GCSAA committees/task groups

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This directory provides a list of the individuals currently serving on GCSAA committees or task groups, as well as contact information for the committee/task group chairmen, so you may contact them with any questions or suggestions you might have.

Through a judging process, the Allan MacCurrach Jr. Award Task Group will score applications submitted by non-traditional turfgrass students who meet the criteria. This competition recognizes and awards an outstanding non-traditional seeking a career in the field of golf course and turfgrass management. The work of the task group provides the means in which to award the GCSAA student member, which will help in achieving their professional goals.

Meeting type: Conference call

Marc E. Weston, CGCS, chair
H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, vice chair

Ryan M. D’Autremont, CGCS
Charles E. Fultz
Rachel L. Sullivan
Steven C. Tierney, MG
Paul Vermeulen

The Assistant Superintendent Task Group provides perspective and strategic input on assistant superintendent programs and services.

Meeting type: Conference call

Steven J. Hammon, CGCS, chairman
Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, vice chairman

Samuel A. Hess
Nick R. Klinkhammer
Lauren E. Lasocha
Evan G. McFadden
Nicole Parker
Joshua L. Peters
Fereshteh Shahoveisi, Ph.D.
Austin C. Smith

The Board Policy Oversight Task Group is convened once every three years and charged with analyzing the strategic intent and impact of all policies regarding GCSAA Board members.

Meeting type: Conference call

Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, chair

Alan B. Davis, CGCS
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS
Scott M. Phelps, CGCS
David H. Robinson, CGCS
Susan M. Spahr, CGCS
Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, MG

To actively engage members, educators, and allied stakeholders in the development of resources that will validate essential skills required for a career in golf course maintenance. The committee will provide valuable feedback, offer innovative suggestions, and collaboratively develop resources and materials to support the entire career pathway for aspiring greenskeepers, from entry-level to advanced positions.

Meeting type: Conference call

T.A. Barker, CGCS, chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

Muhammad Ali
Chad M. Allan
Alan B. Brown
Alan B. Davis, CGCS
Scott Johnson
Nick R. Klinkhammer
Jacob Martens
Jeremiah M. Mincey
Edward J. Nangle, Ph.D.

Honor the past 100 years and inspire continued greatness into the next century.

Meeting type: Conference call and in-person

Darren J. Davis, CGCS, chair
Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, vice chair

Jennifer S. Bryan
Bruce J. Burger, CGCS
Robert O. Farren Jr., CGCS
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS
Michael J. Hurdzan, Ph.D., ASGCA
Mitchell E. Savage, CGCS
Jason L. Tharp, CGCS
Bruce R. Williams, CGCS

The Certification Committee is responsible for oversight and monitoring of the CGCS designation. The committee provides feedback and recommendations on the Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) program, and CGCS appeals.

Meeting type: Conference call

T.A. Barker, CGCS, chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

Johnathan Bennett, CGCS
John D. Boyce, CGCS
Brent M. Downs, CGCS, MG
Clayton A. DuBose, CGCS
Ryan S. Kraushofer, CGCS
Wayne Lagasse, CGCS
Charles J. Rockhold, CGCS
Brian J. Roth, CGCS
Jill Seymour, CGCS

The Chapter Outreach Task Group provides strategic input and guidance on the affiliation agreement, chapter operations and services provided for our members.

Meeting type: Conference call

Marc E. Weston, CGCS, chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

Jacob A. Blair, CGCS
Jennifer S. Bryan
GraceMarie Chapin
Richard Kremer
Kristen Liebsch
Melvin H. Waldron III, CGCS
Richard A. Wit, CGCS

The primary responsibility of the Communications/Publications Task Group is to serve as judges for the annual Leo Feser Award. The task group also serves in an advisory role on GCSAA communications and media relations, and GCM editorial content, design and delivery methods (print, digital, social media).

Meeting type: Conference call

H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, chair
Steven J. Hammon, CGCS, vice chair

Zachary R. Anderson, CGCS
Clinton W. Edger
Ryan M. Franklin, CGCS
Henry Heinz, CTEM
Vincent A. Pavonetti, CGCS

The conference education task group is responsible for planning the annual conference education program; moderating conference sessions; and recommending topics, resources, experts, and faculty for new conference educational programs. Further, this task group will offer advice on the current marketing strategy for the Conference and Trade Show.

Meeting type: In person

Steven J. Hammon, CGCS, chair
H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, vice chair

Justin Apel
Jonathan Bennett, CGCS
Mark A. Gerstung II
Bradley R. Jakubowski
Mark A. O’Mell
Nicole Parker
Brandon Razo
Ryan Semritc

To provide exposure of GCSAA, the industry and our programs to non-traditional stakeholders fostering an understanding and awareness resulting in long term synergies that enhance organizational strategies and impacting lives of individuals for the betterment of their lives and careers.

