Caroline Basarab-Dennison, the first female ever to win the PGA National Resort Merchandiser of the Year award, has been named by Reynolds Lake Oconee as its new director of retail. She replaces Jean Silbereisen, who retired after a 13-year career with Reynolds Lake Oconee.
In her new role, Basarab-Dennison will oversee the retail operation and displays in all of Reynolds Lake Oconee’s golf shops and its golf distribution center, as well as assist with the professional development of all of its retail staff members.
“I am extremely excited to have Caroline join our team,” said Mark A. Lammi, vice president of golf operations for Reynolds Lake Oconee. “I have witnessed her passion for golf and retailing at a number of industry events. She will bring a tremendous energy to our operations and her diverse background, as not only a retailer but also a PGA Professional, will give her insights into the needs of our members and guests that only a PGA Professional would understand.”
For the past 17 years, Basarab-Dennison has led the retail operations at Sea Pines Resort on Hilton Head Island, S.C. While at Sea Pines in 2009, she earned the Merchandiser of the Year honor for resort facilities.
She has extensive merchandising experience related to PGA Tour events, including the RBC Heritage, Shell Houston Open and Byron Nelson Open. She also served as retail manager at The Woodlands (Texas) Resort, and was an assistant golf professional at Kingwood Country Club, Texas; Pine Needles Lodge and Golf Club in Southern Pines, N.C.; and Pinehurst (N.C.) Resort.
A native of Texas, Basarab-Dennison played golf competitively for four years on the women’s team for Texas A&M University, where she was a two-time MVP.
Basarab-Dennison will be joined at Reynolds Lake Oconee by her husband, Danny, who has been hired in its accounting and finance department.
