Staff
Claire Bey, President and CEO
Claire Bey was selected as Houston Golf Association’s President and CEO in April 2025 after serving as HGA’s Director of Fund Development since August 2016. She worked closely with the HGA board of directors to build a culture of philanthropy after the organization evolved from having one primary corporate donor to cultivating multiple, sustainable sources of charitable revenue. Claire was brought in to launch new fundraising campaigns for the largest First Tee chapter in the national network and to lead capital campaign efforts to raise $12 M to restore Gus Wortham Park Golf Course. She will continue to oversee the organization’s current $6 M capital campaign to renovate F.M. Law Park, improving First Tee – Greater Houston’s main youth facility that offers numerous practice and tournament opportunities for thousands of students ranging from elementary school through college. The campaign will expand HGA’s community programming while ensuring long-term sustainability for the organization’s initiatives.
Since 2004, as a full-time staff, volunteer and consultant, Claire has helped numerous nonprofits strategically increase and diversify charitable funds from individuals, foundations, government grants, corporations, United Way and civic organizations. In Houston, she has had volunteer and professional roles with her children’s Mandarin Immersion Magnet School, Mission Squash, Family Services of Greater Houston and Child Advocates, Inc. Prior to moving to Houston, Claire worked and volunteered for charities in Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota such as Girl Scouts and Big Brothers Big Sisters. HGA combines her passion for youth sports, helping at-risk kids reach their potential, preserving green spaces and offering targeted neighborhoods economic revitalization and affordable, high-quality recreation. A former Division I college softball player, Claire’s golf swing is problematic, but she plans to devote more time to lessons now that her son is happy at the University of Texas in Austin and her daughter has verbally committed to playing softball nearly 2,000 miles away at Sacramento State. Originally from Southern California, Claire earned a JD from University of Utah College of Law and a BS from Southern Utah University.
Mark Rossi, General Manager
Mark Rossi, originally from Rockville, Maryland, brings a deep passion for golf and extensive experience in golf operations to the HGA.
Mark began his career as an Assistant Golf Professional at The Suburban Club in Baltimore, Maryland, and at Rhode Island Country Club. In 2012, he relocated to Texas, where he became the General Manager at Clear Creek Golf Club in Houston. Most recently, he served as the Golf Operations Manager for the Houston Golf Association for three years, also taking on the role of Tournament Director for the prestigious Greater Houston City Amateur.
Mark played collegiate golf at Virginia Wesleyan College and holds a degree in Golf Management from the Golf Academy of America.
Now residing in Pearland with his wife and their 8-year-old son—an aspiring young golfer—Mark is poised to contribute his expertise and enthusiasm to the team and continue the success of Gus Wortham Park Golf Course
Luis Cruz, Controller
Luis Cruz serves as the Controller for the Houston Golf Association, where he oversees financial operations and supports the organization’s mission to enrich the community through the game of golf. Prior taking on his current role in June 2024, Luis started his career in the oil and gas industry but found a more fulfilling path in the nonprofit sector, where he enjoys aligning his professional skills with meaningful causes. Passionate about youth development and community engagement, Luis actively volunteers with First Tee - Greater Houston, helping introduce young people to the game of golf and its life lessons. He also lends his time to Gus Wortham Golf Course, offering support whenever needed. His work reflects a strong commitment to giving back and making a positive impact through sport and service.
Luis Cruz is a native Houstonian with an Accounting degree from Texas State University (Eat em up!). He strives to keep improving his golf swing whenever he is not crunching the numbers.
Brian Ladet, Executive Director First Tee Greater Houston
IBrian Ladet is the Executive Director for First Tee – Greater Houston, a charter held by the Houston Golf Association. Brian has served as a full time staff member for the First Tee for over twenty one years, helping to grow the program to one of the premiere chapters in the network. As a former national trainer with First Tee Headquarters, Brian has had a hand in shaping the development, techniques and activities of hundreds of coaches nationwide. During his tenure he has had the opportunity to serve the network at many national First Tee teen events. Currently he oversees chapter operations, relationships with major donors and community partners.
As a native Houstonian Brian participated in HGA Junior Golf, attended Texas Southern University as a student athlete on the men’s golf team while earning a degree in Business Management. He also completed his first internship with First Tee during his college years. During his free time Brian enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, squeezing in the occasional round of golf.
