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For Secretary/Treasurer
James R. Fitzroy, CGCS

James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, is the director at the Wollaston Recreational Facility/Presidents Golf Course in North Quincy, Mass., and has been at that facility since 1975. Previously, he was superintendent at Pleasant Valley Country Club in Sutton, Mass., and Cazenovia (N.Y.) Country Club. He has an associate’s degree in turf management from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst, and a bachelor’s degree in park administration from UMass. A 40-year member of GCSAA, Fitzroy has served on the board of directors since 2005. He is currently chairman of the Strategic Communications Committee and the Government Advocacy and Compliance Task Group, and is vice chairman of the Tournament Committee. Fitzroy is a member and past president of the GCSA of New England and also holds membership in the Golf Course Managers Association of Cape Cod. He is a former member of the executive committee of the Massachusetts Golf Association and currently serves on that organization’s course rating team. He also serves on the plant science advisory committee for the Norfolk County Agricultural High School and UMass’s turf research building committee.

Statement
It is indeed an honor to be nominated for the position of secretary/treasurer of GCSAA by my peers within the GCSA of New England and the Golf Course Managers Association of Cape Cod. I certainly appreciate their support and confidence. GCSAA has been a vital part of my career, providing identity as a golf course superintendent, the vehicle of certification and a source of continuing education. I have been privileged to serve GCSAA on the committee level and as a chapter delegate from the GCSA of New England.

The last two years serving as a director of GCSAA have been a high point in my career and service experience.

As a certified member of the association for over 25 years, I have observed the growth in respect and remuneration that superintendents have experienced over the last three decades. Our industry is recognizing that today’s superintendent is, in fact, the key to the success of the golf facility. And I believe this recognition has come about through the efforts of GCSAA.
Our association is about excellence. The GCSAA certification program has been acknowledged as one of the best of its kind in any industry. As the Professional Development Initiative is implemented, Class A GCSAA members can point to their commitment to excellence. However, to make our professional status meaningful in the marketplace, the branding efforts of GCSAA must convey the value of this commitment to the employers and influencers in our industry.

The governance system in place at GCSAA is a model for other non-profit organizations. It provides quantifiable standards to measure the progress we make as an organization. While the board of directors is free to focus on strategic issues, staff is able to freely manage the day-to-day operations. This allows for all operations and services to be driven by the indicators established by the board and staff. The results of this type of governance were readily visible when the 2006 Golf Industry Show and GCSAA Education Conference were forced to move twice due to weather and other conflicts. Those who attended the conference and show in Atlanta can attest to how the event proceeded seamlessly.

There are certainly many other items that GCSAA can and must address. The Environmental Institute for Golf will allow GCSAA to continue to be the golf industry’s leading advocate for sound environmental practices. Our government relations efforts will aid the industry with a voice of reason at the highest levels of government. The career development and branding efforts of GCSAA will solidify the view of the superintendent as the key professional in the golf world.

Our association is facing exciting and challenging times. As a leader of GCSAA, I will be committed to improving our profession, am willing to take a stand on difficult issues and will represent our members with dignity and professionalism. With your support, I hope we can be a part of leading GCSAA to the point where we truly become the leading and most recognized organization in the golf industry.

I would like to thank the Norfolk County commissioners, my wife, Maureen, and the players at the Presidents Golf Course for their continued support of my efforts to serve GCSAA and the golf industry.

RECENT issues

December 2006	November 2006