Charlie Pagnam

Chief Philanthropy Officer

Charlie Pagnam brings more than 40 years of successful fundraising experience as the USGA’s chief philanthropy officer and executive director of the USGA Foundation. Pagnam will be responsible for leading and strengthening all aspects of the USGA's philanthropic program as well as membership development. His appointment demonstrates the USGA’s continued commitment to invest more deeply in the game and ensure its long-term success.

Pagnam leads a team tasked with supporting the USGA's mission and investing in programs that promote a more inclusive and sustainable future for the game, including making golf more accessible for all, investing in programs to manage golf’s use of critical natural resources, celebrating and preserving the game’s history, and identifying and preparing future leaders of the golf industry.

Prior to joining the USGA, Pagnam served as vice president for advancement and executive vice president of the $1 billion UMass Foundation where he was responsible for leading the strategic direction and performance of fundraising efforts across the University of Massachusetts system. Prior to that, he spent two years in development at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York and more than 28 years leading the major gifts fundraising program at Yale University, including seven years as vice president.

He has a bachelor’s degree in economics from Nichols College in Dudley, Mass. 

Pagnam is a lifelong passionate golfer who shares a love for the game with his wife and three children. He is currently the president of Sankaty Head Golf Club on Nantucket (host of the 2021 U.S. Mid-Amateur Championship) and a member of Jupiter Hills Club (host of the 2018 U.S Amateur Four-Ball Championship). He previously served as president of New Haven (Conn.) Golf Club during his time at Yale.