The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America hosted 24 of its members from around the nation in the third annual Leadership Academy presented in partnership with The Toro Co. and Syngenta, Aug. 24-25, at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan.
Those who attended the two-day session were nominated by their GCSAA-affiliated chapters based on their potential to serve as volunteer leaders in the future. They heard speakers and shared best practices that helped them learn practical leadership skills. The program also addressed current issues and future trends impacting the golf course superintendent profession and association management, and helped the attendees begin building a professional network of peers with whom to share best practices and innovative ideas.
"The lifeblood of any organization is a membership that has vision and is engaged," GCSAA President James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, said. "To create that, we believe it is important to identify and cultivate leaders who can execute the association's mission and the vision. Our leaders are meant to serve fellow members, and the more engaged in service our members become, the better off we will all be."
The sessions included Steve Keating, selling skills manager for The Toro Co., who presented "The 360 Degree Leader." Mark Norman, president of Differentiate Group, spoke on "The Laws of Leadership." GCSAA Interim CEO Rhett Evans briefed attendees on the state of the association.
A leadership panel consisting of representatives of allied associations discussed trends affecting the golf industry and why it is critical for superintendents to take a leadership role at their facilities, in their chapters and in their communities. Panel participants were Brad Demo, PGA Midwest Section executive director; Jack Fry, Ph.D., Kansas State University; Kim Richey, Kansas Golf Association/Trans Miss Golf Association executive director; and Richard Stuntz, CGCS, National Golf Course Owners Association board member.
Participants included:
- Brian D. Anderson, CGCS – Nemacolin Woodlands Resort, Ohiopyle, Pa.; Greater Pittsburgh GCSA
- Troy Anderson – Edgewood Country Club, South Charleston, W.Va.; West Virginia GCSA
- Carlos Arraya – Hawks Nest Golf Club, Vero Beach, Fla.; Treasure Coast GCSA
- Daniel Baker – Rockport Country Club, Rockport, Texas; Central Texas GCSA
- Anthony J. Baur – Doral Golf Resort, Miami, Fla.; South Florida GCSA
- Jason Burnard, CGCS – High Lands Golf Club, Pataskala, Ohio; Central Ohio GCSA
- Brian E. Daum – Riverbend Golf Club, Madera, Calif.; GCSA of Central California
- Kelly J. Eilers – Hiawatha Golf Course, Canton, S.D.; GCSA of South Dakota
- Shawn M. Golz – Auglaize Country Club, Defiance, Ohio; Northwestern Ohio GCSA
- Timothy C. Haines, CGCS – Binks Forest Golf Club, Wellington, Fla.; Palm Beach GCSA
- Brett R. Hetland, CGCS – Brooks National Golf Club, Okoboji, Iowa; Iowa GCSA
- Timothy J. Heutzenroeder – Amarillo Country Club, Amarillo, Texas; West Texas GCSA
- Scott A. Kroll – Sunnybrook Golf Club, Plymouth Meeting, Pa.; Philadelphia Association of Golf Course Superintendents
- John W. Lanier Jr. – Desert Rose Golf Course, Las Vegas, Nev.; Southern Nevada GCSA
- Nate J. Lundberg – Talons Cove at Saratoga Springs, Lehi, Utah; Intermountain GCSA
- Troy D. Martin – WGC Golf Course, Xenia, Ohio; Miami Valley GCSA
- Adam E. Mis – Brookfield Country Club, Clarence, N.Y.; Western New York GCSA
- Stuart A. Rowland – Rancho La Quinta Country Club, La Quinta, Calif.; Hi-Lo Desert GCSA
- Brian Sandland – Bear Creek Golf and Country Club, Murrieta, Calif.; San Diego GCSA
- Colin G. Seaberg – Ozaukee Country Club, Thiensville, Wis.; Wisconsin GCSA
- Bradley A. Shaffer – Lakewood Golf Club, New Orleans, La.; Gulf States Superintendents Association
- Jeff W. Strother – The Gasparilla Inn and Club, Boca Grande, Fla.; Suncoast GCSA
- Mark Thomas – Kelly Greens Golf and Country Club, Fort Myers, Fla.; Calusa GCSA
- John B. Vice – Juniper Hills Golf Course, Frankfort, Ky.; Bluegrass GCSA