf community, and this recognition is richly deserved."
One of Karen's greatest strengths has been her ability to lead through change. She has repeatedly stepped back into leadership roles to guide the Brevard/Space Coast FL Chapter during critical transitions, including during the COVID-19 pandemic when many organizations faced significant challenges. By rebuilding the Board of Directors, mentoring new volunteers, and inspiring member engagement, Karen helped strengthen the Chapter and positioned it for long-term success. Under her leadership, Chapter membership has more than doubled over the past two years.
Karen's passion for welcoming women to golf has also led to innovative programming that continues to benefit members today. Recognizing the needs of newer golfers, she helped establish a golf education program that combines instruction, mentorship, and community-building. Working alongside fellow Board members and local LPGA Professionals, the program has given new golfers the confidence to participate in Chapter events while fostering meaningful friendships and connections.
Beyond her local Chapter, Karen has also made a significant impact at the Association level. As a Chapter Development Specialist, she mentored and supported multiple LPGA Amateurs Chapters across Florida, sharing best practices, strengthening leadership teams, and helping Chapters build sustainable growth while continuing to serve her own Chapter.
Karen's leadership extends beyond programs and operations. Throughout her career with the Association, she has inspired countless volunteers, encouraged new leaders to step forward, and remained deeply committed to leaving every role - and every Chapter -stronger than she found it.
The Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award traces its roots to two defining moments in women's golf. In 1950, 13 pioneering women founded what is now the LPGA Tour. More than four decades later, Nancy Oliver founded the Executive Women's Golf Association by creating a welcoming pathway for women to learn, play, and connect through golf. What began with a golf clinic for 28 women in 1991 grew under Nancy's leadership into a thriving organization that transformed the golf experience for thousands of women. Today, the award celebrates members who carry forward that same pioneering spirit through leadership, service, and a commitment to enriching women's lives through golf.
Karen Ramsey's extraordinary dedication, servant leadership, and unwavering belief in the mission of LPGA Amateurs have left a lasting legacy - not only within the Brevard/Space Coast FL Chapter, but throughout the Association. Her commitment to empowering women, developing future leaders, and creating welcoming opportunities for golfers of all skill levels makes her a truly deserving recipient of the 2026 Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award.
As we celebrate this year's Nancy Oliver - Act Like a Founder Award recipient, we also want to recognize the remarkable leaders who were nominated for this prestigious honor. Our volunteers are the heart of LPGA Amateurs, and these individuals exemplify the leadership, innovation, and unwavering commitment that strengthen our Chapters and enrich the member experience. Nominated by their fellow members, leaders make a meaningful impact across the Association through their passion, service, and dedication. We are grateful for their contributions and proud to recognize their commitment to helping our LPGA Amateurs community thrive.
Honorable Mentions
Barbara Vento, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter
Cathy Wright, San Diego, CA Chapter
Charline Avey, Central Indiana Chapter & Richmond, VA Chapter
Cheryl Needham, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter
Colleen Roche, Central NY Chapter; Rochester Region NY Chapter; & Brevard/Space Coast FL
Deb Kandel, Canton, OH Chapter; Cleveland, OH Chapter
Jean Tate, Baltimore, MD Chapter & Myrtle Beach, SC Chapter
Joan DeSalvo-Mansour, Daytona Beach, FL Chapter
Laura Winch, Metro Detroit Chapter
Lisa Dugan, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter
Mary Scherer, Pittsburgh, PA Chapter
Megan Bawn, Ontario Chapter & Barrie Area ON Chapter
Patty Gift, Southwest FL Chapter
Shirley Brown, Tampa Bay, FL Chapter & Chicago, IL Chapter
Terri Campbell, Cincinnati, OH Chapter
Wendy Bolton, Rochester Region NY Chapter
Congratulations and thank you for your leadership and for continuing to make a difference in the lives of LPGA Amateurs members.
About LPGA Amateur Golf Association®
LPGA Amateurs is where women grow in golf, together. As the largest and most trusted women’s golf community, we successfully guide women through every stage of the game and build welcoming communities that foster lifelong friendships.
With 19,000+ active members and over 10,000 golf, social, and networking events each year, our members enjoy a full calendar and a fuller life. As part of the LPGA family, the go-to brand for women’s golf, we partner closely with LPGA Professionals to help members grow skills and confidence. Our 130+ volunteer-led local Chapters create welcoming, inclusive communities that support women from their first swing through life’s many milestones.
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