RICHMOND, Va. (April 27, 2022) – First Tee – Greater Richmond has announced that Mike Nowicki has joined the organization as its Senior Director of Agronomy, while Ennis Warlick has been hired as Social Media and Marketing Coordinator. Additionally, Keith Middleton is joining the organization as its fractional Chief Financial Officer.
In his role, Nowicki will oversee and lead all operations of golf course maintenance at all three First Tee – Greater Richmond facilities – Belmont, The Elson Redmond Memorial Driving Range, and The Tattersall Youth Development Center. Nowicki arrives at First Tee – Greater Richmond after two years as the Golf Course Superintendent at Lakeside Park Club across the street from Belmont.
Across his 12 years in golf agronomy, Nowicki has worked at some of the finest golf facilities in the Midwest and Mid-Atlantic, including a 2.5-year stint as the Senior Assistant Superintendent at Kinloch Golf Club, providing world-class course conditioning for the top-100 rated course, before moving to Lakeside Park Club.
At Lakeside Park Club, Nowicki drastically improved course conditions, restoring tee boxes, removing trees, and helping maintain Donald Ross’ original vision of the property. Prior to moving east, Nowicki entered the profession as an intern at The Warren Course at Notre Dame before moving on to Victoria National Golf Club in Newburgh, Ind.
Across his career, Nowicki has overseen and assisted with agronomic operations at tournaments for the USGA, PGA TOUR, PGA of America, Korn Ferry Tour, NCAA, and Big Ten.
“Mike brings a wealth of experience from his tournament work and proven standards at high-end clubs,” First Tee – Greater Richmond Vice President of Operations Mark Lynch said. “Moreover, he believes in our mission and will make our facilities comparable to the best clubs in Virginia in order to provide the community and our participants an incredible experience each time they come to one of our properties.”
A 2021 graduate of Elon University, Warlick brings videography, storytelling, and social media management skills to First Tee – Greater Richmond. With First Tee, Warlick will help generate editorial content across multiple social media platforms and channels, helping to demonstrate and further the organization’s mission.
Warlick has produced films for NFL Draft prospects and was the Social Media Manager for UBALL, based out of Los Angeles, through December 2021. While at Elon, Warlick worked both behind and in front of the camera for Elon One on One Sports, while also working live sporting events with Phoenix All-Access. Additionally, Warlick produced documentaries as a member of student media.
“We are thrilled to add Ennis to our team,” Vice President of Communications and Engagement Bill Potter said. “Over the last five years, both at Elon and professionally, he has demonstrated his considerable talents, and his capabilities will allow us to further tell our organization’s stories across wide-ranging and dynamic mediums.”
Middleton is a co-managing partner and co-founder of Fahrenheit Advisors and will be assisting First Tee – Greater Richmond in its financial and strategic operations to further optimize the organization.
A member of Fahrenheit’s Leadership Team, Middleton also oversees the firm’s consulting and fractional services, as well as risk management and operations. A seasoned corporate finance executive, Middleton’s expertise has helped Fahrenheit expand across multiple service lines and geographies.
Prior to launching Fahrenheit, Middleton held various executive positions including CFO of a $6 billion foodservice distributor focused on acquisition integration and growth, and senior vice president-corporate controller for a Fortune 500 company where he built out finance teams, processes, and systems to support the company’s growth.
Middleton, Nowicki and Warlick all began their tenures with First Tee – Greater Richmond earlier in April.