While the GCSAA’s search for its next c.e.o. has been progressing, don’t necessarily expect to find out at the Golf Industry Show who will be chosen. This according to current c.e.o. Steve Mona.
“It’s hard to say whether there will be an announcement at the show,” Mona says. “We’re not letting the show create an artificial deadline to have someone hired.”
It was announced in September Mona will leave the GCSAA to move into the newly created position of c.e.o. of the World Golf Foundation. Mona offered to stay with the GCSAA for as many as six months while the association searches for a replacement. The search has been progressing, but the board needs to take the time to make sure it chooses the right candidate, Mona says.
Candidates for the job are being interviewed, but it’s too speculative to say whether a final decision will be made in time for the show, Mona says, adding the board is taking the time to make sure it makes the right decision. If the successor isn’t named by the show’s close, Mona imagines it wouldn’t happen too long after the show.
Mona hopes to attend the Golf Industry Show in the future, albeit in a different capacity. The World Golf Foundation currently has no built-in role at the GIS, and even if that continues, Mona finds it valuable to attend the show to interface with members of the industry in their various capacities. There also might be sentimental reasons for Mona to attend the show in his post-GCSAA days.
“If for no other reason, I’ve been here 14 years and have a tremendous affinity for the superintendent and the profession,” he says. “You don’t do this for 14 years and just walk away.”
On the other hand, Mona doesn’t want to be a “hanger-on” with the organization after he steps down. He intends to give the new c.e.o. the space to do the job. Right now, Mona is staying with the organization to help make sure the show runs smoothly.
“I was more than wiling to stay through the time of the show so that it comes off as successful as possible,” he says.
Mona expects to remain with the GCSAA at least three weeks after the conclusion of the GIS.
