Teal Thron Takes Over as CEO of First Tee Coachella Valley

Palm Desert - CA - A new chapter is underway at First Tee – Coachella Valley, and it’s being led by someone who knows both the program and the community like the back of her hand.

Teal Thron is back in the desert — now serving as CEO — and she’s bringing fresh vision and energy to an organization committed to shaping young lives through the game of golf.

“I’ve been with First Tee since 2008,” Teal shared. “I was the first program director here in Coachella Valley. I helped launch the chapter and have loved First Tee ever since.”

After helping start the local chapter, Thron moved to Orange County, where she helped launch and grow their First Tee program for nearly a decade. During the pandemic in 2020, she returned to Coachella Valley as Executive Director and helped restart operations. She was later called on by national headquarters to oversee more than 30 chapters along the West Coast.

When the previous CEO moved back up north to be closer to family, Teal saw an opportunity to return home — this time, to lead.

Her plans are ambitious: expanding programming at the organization’s main site at Tahquitz Creek in Palm Springs, building out offerings at The Lights at Indio, and growing access for underserved youth in Coachella, Thermal, and the North Shore.

“The goal is to serve all of the young people in this valley — especially those who are underserved or underrepresented,” she said. “We want every kid to have the chance to pick up a golf club, learn character, and experience everything this program has to offer.”

From the course to the classroom, Teal Thron is focused on making sure First Tee continues its mission of developing character, confidence, and life skills — one swing at a time.

To learn more about the organization or how to get involved, visit firstteecoachellavalley.org.