Restauratuer & Former NBA Player "Junior" Bridgeman

Named to PGA Board of Directors

On January 16th, restaurateur and former nba player Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman will be sworn in as an independent director on the PGA of America’s Board of Directors. Bridgeman, 54, is best known as a guard/forward for the Milwaukee Bucks during 9 seasons, beginning in 1975. He was the league’s top-scoring sixth man in 1978-79. He also spent two seasons playing for the Los Angeles Clippers.

After a stellar basketball career, bridgeman went on to found Bridgeman Foods Inc., of which he remains the chief executive officer. He is also the owner and president of Manna Inc., and oversees the administration and operation of 160 Wendy’s restaurants in five states and 103 Chili’s restaurants in seven states.

“The PGA of America proudly welcomes Junior Bridgeman to the PGA Board of Directors,” said PGA of America President Brian Whitcomb. “Junior’s impressive business acumen which followed an outstanding career in professional sports has enabled him to be a respected leader and someone whom our Association may call upon to support and to assist in building participation in the game and the business of golf.” Bridgeman is the third African American to serve on the Board in its 92 year history.

During his professional basketball career, Bridgeman was employed as a sales and public relations representative for Howard Johnson in Milwaukee. He also is a former analyst with Towers, Perrin, Foster & Crosby Insurance Consultants in Milwaukee. He polished his leadership skills through 11 years with the NBA Players Association, acting as a liaison between players and management and later serving four years as association president. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Fifth Third Bank; The Library Board. He is Capital Campaign Co-Chair for the African American Heritage Foundation and serves as Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees University of Louisville and current Co-Chair of the Grand Gala Derby Event.

The PGA’s Board of Directors consists of the Association’s president, vice president, secretary, honorary president and 15 directors, in addition to two Independent Directors who are chosen from the business, academic or military sector to provide an outside perspective to fellow board members, who are PGA Professionals representing their respective geographic districts.

Bridgeman is a member of Valhalla Golf Club in Louisville, Kentucky.