“There are 3Cs in life; Choice, Chance, and Change. One must make the choice, to take the chance, if you want anything in life to change. Choice is my superpower.”

Deborah Bennett was born leading the way.

Throughout her 37+ year career in technology leadership where she directed and mentored a global workforce of hundreds, Deb has always put people first, led with conviction, and built lasting relationships. While her industry of choice has changed, her methodology has not: Deb is here to build something from the ground up, and use her keen entrepreneurial abilities to revolutionize an industry in need of change for future generations.

As a co-founder and CEO of ORCA Golf and its parent organization,17yards Golf, Deb believes it’s time for the golf industry to realize that women play a much greater role in the future of golf than before.

She wants to encourage women to stay and evolve the game as a tool for learning, growing, and community building.

“It begins with a dream… it ends with a story. The chapters are about listening, learning, and growing.”

Erica Bennett is always breaking new ground.

In her 30 years working in the fields of public relations, marketing, television, and education (all while writing and publishing her book and telling her story to numerous audiences around the globe), Erica knows that learning new things and forming solid relationships are key to creating the future. Whether she’s teaching herself design or building unprecedented partnerships with organizations such as the PGA of America, LPGA, and numerous groups and corporate entities, she is paving the way with her commitment to empowerment, purpose, and inclusivity.

The principles that guide her life are central to her leadership as a co-founder of ORCA Golf and its parent company,17yards Golf. Erica is strong and audacious and she fuels the success of others by leading by example.

Her energy is described as contagious, and inspirational which has fueled the growth of ORCA Golf to not only feature quality products but to take a revolutionary stance and grow the golf industry as a whole.

“Women playing golf is the future of golf. Successful women break barriers and help each other grow.” 

To know Babs is to know a creative visionary who turns the status quo upside down while making people smile every day.

A connector at her core, Babs has spent her career (with places like Sprint and Web.com) nurturing relationships with PGA of America, PGA Tour Players, Korn Ferry Tour Players, and numerous golf foundations to help them drive performance and have a little fun along the way.

Her commitment to helping others rise is evident in all of her activities. Babs is the market leader for Women On Course in Jacksonville, Houston, and Charlotte, and is dedicated to fostering dynamic connectionsto help women golfers feel comfortable and confident both on and off the course. She also volunteers and coaches for Moore-Myers Children’s Fund, and is very active in the NE Florida golf leagues, tournaments, and LPGA Amateur society.

Babs believes that her successes in life aren’t because of what she’s accomplished, but because of what she dared to dream. And she says that working with ORCA Golf has been a dream come true...not because she knows ORCA Golf will become a household name (it will), but because she knows that she is contributing to a team that is here to make a difference in the world.

Babs is married to her best friend Bill, a golf industry native who also loves the game (though he often feels like a golf widower given Babs’ commitment to the sport). She has two beautiful daughters, Kelsey and Ryan, and 4 wonderful grandsons. She resides in Atlantic Beach, Florida now, but ask her about her travel adventures and the time she helped crew a sailboat from Rhode Island to Bermuda.  Her stories are guaranteed to make you smile.

"Dedicated his executive career to improving our world through not-for-profit causes."

Brian brings his achievements in fundraising, public speaking, team development and organizational management to the ORCA Pod™ as our Director of Partnerships.

Brian’s deep community roots were planted in his senior professional roles with Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Nova Southeastern University, the American Heart Association, and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Helping others is a core value at Orca. Brian personifies that principle.

"Brian M. Jones is a high-energy leader who has dedicated his executive career to improving our world through not-for-profit causes. "He brings his achievements in fundraising, public speaking, team development and organizational management to the ORCA Pod™ as our Director of Partnerships.

Brian’s deep community roots were planted in his senior professional roles with Habitat for Humanity of Broward, Nova Southeastern University, the American Heart Association and Paralyzed Veterans of America. Helping others is a core value at ORCA Golf. Brian personifies that principle.

Hailing from West Virginia, he also called Washington, DC home for fifteen years prior to moving to Fort Lauderdale in 2015. Brian holds dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from West Virginia University in Spanish and International Studies. He earned a Master’s in Public Administration from Marist College in New York. He is a Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) - the second-highest designation in the fundraising field.

Brian is a lifelong golfer who is thrilled at the chance to improve his game since he moved to South Florida. He also pursues wilderness experiences on a kayak, paddle board or with a snorkel. His loyalty is demonstrated by his commitment to his beloved alma mater as the president of the South Florida Mountaineers, the official alumni chapter of West Virginia University.