Career Builder Challenge selects new executive director

The Career Builder Challenge has named its new executive director; golf industry veteran Nick Raffaele. He was formerly working for Callaway Golf as Vice President of Global Sports Marketing.

Organizers said Raffaele’s appointment begins immediately and he’ll be in control of all aspects of the nonprofit and the PGA Tour tournament. The announcement was made Thursday morning.

“We’re excited to bring Nick into this role, and we expect that under his leadership the CareerBuilder Challenge and Desert Classic Charities will continue to grow and thrive as integral parts of the Coachella Valley community,” said John Foster, the President of the Board of Directors of Desert Classic Charities. “I commend Bill Tait for the work he did to help us during this transition and look forward to his continued contributions as a member of our board.”

Tournament officials said prior to his time with Callaway, Raffaele managed PGA TOUR development for Spalding Sports.

“I appreciate the trust that John Foster and the rest of the DCC board have placed in me to carry the CareerBuilder Challenge and Desert Classic Charities into the future,” Raffaele said. “Desert Classic Charities is a tremendous organization with a long history of positively impacting this area. The CareerBuilder Challenge is a wonderful tournament with a rich history on the PGA TOUR, and is in a community that is passionate about golf. I look forward to moving my family to the Coachella Valley and helping the event become even better.”