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Our People

Mike Compton
Interim Chief Executive Officer and President

Mike Compton has served as Drive Shack’s Interim Chief Executive Officer and President since April 28, 2023.

Prior to his appointment, Mr. Compton worked for the Chairman of Drive Shack’s Board of Directors for seven years.  His responsibilities included managing investments and operations for successful companies across hospitality, healthcare, sports, and entertainment industries.  Mr. Compton holds an MBA from the Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College and a BA from Rollins College.

Paul Ballam
Senior Vice President, Head of Real Estate & AGC Strategy

Paul has been a member of American Golf’s executive committee since 2014 and has led American Golf’s national business development efforts since 2007. In addition to his extensive involvement in numerous golf facility purchase and sale transactions, he has extensive experience negotiating and implementing golf facility leases and management agreements. Throughout his more than 20-year career with American Golf, Paul has held senior golf operations positions and has been integral to the Company’s efforts in partnering with golf course owners including numerous municipalities to provide capital improvements and professional golf management services to their constituents. Prior to joining American Golf, Paul held various management and operations positions at a wide variety of golf facilities including a municipally owned course, member-owned private clubs, and a major golf resort.

Paul earned his B.A. in History from Brandeis University where he was a co-captain of the school’s golf team

Michael DeJordy
Vice President Private Club Division

Michael joined American golf in 2014 as the General Manager of MountainGate Country Club located in Los Angeles.  Michael came from outside the company with an extensive background in private club operations including general management and Director of Golf positions.  In 2015 Michael was promoted to Regional Manager supporting the General Managers of four private clubs in addition to his role as GM at MountainGate.  In January 2020, Michael was promoted to Vice President Private Club Division with oversight for all of American Golf’s private clubs.

Michael is a Certified Club Manager through the CMAA, a Certified Golf Professional with credentials in Ownership and Leasing, Executive Management, Retail, Golf Operations, Instruction, and General Management.   He has also achieved the title of PGA Master professional in the area of General Management.  He graduated in 2003 from Saint Petersburg College with a degree in Technology Management.

Brian Bode
Vice President of Operations – West Coast Publics

Brian serves as Vice President of Operations supporting our Public golf courses. Brian has been with American Golf for over 30 years in various management and regional positions. Brian is on the Board of Directors of the American Golf Foundation for several years and currently serves as AGF CFO. Brian has been a Class A Member of the PGA of America for over 30 years.

Brian holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Azusa Pacific University where he played college basketball and tennis.

Joyce Shelton
Regional VP - Publics

Joyce Shelton is a highly experienced golf industry professional with over 20 years of experience in operational systems, revenue management, and leadership/change management. She has held leadership positions as a General Manager and Regional Manager at various clubs and is a member of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council for American Golf Corporation, promoting safe, fair, and inclusive work environments.

Joyce also served as Assistant Director for the County of Los Angeles Parks and Recreations Golf Division, overseeing one of the country's largest municipal golf systems, focusing on accessible golf.

She holds a Bachelor's degree from CSU Long Beach and an MBA from Pepperdine University, making her a valuable leader in the golf industry with a broad knowledge of operational systems and a passion for excellence.

Jorge Badel
Community Engagement Director

Jorge joined American Golf as Community Engagement Director (CED). As CED he will be responsible for managing community relations and contractual requirements associated with community initiatives between American Golf and its landlords. Jorge most recently served as Senior Golf Director for the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation. In that role, he and his team oversaw all aspects the County’s 20 golf course system including the complex lease agreements between the County and its various lessees, contract development, compliance, capital projects and community relations. Prior to his County service, he served on the ground level in the golf industry as a general manager and golf professional at public and municipal facilities.

He is a Class “A” Member of the PGA of America. In 2022 he was bestowed an Honorary Life Member by the association. He is a Board member for the Southern California Golf Association, Serves on the PGA of America’s A Place to Play committee, the USGA’s Advocacy workgroup and is an SCPGA Advisory Committee member. Jorge believes that we must nurture and continue to build relationships with our guests and non-golfer constituent neighbors as well. Collectively, they allow us to thrive in the industry and collectively we will work together to fend off future economic and political pressures to repurpose our golf courses.