BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Diana Riley, President

Retired Entrepreneur and avid golfer, Diana launched Swinging with Purpose™ in 2013 in Naples, FL.  Always involved in her community, Diana strongly believes “to whom much is given, much is required”.   Not ready to fully retire, Diana has spent the last ten (10) years building the SWP Brand and is now ready to launch SWP nationally through the trademark license initiative. Committed to serving women, girls and children, the proven golf fundraising methods are ready to be shared with non-profit organizations that are making a difference in their communities.

Shasta Averyhardt, Member

Shasta Averyhardt began her golf journey at the ripe age of 7.  With her passion and continued commitment, she studied and played golf at Jackson State University where she won 9 collegiate golf tournaments.  In 2011, Shasta earned her LPGA Tour card, becoming the 4th African American Woman to earn LPGA Tour Status.  During her LPGA professional career and to date, she’s won 7 tournaments, along with qualifying for the US Women’s Open.  During her time on the LPGA Symetra Tour, Shasta won the 2012 LPGA Symetra Tour Rising Star Award.  In 2014, Shasta detoured from her golf journey to explore the corporate sector.  She joined PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, as a Tax Associate.  It didn’t take long before Shasta determined her true love and passion remained in the world of golf.  She returned to the golf world where she was recently inducted into the Jackson State University Sports Hall of Fame.  Shasta remains committed to the game and is growing as spokesperson, motivational and panel speaker and various other golf related initiatives.  Shasta is excited about sharing her time, tokens and talents to the mission of Swinging With Purpose®.

Jillian Johnson, Secretary

Jillian is the Founder and CEO of LEGS® (Ladies Executive Golf Society), an organization that aims to empower women on and off the golf course through curating female-friendly events that cultivate strong business connections, build confidence, and inspire women to rewrite the script to reach their full potential.  After leaving her career at a publicly traded company as an Employee Benefits Consultant to pursue LEGS® full-time, Jillian spends her time passionately elevating the women around her with a vision of seeing more female CEOs and leaders to shape a better community and world. In the last year, LEGS® has served over 10,000 women, expanded to 12 different markets, and has the goal of having a LEGS® chapter in all 50 states to continue to scale its impact.

Jillian has been recognized nationally as a Rising Star in Benefits Advising, Jacksonville Chambers’ Professional Business Woman of the Year and Jacksonville Magazine’s Outstanding Volunteer. Energized by driving change and being a part of significant projects, Jillian has served as the past President of the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance and Professional Development Chair for the Beaches Rotaract.  She sits on the Board of The Len Mattiace Foundation and volunteers with Community Hospice & Palliative Care.  Jillian is excited to bring her talents and time to further the mission of Swinging With Purpose®.

Hope Perez, Treasurer

For more than 20 years, Hope Perez has built a banking career rooted in leadership, relationships and community impact. As a Retail Executive with BankUnited, she leads the West Central North Florida market, focused on growing strong teams, delivering exceptional client experiences, and building meaningful community partnerships. Beyond banking, Hope is passionate about giving back and creating opportunities for the next generation. She supports Habitat for Humanity Women Build initiatives, partners with local schools, and has created initiatives that provide children with academic support, resources, and encouragement. Hope also serves as a Board Member/Treasurer of Swinging With Purpose, helping drive meaningful impact by supporting local nonprofits that provide resources, opportunities, and assistance to women and children in need. As a leader and woman in philanthropy, Hope believes that meaningful change happens through connection, collaboration, and a commitment to serving others. She is passionate about bringing businesses, nonprofits, and community leaders together to create stronger communities and brighter opportunities for the next generation.

ADVISORY BOARD

Rose Harper

Rose is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, lecturer, adjunct professor, contributing writer to golf publications, passionate golfer, and a nationally recognized golf subject matter expert.  She is the recipient of countless awards for her lifetime achievements in business, community service, development, and in the field of sports, especially golf.  She has established herself as a golf advisor and trainer to U.S. presidents, royalty, celebrities, ambassadors, Fortune 500 CEOs, and for the underprivileged all over the US.  The key to her success is her sincere, yet savvy, networking ability and skills that she has embedded in her multilevel Art of the Deal: Golf business workshop/seminars.

Cheryl Ollila

An avid golfer and Philanthropist, early involvement and commitment to the mission of Swinging With Purpose™ led to a Board appointment in 2014.  Cheryl retired in 2009 from her career at General Motors as General Director-Labor Relations.  Cheryl’s formal education includes MBA and BBA degrees from the University of Detroit, Detroit, MI.  She successfully completed a Harvard University “Senior Executive Leadership Training Program” in Detroit, MI, Beijing and Shanghai, China and Tokyo, Japan. Cheryl continues to share her time, token and talents to the mission of SWP in an Advisory capacity.

Linda Hitt Thatcher, Esq.

Linda is the founding and managing partner of Thatcher Law Firm. She has always advocated for women’s equality—on and off the golf course.  Most notably, Linda successfully represented women golfers in their fight against golf and country clubs for the same rights and privileges as male club members.  Her efforts led to changes in clubs’ voting, membership, and golfing rules resulting in equal treatment for female and male golfers. Linda's accomplishments are documented in “The Unplayable Lie: The Untold Story of Women and Discrimination in American Golf.” An avid golfer, Linda is excited to continue to share her time, talents, and passion for the game to the Swinging With Purpose® mission.