Tell us a little bit about your background
 I was born in Haarlem, Holland. My parents wanted a better life for my two brothers and me, so they decided to immigrate to the United States. Luckily, we had relatives living here already, so we stayed with them until my father got a job in New Jersey. My parents’ wish was granted with a better life and more opportunities for their children.
I met my husband George, of 39 years, while in school. We have two wonderful sons, George and Rob, who are now married and have given me five beautiful grandchildren - four boys and one girl (Travis, Megan, Logan, Garrett and Ryan). My husband George is now retired, but he was a superintendent at Ardsley Country Club for many years. Both of my sons are golf course superintendents. George is at Harbor Pines Golf Club in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey, and Rob is superintendent at Ononadaqua Country Club in Syracuse, New York. I guess we are a golf course family! I have spent many of our family vacations at the GCSAA conferences with my family. We enjoyed them tremendously, never thinking that soon I would also be involved.
How did you get started with the GCSAA-affiliated chapters that you manage?
I was working in the insurance business when my husband showed me a job notice for a Client Administrator with the Metropolitan Golf Association. I knew I needed a change, so I applied and got the job. That was 12 years ago. My first association was the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MetGCSA). As time went on, I also managed the Metropolitan Club Managers and the Long Island Seniors. It was quite a challenge handling three different associations. A couple of years ago, I acquired the Hudson Valley Golf Course Superintendents Association (HVGCSA) and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of New Jersey (GCSANJ).
What has been your biggest challenge managing three different chapters?
My biggest challenge has been to create different databases for each association, so that I would be able to keep a better record of each person that joins each chapter. This allows me to send invoices out for dues, meetings, seminars and social events. And also to give the chapter board members an updated report of where they stand regarding their budgets.
What is the best part of working with the chapters?
I really enjoy working with all the members of my associations. They are a pleasure. I really like that you never know what you will be doing from day to day.
I am very proud to be involved with of all my associations. They are very generous in giving scholarships to their members and supporting research.
Share your stories by emailing them to Leann Cooper.
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