Alumni Profile - Carol Corcoran, AS’73

The game of golf has been entwined in the Corcoran family for generations. Fred Corcoran was one of the sport’s pioneers, instrumental in founding the Ladies Professional Golf Association as well as the Golf Writers Association of America – even though he wasn’t a professional writer. In 1975, he was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

Bill Corcoran, Fred’s brother, was a longtime executive director of the Massachusetts Golf Association, as were Fred and another brother, John.

So it was only natural that Bill’s daughter, Carol, would follow in their footsteps.

But Carol Corcoran’s influence will primarily be felt behind the scenes. Corcoran, AS’73, was recently named Chief Administrative Officer for the LPGA, a position she will begin on August 4.

Corcoran, who graduated cum laude with a degree in political science, has followed a meandering path toward her new position. After serving as a senior-level administrator for Tufts Health Plan, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Canyon Ranch, Inc., and Weber Shandwick Worldwide, Corcoran decided the time was right for a change of venue.

“This was as serendipitous as life can be,” Corcoran said. “I knew someone who used to be on the LPGA Board (of Directors) and she mentioned that the LPGA was creating a new position as chief administrative officer. They were looking to bring in someone with a strong background in human resources and organizational development planning. It seemed like something that might fit my background. And one thing led to another.

“It’s an exciting opportunity for me to keep the Corcoran name involved in golf.”

An avid fan of the game, Corcoran freely admits her skills might not be on par with many of the others involved with the LPGA.

“People ask me what my handicap is,” Corcoran said, “and my reply is: golf. I play, but not very well. If only my skill level were equal to my passion for the game . . .”

Corcoran will be responsible for the management and development of human resources, and oversight of information technology, as well as the administrative activities of the LPGA.

“I am pleased to welcome Carol to the LPGA,” Commissioner Carolyn F. Bivens said in a press release. “Our business has grown exponentially in recent years and we look forward to Carol’s leadership in the areas of employee professional development, benefits management, and ensuring HR goals align with the LPGA’s business strategy.”

Corcoran arrived on Huntington Avenue after spending three semesters at the University of Oklahoma. She was immediately impressed with the hard work and determination of her fellow students.

“It was a diverse group of students and it got my attention very quickly how they took their studies very seriously,” Corcoran. “I got on that bandwagon quickly. I’m not sure I would have taken academics as seriously if I hadn’t come to Northeastern.”

Upon graduating, Corcoran planned to work for a year before returning to Northeastern to attend law school, with her sights set on becoming a United States Senator. But the day after commencement, Corcoran began working in the administration of then Boston Mayor Kevin White and became immersed in the human resource functions of city government. They were skills that helped her move swiftly up the administrative ladder in the private sector.

Though she didn’t partake in the co-op program while a student at Northeastern, she was impressed with the organization and preparation of the Northeastern students she later hired as an employer.

“They were prepared and had that much more to offer than the average college student,” Corcoran said. “They come for their coop experience, and if you’re lucky, you get to hire them. I found them to be some of the most inspiring young kids. It gives you hope for the future.”

So when she begins the latest phase of her career next month in Daytona Beach, Fla., she shouldn’t be surprised to receive a flood of resumes from Northeastern co-op students. After all, there’s not much that can top spending the winter in Florida, especially when golf is involved.