Arredondo steps down as GCSAA chief operating officer

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America chief executive officer Steve Mona, CAE, announced that Julian Arredondo, CAE, is stepping down as the association’s chief operating officer effective March 31.

Julian Arredondo

Arredondo, who began at GCSAA as its chief financial officer in December 1993, moved to the chief operating officer position in March 2003. He replaced Chuck Borman, CAE, who became executive director of the Carolinas Golf Course Superintendents Association, one of GCSAA’s 104 affiliated chapters.

“It is a bittersweet day for me,” Mona said. “Julian and I came to GCSAA at the same time. He played an integral role in strengthening the association and positioning it as a leading golf organization. However, I also know this is also an opportunity for him to pursue his professional goals. His contributions are greatly appreciated and he will be missed.”

Mona indicated that as is the association’s practice prior to filling such a senior position, he would conduct an evaluation of the association’s current senior leadership structure. Mona did not set a timeline for such an evaluation and any corresponding decision(s), but said his desire is to act in a timely manner and would be based on what he considers best to continue the organization’s positive momentum.

During his 11-year tenure, Arredondo oversaw numerous GCSAA member program and service areas, the Environmental Institute for Golf, corporate marketing and sales, the annual conference and trade show, finance and technology, as well as organizational planning and various strategic initiatives.

“My time at GCSAA has been wonderful, challenging and rewarding,” Arredondo said. “I will miss this tremendously talented staff, our committed members and the many other associates and friends that I have come to know over the years. It has been my pleasure to serve them all. At the same time, this move is consistent with my previous career choices. I have served two, seven-year stints in two different industries preceding my 11 years at GCSAA, and look forward to exploring what might lie ahead.”

Arredondo, 47, began his career working in the Kansas City office of Touche Ross & Co., a leading international financial services firm. Before joining GCSAA, he was chief financial officer at Midwest Titan, a commercial general contractor. A Kansas City, Mo. native, Arredondo holds a bachelor's degree in business from Rockhurst (Mo.) University and became a certified public accountant that same year. In 2001, he attained the Certified Association Executive professional designation as granted by the American Society of Association Executives.