The Sports Turf Managers Association appointed Kim Heck its new executive director, effective Sept. 1. Heck will manage the association from a new office to be established in Lawrence, Kan. where she resides.
"It's a fascinating profession, and part of the Green Industry, which I love," Heck said. "Since it's a new position, the challenge will be to help the STMA board lead the organization to the next level."
Heck's goals will be to strengthen membership by providing highly valued services and to continue to advance recognition for the profession.
"STMA’s long standing vision has always been to have its own Executive Director and staff," said Bob Campbell, president. "That time is now, and our board feels that Kim can help lead us to the next level of growth for our membership and visibility for our profession."
A background in service Since 1994, Heck has held membership services positions of increasing responsibility on the staff of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America. Most recently Heck was GCSAA's director of brand strategy and market research.
"When I first came here in 1994, I was part of GCSAA's new career development initiative," Heck says. "As part of that new functional area, I created a kind of 'HR Department in a Box.' It was a collection of resources about employment contracts, performance evaluations, resume writing and critiquing, writing job descriptions and many other things."
As GCSAA's director of career development, Heck helped develop resources that assist golf course superintendents with their personal career development, including interviewing techniques and negotiating skills. She also helped create resources superintendents can use to educate their employers about the value of their skills. In addition to these projects, Heck has also contributed to the development of student programs, scholarships and GCSAA's diversity efforts.
Heck sees certain similarities between the professional needs of golf course superintendents and athletic field managers. But she acknowledges there are differences that will present new challenges for her.
"Both professions have to deal with a variety of constituents," Heck observes. "Besides being well-qualified as turf managers, both need management skills to deal with boards, management and staff. The difference between the two professions might be that athletic field managers seem to have a very broad field of operations. For example there are different needs for athletic field managers in different types of facilities: national sports, collegiate sports, K-12, municipal and regional recreational facilities. The sheer scope of it is just huge."
Heck's former colleagues at GCSAA believe she can handle the challenge.
"The STMA is fortunate to have an individual of Kim's caliber as its executive director," says Steve Mona, c.e.o. of the GCSAA. "She is an energetic and creative person and those talents will serve the association well. She was a key contributor to GCSAA's success and we wish her the best in her newendeavor."
"I am excited to be given the opportunity to work with STMA’s strong, visionary board and committed volunteers," Heck says. "STMA is poised for greater growth and influence in the sports and turf industries."
