In the Spotlight...

Tricia Roberts, executive director Gulf Coast GCSA

Tell us a little bit about your background

I was born and raised in Montgomery, Alabama where I attended Auburn University in Montgomery and received my bachelor’s degree in Marketing. Immediately after college, I worked for the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society as their Federation Director. After five years of traveling the country planning and hosting bass fishing tournaments, I went to work for an association management company, Group Management Services. I felt like I had found my calling working with eight different associations. Each had their own personality and I truly enjoyed working in the association world.

My husband John and I were high school sweethearts and have been married now for 13 years. We have two children, Sara (six) and John Michael (two). Other members of our family include Co-Co, our one-eyed Chow; Phoebe, our overweight cat; and Crush the turtle. We moved to Auburn, where we currently live, about five years ago for my husband’s job. It’s home to Auburn University, has a great community spirit, a fabulous school system and is a great place to raise a family.

When did you start with the Gulf Coast GCSA?

When my husband’s job sent us to Auburn, I was fortunate to get a job as the Executive Secretary for the Alabama Turfgrass Association (ATA). This association has members in all segments of the turfgrass industry including golf course superintendents. When the Gulf Coast GCSA needed someone to replace their part-time staff, they approached me about the position. It was a natural fit since many of the Gulf Coast GCSA members were ATA members. I have truly enjoyed working with the Gulf Coast chapter. They are so appreciative and supportive of me. The four years that I have worked with them has flown by and I look forward to many years with them.

What's the Gulf Coast GCSA proud of? What has been a success for them/you?

Our chapter’s geographical location is on the Gulf Coast, including all of south Alabama and the panhandle of Florida. The best turfgrass research for this area comes from the University of Florida – Jay Research Center, located a few miles out of Pensacola, FL. In an effort to raise funds for the research center, each year the Gulf Coast Chapter co-sponsors a Turfgrass Field Day at the research farm. This event brings turfgrass managers from all over the Southeast to hear the latest research and raises $7,500 for turfgrass research.

The Gulf Coast GCSA also hosts a SuperPro Tournament to raise additional funds for turfgrass research. This is our most popular event which pairs a superintendent, pro and general manager from a club with a vendor member. This tournament raises another $2,000 for turfgrass research each year. We added a silent auction last year and plan to continue with this new portion of the fundraiser.

Another accomplishment of our chapter is the formation of the Gulf Coast Turf Equipment Technicians Association. Our Board saw a need to provide an educational-based outlet for the technicians and mechanics. We arranged for the first educational meeting to be held in conjunction with our 2006 Annual Meeting in January. We were surprised at the turnout and soon planned another meeting to get them started as an association. They have successfully organized, written bylaws, collected dues and held meetings. The goal of the superintendents for their technicians was education and working with peers, which we feel is happening within their own organization.

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

When asked what my strengths are as a chapter manager, being able to multi-task and manage my time comes to mind. There are many components to my job (database management, planning and marketing events, accounting, etc.) but being able to do them all at the same time is a learned trait – especially when I do it for two associations.

I have also tried to make sure every member knows how important they are to our association. Our association exists because of our members - and they are all a special part of the organization. I think this attitude makes the members feel appreciated and encourages participation, especially with new members.

Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.