The Alumni Professional Achievement Award recognizes significant contributions alumni
have made to their fields while exemplifying high moral and professional ethics. Jay
Karen '96 is being honored for his outstanding accomplishments in the golf industry
with the 2017 Alumni Professional Achievement Award.
Karen is the CEO of National Golf Course Owners Association, where he leads the trade
association and its initiatives to support the success of the golf course business.
Prior to that appointment, Karen was CEO of Select Registry, a portfolio of more than
300 premier boutique hotels, inns and B&Bs. He also has worked as president and CEO
of the trade association representing owners of small, independent lodging businesses
and earlier with the National Golf Course Owners Association.
Karen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winthrop, a Master of Arts degree in American
history from the College of Charleston and is a Certified Association Executive (CAE)
by the American Society of Association Executives.
He recently served on the board of directors of the U.S. Travel Association and the
College of Charleston's Hospitality and Tourism Management degree program. In his
present job, he serves on numerous boards in the golf industry. Major news outlets
and golf publications call upon Karen for his insights on the sport.
Within the association community, Karen has been asked to author articles and make
presentations on effective leadership and membership growth. In addition, he serves
on the Advisory Board to McKinley Advisors, one of the association industry's most
respected consulting companies.
At Winthrop, Karen was a former member of the Alumni Executive Board, the Credentials Committee of the Alumni Executive Board, Annual Giving Advisory
Council, Young Alumni Council member and Winthrop Alumni Admissions Volunteer. Karen was recognized as a student with the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 1996
and received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2004.
He is married to Carrie Stuart Lyndrup '99.
