Audubon International announced that Ken Benoit has joined the leadership team as director of Signature Sanctuary Certification, effective Aug. 18.
A longtime member of the GCSAA, Benoit brings more than 25 years of environmental leadership and golf industry expertise to his role. A graduate of the University of Detroit and Michigan State University, he combines deep technical knowledge in turfgrass management with extensive experience in environmental program development and certification.
“Bringing Ken on to helm the Signature Sanctuary Certification program truly positions Audubon International for continued growth in a core area of our mission,” CEO Christine Kane said. “His appointment represents our commitment to environmental excellence, putting into action Ken’s unique combination of technical expertise, program development experience, industry relationships, and passion for advancing sustainable practices in golf course development and management.”
The Signature Sanctuary Program certifies new or renovating golf courses, resorts and communities in environmental best practices and involves comprehensive environmental planning with architects, owners, managers and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable design, construction and long-term management of each property. Its Bronze, Silver and Gold levels include golf courses and maintenance facilities; Platinum level certification also includes all open space and landscaped areas as well as clubhouses, restaurants and lodging.
Benoit will work with each Signature Sanctuary member’s development team prior to, during and after construction to ensure the property meets and maintains all sustainability requirements. He will also serve as primary point of contact for any inquiries from current, former and prospective members of the Signature Sanctuary Certification, and coordinate with appropriate staff members on the development of program materials as well as marketing, growth, recruitment, and communications strategies.
“I’m truly excited about starting with Audubon International,” Benoit said. “I look forward to being a part of their team and helping to grow their brand, working with superintendents to help them manage their properties in a way that aligns with sustainable practices, and helping developers build their properties with those goals in mind, on a truly global scale. There’s never been a better time to tell the world our story — that golf is actually good for the environment.”
As founder and president of Eco Turf Consulting since 2019, Benoit has specialized in sustainable golf course management practices, providing expert guidance to facilities on environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance. He facilitated the creation of 13 statewide BMP document templates and assisted numerous golf facilities in formally adopting comprehensive environmental management protocols. His executive leadership experience includes serving as President of both the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association and the New York Golf Course Foundation, where he later became the organization's first executive director (2020-2024). He has also been a featured guest lecturer at The Pennsylvania State University Turfgrass Management Program and a featured speaker at industry conferences including the New York State Turfgrass Association's “Turfgrass Advocacy Day” and GCSAA national conferences.
Benoit’s hands-on golf course experience includes 18 years as CGCS at GlenArbor Golf Club in Bedford Hills, New York, where he managed operations, oversaw significant renovation projects and served as the club's primary liaison with municipal authorities. His prior golf course construction expertise provides him with unique insight into the development process from environmental planning through project completion.
