Nufarm
The EXCEL Leadership Program, presented by Nufarm and the GCSAA, held its spring session in Raleigh and Pinehurst, North Carolina, as 19 rising industry leaders convened for management and leadership training.
During the spring session, the EXCEL Leadership Program recognized six new graduates for completing the three-year mentorship and networking opportunity.
The 2024 EXCEL Leadership Program Graduating Class included:
- Aaron Cabanaw, Inver Wood Golf Course in Inver Grove Heights, Minnesota
- Charles Cecil, Augusta National Golf Club in Augusta, Georgia
- Ethan Howard, Pole Creek Golf Club in Winter Park, Colorado
- Miranda Robinson, Victoria Golf Club in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Madison Rudsinski, Paradise Valley Country Club in Paradise Valley, Arizona
- Kal Zaranec, Circling Raven Golf Club in Worley, Idaho
“We are all very proud of Ethan, Miranda, Aaron, Madison, Kal and Charles for graduating from the EXCEL Program, contributing to this three-year program through their active involvement and we look forward to their continued commitment to the industry by leading at their clubs, communities, the GCSAA and other allied associations,” Nufarm golf segment lead Jeff Eldridge said.
During their visit to Pinehurst Resort, which hosts more than 400,000 annual rounds, participants observed preparations for hosting the 2024 U.S. Open. The group also visited Nufarm’s new formulation development lab in Morrisville, North Carolina, where they learned about the process required to innovate new golf course solutions.
Speakers included GCSAA Southeast Regional Representative David Dettmer, Country Club at Wakefield Plantation director of golf course maintenance Todd Lawrence, Pinehurst Resort director of golf course maintenance Bob Farren and Denehy Club Thinking Partners executive vice president Pat Finlen. EXCEL Program graduate and recently promoted UNC Finley Golf Club director of agronomy Kyle Gentry returned to the program as a speaker to share what he has learned in his new management role and how the EXCEL Program helped him become a successful leader.
Applications for the next EXCEL Leadership Program class open on Wednesday, May 1, and will run through Friday, May 31. CLICK HERE for details. The fall 2024 session will welcome the class of 2027 participants.
