STAFF DIRECTORY

Heidi Njoes (knee-us) is the Director of Golf at Babe Zaharias Golf Course. Heidi comes to us from Bishops Bay CC in Madison Wisconsin, where she served as the Assistant Golf Professional for the past seven (7) years. Heidi is a member of the PGA of America with 25 years experience in the golf industry. In addition, Heidi is a certified First Tee Coach. Heidi was a standout on the University of Wisconsin-Madison Golf Team and has won numerous golf tournaments throughout her career. Heidi enjoys spending time with her dog, hiking and the beach.

Trent Smith is the Golf Operations Manager at Babe Zaharias Golf Course. Trent grew up working at Rocky Point as a teenager. Trent earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from the University of Tampa. While attending college, Trent completed two internships with the Tampa Sports Authority as a marketing intern and golf intern. Upon graduation, Trent became a Golf Course Management Apprentice at Waynesborough Country Club. Trent enjoys salt water fishing and aspires to become a PGA Golf Professional.

Jim Garrison was promoted to Vice President of Golf Operations for the Tampa Sports Authority in May, 2022. He is responsible for the general administration, management, coordination and supervision of the three City of Tampa owned golf courses- Rocky Point, Babe Zaharias and Rogers Park. Previously, he was the Director of Golf for Rocky Point Golf Course since March, 2014. 

Jim previously served as the Head Golf Professional at Temple Terrace Country Club from 1999 to 2014, where he was responsible for all aspects of the golf operation, including organizing and running over 30 member and charity tournaments annually.

In 1999, Jim was elected into the Professional Golfers Association, where he served as the West Central Chapter President (2008-2009) and North Florida Section PGA Board of Directors. Jim earned the coveted North Florida Player of the Year honors in 2005 which gained him an exemption into the 2005 PGA Tour Chrysler Championship and the 2005 PGA Tour Funai Classic.

Jim is a graduate of Brevard Community College and studied Engineering at the University of South Florida. Jim resides in Riverview with his wife Melinda, and has three wonderful children. His hobbies are fishing, playing golf and the entire Garrison family loves to travel.

ERIC D. HART, CVE

Eric is the President/CEO of the Tampa Sports Authority (TSA). He is a member of the Westshore Alliance, the Visit Tampa Bay Advisory Board and the Tampa Bay Sports Commission board.

The TSA manages Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the University of South Florida Bulls, the Hillsborough County Tournament Sportsplex and three City of Tampa municipal golf courses- Rocky Point, Babe Zaharias and Rogers Park. The TSA also serves as the landlord for Amalie Arena, home of the Tampa Bay Lightning and Steinbrenner Field, spring home for the New York Yankees.

Eric previously served as the President and CEO of the Lansing Entertainment and Public Facilities Authority. Prior to Lansing, Eric served as the Director of Event Services for the Minneapolis Convention Center and as Associate Director for the UIC Pavilion in Chicago. He began his career at the Iowa State Center in Ames, Iowa where he served as the Guest Services Manager and was later promoted to Event Coordinator.

Eric is actively involved in IAVM (International Association of Venue Managers), having served as Chair of the Venue Management School (VMS) and Dean of the VMS Graduate Institute, held annually at Saddlebrook Resort in Tampa. Eric earned the prestigious Certified Venue Executive (CVE) designation from IAVM in 2013. He was elected as the Second (2nd) Vice Chair of IAVM’s Board of Directors in 2019, the First (1st) Vice Chair in 2020 and served as the IAVM Board Chair in 2022 and currently finishing his term on the Board as past Chair.

Eric received a Bachelor’s of Science in Finance and a Master of Science in Business Education and Administration from Illinois State University.

He is happily married and the proud parent of two daughters. Eric loves to hunt, golf, fish, wood work in his shop and spend time with his family.