Courtesy of GCSAA
GCSAA senior director of member programs Shelia Finney announced her retirement, effective April 3, 2026.
Before joining the GCSAA staff in 2016, Finney, a 35-year GCSAA member, was superintendent at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville, Tennessee, for 25 years.
She also served as executive director of the Tennessee GCSA and the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. As a member, she participated in several GCSAA task groups and committees, was a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador, and served as a chapter delegate for 11 years.
“For nearly four decades, Shelia has been a driving force at GCSAA, first as a highly engaged member and then as a highly dedicated member of the staff,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Her experience as a superintendent and chapter executive elevated our member services. Her passion and diligence in serving GCSAA members has left an indelible mark on the association. We will all miss her, but we wish her the very best on her well-deserved retirement.”
As senior director of member programs, Finney oversaw four programmatic areas: membership, chapter services, learning and career development, and workforce development. She is also involved in the First Green program and has been crucial to growing GCSAA’s relationship with FFA.
“I’ve been fortunate to spend my career in an industry I love and with people I respect deeply,” Finney said. “While I’m ready to embrace new adventures, I’m not going far. GCSAA has been a big part of my life, and I plan to stay involved and connected to this incredible community wherever I can be helpful. It’s not goodbye, it’s just the start of a new chapter in my journey.”
Upon her retirement, Finney will return to her native Tennessee. She plans to stay connected to GCSAA and continue to assist where she can be useful.
Recruitment for her position will begin soon, and Finney will assist in onboarding her successor.
