Patty Lusheck Ragio

Chief Executive Officer

What is your role at First Tee? Chief Executive Officer, Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. As such, I will lead a team that champions character and leadership development for youth through excellence in golf programming and coaching. Working with our supporters, I am charged with fueling growth and sustainability for our mission which serves over 20K young people in SW Ohio and Northern Kentucky.

What is your background? A lifetime Cincinnatian with occasional detours, I receive a BA from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio, and and MBA from Northern Kentucky University’s Haile College of Business in 2021. As an independent organizational development consultant, I have spent the last two years working for clients to improve strategy and structure for capacity-buildling and engagement. Prior to this, I worked for the University of Cincinnati Foundation, UC Lindner College of Business, Mount St. Joseph University and was the first president of Mercy McAuley High School.

Why were you interested in First Tee? First Tee provided an opportunity for me to combine my passion for leadership development with a focus on where it has the most lifetime impact–in our youth! Every young person needs a safe, productive opportunity to learn, live and thrive alongside peers where they feel they truly belong. First Tee provides this platform that is underpinned by proven curriculum used across the country and around the world. First Tee training for our coaches gives the the tools they need not only to teach golf skills, but also model life skills and support success for all– including athletes who wish to compete, or just enjoy a great game for lifetime! Youth sports, including golf, played a fundamentally important role throughout my life. I intend to expand, sustain and share opportunities with our participants so that they can build golf and life skills, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and make friends along the way.

What is your favorite part about First Tee? First Tee uses a volunteer coaching model that makes every dollar invested in our programs impactful on behalf of our participants. At the same time, our national headquarters supports the highest quality curriculum, coach training, conferences and and networking opportunities for participants, volunteers and staff. First Tee Greater Cincinnati/N. Ky is a huge organization that is driven by a top-tier board, local volunteers and a small, but power-packed staff while serving over 20K youth. The resources are incredible! It may be the “best kept secret” in our regional non-profit community.

Gold Star or Skyline?  My kids would say Skyline for sure! Two of three of them worked for one our local franchisees, and in doing so, contributed to their own college educations. For that I’m incredibly grateful. In regard to cheese coneys, I don’t take a side. I do insist upon mustard, onions and extra crackers.