After more than 30 years with the Golf Course Builders Association of America, Ellen Davis is the recipient of its 2025 Perry O. Dye Service Award, honoring her service, leadership, and commitment to the association, its foundation and the golf industry.
The Perry O. Dye Service Award is presented periodically to individuals who contribute “above and beyond the call of duty” to strengthen the GCBAA and its mission. The award is named in honor of the late Perry O. Dye, whose leadership and financial stewardship helped guide the Association through its formative years.
Davis joined the GCBAA in 1994 and has been a vital force within the organization ever since. Her dedication spans across both the association and its foundation. She served on the GCBAA board of directors from 2006 to 2018, holding executive board roles including secretary (2008–2018) and vice president (2018). In 2018, she transitioned to the GCBAA Foundation board and in 2021 took the reins as president.
Davis’ passion for charity is evident in her work for the association and the foundation’s Sticks For Kids program. Whether volunteering behind the scenes or emceeing the Sticks For Kids Auction, Davis has made a lasting impact.
In her professional life, Davis serves as the manager of SportZmix Solutions, a division of Faulks Brothers Construction Inc. In 2023, she played a key leadership role in the acquisition of Kempker Greens Mix Blending, a move that strengthened the company’s position as a leader in custom soil blending for golf courses and sports fields.
Davis described the acquisition as a chance to “build upon both of our strong businesses, recognized brands, quality services and continue to be the leading custom soil blending company.”
Under her guidance, SportZmix Solutions and Waupaca Sand & Solutions — both divisions of the Faulks family of companies — have upheld their mission to deliver the highest-quality materials while helping clients exceed their project goals. Her strategic leadership and commitment to customer relationships reflects the principles the Perry O. Dye Service Award seeks to honor.
Davis’ legacy is also marked by her advocacy for inclusion in the industry. In 2020, she was a featured panelist in the Ladies Leading Turf discussion at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, earning her the role as a trailblazer for women in the golf construction and maintenance industries.
Additionally, Golf Inc. recognized her as one of the “10 Gurus of Golf Construction” in 2021, acknowledging those who influence golf construction through their expertise and innovations on both the design side and the shovel side of the business.
“Ellen Davis exemplifies the values that Perry O. Dye held dear — selflessness, integrity and an unwavering commitment to service,” GCBAA executive director Justin Apel said. “Her decades of leadership and her passion for growing the game through the foundation have helped shape the direction and culture of our organization. Under her guidance, SportZmix Solutions/Waupaca Sand & Solutions became a GCBAA Charter Member in 2015 — further reflecting her belief in supporting the association at every level. This award is a small token of our deep appreciation for all she has given.
“On a personal note, Ellen has been one of my mentors and friends throughout my time with the association and has been a true leader and role model for me and for our staff. We are better because of her.”
GCBAA president Jon O’Donnell added, “Ellen has always led with humility, purpose and a genuine care for everyone in this industry. Her influence stretches well beyond boardrooms and business — she’s been a steady hand, a mentor and a true champion of the GCBAA mission. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.”
This is the eighth time the Perry O. Dye Service Award has been granted. Previous recipients include: Perry Dye in 2005, Jim Kirchdorfer, Sr. (2006), Rick Elyea (2010), Steve Christman (2013), Tommy Sasser (2015), Dennis Wagner (2018) and O’Brien McGarey (2021).
Davis will be formally honored on August 13 at the 2025 GCBAA Summer Meeting in Boston.
