In the Spotlight...

Kristen Liebsch, Philadelphia AGCS executive secretary

Tell us a little bit about your background.  Where were you born, raised, etc?

I was born in Philadelphia in 1969 and raised in the suburbs, and now still living in the region, I might be a Philadelphia-Pennsylvania girl through and through. My nasal accent sure serves as evidence!

My sister, brother, and I all agree that we had a relatively charmed upbringing — fun and enriched by parents who took advantage of everything this “neck of the woods” offers: trips to the Jersey shore, visits to the city and weekends near the Chesapeake Bay.

After graduating from the University of Delaware in 1991 with a degree in English/business and technical writing, I worked as an editor. I had a stint as a retail store manager before marrying Joe Liebsch, who has been married to the golf industry from the age of eight. So, by default, I married the industry, too!

In fact, my mother-in-law, and her mother before her, worked for decades at Ashbourne Country Club – the same course Joe caddied on as a young boy and now oversees!

We have three children, MegAnne, Alec and Ragan, and we live on a golf course.

How did you get started with the PAGCS?

I started with the PAGCS after the 2000 GCSAA conference and show in New Orleans. While there, Joe introduced me to some of the chapter members, and we talked about the association. I had long ago decided to stay at home with my children, and was working as the newsletter editor for my husband’s golf course. Helping out with the PAGCS newsletter, The Bonnie Greensward, was a natural fit.

After a year as newsletter editor, I filled in for the retiring executive secretary. My first year was certainly trying! My son was beginning treatment for a form of autism, and my brother-in-law died on September 11th. But, as it turns out, that’s life, and other years have proven equally as challenging. Two golf courses and two residences later, I am so very grateful for this career path and everyone involved with the PAGCS. They enable me to be available to my children, my husband, my family—all while doing many things I enjoy: editing, writing, event planning, public relations, and so much more. I am proud to do these things for people who I admire and respect to the utmost.

What is the PAGCS proud of? What does it do well?

The Philly chapter is proud of its great heritage as one of the oldest associations of its kind in the country. The chapter works hard at all facets that comprise a professional association serving the golf turf industry, primarily through networking and supporting its members. Whenever a member is in need, the call goes out and the members respond. Recently, on the fly, we raised $5,000 at one meeting to benefit a member who is ailing from diabetes. No industry professional is ever alone here!

The PAGCS takes great pride in its awards programs. The chapter awards an average of four scholarships each year to turf students employed by superintendents, and members always look forward to the annual presentation of The Eb Steiniger Award for distinguished service —Eb, a past president of GCSAA, was one of the most influential PAGCS members ever in the industry.

Finally, the PAGCS is proud of its ability to explore new avenues that advance the profession. In fact, we just started a venture with a local radio show that will feature “Superintendents’ Corner” once a month. Link to related article.

In order to encourage networking amongst chapter staff, tell us what you consider to be a strength of yours? What comes to mind?

Designing, editing, writing, publishing and events planning are a few of my strengths, and I am lucky to have acquired many projects alongside the PAGCS that also make use of these talents. But my association management position is as much about multi-tasking and time management, people skills and organization. The job description is forever changing – and learning to love every new facet and being open to the challenges each presents – are the strengths that will keep me doing this job as long as they will have me!

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.