Meeting type: Conference call

Jeff L. White, CGCS, chair
T.A. Barker, CGCS, vice chair

This task group is not finalized.

The Environmental Awards and Education Task Group will provide perspective, insight, and recommendations to the GCSAA staff and board regarding existing and future GCSAA/GCSAA Foundation environmental awards, award programs, and education topics (environmental session). This task group’s feedback and recommendations help to advance and advocate for the profession as well as enhance the game.

Meeting type: Conference call

H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, chair
Paul L. Carter, CGCS, vice chair

Morgan Creighton
James Culley
Derek Duncan
Ian R. Gallagher
Kirk C. Hardin
Crey A. Hofner
John D. Maddern, CGCS
Don Naumann
Stephanie Schwenke
Ryan L. Swilley, CGCS

The Equipment Manager Task Group provides strategic input and guidance on golf course equipment manager programs and services.

Meeting type: In person

Paul L. Carter, CGCS, chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

Bryan T. Epland, CTEM
Daniel L. Heinze, CTEM
Mitchell D. Hunt, CTEM
Trent Manning, CTEM
Clinton W. McKee, CTEM
Frank McQuiggan, CTEM
Josefth A. Moreira
Shane C. Pokorney, CTEM
Jordan Roth, CTEM
Chris Whittaker, CTEM

To actively involve members and educators in providing feedback and innovative suggestions for the enhancement of the First Green program and the advancement of workforce development initiatives. Both First Green and Workforce Development share the common goal of nurturing a highly skilled workforce capable of addressing the evolving demands of the golf course management profession. The First Green and Workforce Development programs align with GCSAA strategic initiatives of Advocacy and Outreach, Advancing the Profession, Serving Members, Increased Revenue Opportunities and Environmental Stewardship.

Meeting type: In person

H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, chair
Marc E. Weston, CGCS, vice chair

Tim J. Busek
Donald C. Garrett Jr., CGCS
Gary M. Ingram, CGCS
Anthony J. Koski, Ph.D.
Evan G. McFadden
Brett Oxley, CGCS
Clint J. Tolbertv
Brent Vardsveen

The Government Affairs Committee provides strategic input and guidance on public policy issues and lobbying and grassroots efforts in the areas of advocacy and compliance. Making sure that golf facilities are able to remain a viable business by complying with all local, state and federal laws and regulations and ensuring golf’s voice is heard in all policymaking arenas advancing the profession.

Meeting type: In person

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, chair
Marc E. Weston, CGCS, vice chair

Chris Cook, CGCS
Eric S. David, CGCS
Jean L. Esposito, CGCS
Matt Gourlay, CGCS, MG
Eric M. Richards
David H. Robinson, CGCS
Mitchell E. Savage, CGCS
Chris Steigelman, CGCS
Kurtis A. Wolford

The Melrose Leadership Academy Task Group shall review the applications and provide scores based on answers submitted by the superintendents. This program ties directly to the mission by advancing the profession of these superintendents.

Meeting type: Conference call

Marc E. Weston, CGCS, chair
Jeff L. White, CGCS, vice chair

Zachary Bauer, CGCS
Jon M. Christenson
Kevin E. Collins, CGCS
David S. Downing II, CGCS
Damon B. Hitti

The Membership Appeals Task Group is charged to review and act upon all petitions in relationship to challenges to the policies outlined in the GCSAA Bylaws and GCSAA Standing Rules of Membership relative to the classification of membership.

Meeting type: Conference call

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, chair

Members seated if required.

The Membership Recruitment and Retention Task Group engage diverse perspectives of superintendents in discussions and activities that are focused on increasing membership recruitment and membership retention.

Meeting type: Conference call

This task group will not meet in 2024.

Identify and present to the membership a nominee for president, one or more nominees for the office of vice president, two or more nominees for the office of secretary/treasurer, and at least one more nominee than the number of directors to be elected. In addition, this committee will judge the nominations for Emerging Leader Award and recommend a winner to the GCSAA Board of Directors.

Meeting type: In person

Mark F. Jordan, CGCS, chair

Alan B. Davis, CGCS
David H. Robinson, CGCS
Susan M. Spahr, CGCS
Anthony L. Williams, CGCS, MG

The Outstanding Contribution Award Task Group shall review the nominations submitted for this award which recognizes an individual who has made a significant contribution to the membership, through outstanding contributions for the golf course industry. The work of this task group will bring forward one recommendation to the GCSAA Board of Directors who will select the recipient.

Meeting type: Conference call

Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, chair

This task group is not finalized.

The purpose of the GCSAAPAC is to support the interest and concerns of the golf course superintendent profession and the golf course management industry. The purpose of the PAC Board is to vote to approve or reject GCSAAPAC contribution requests; work with the PAC Board Liaison to develop fundraising plans including participation and financial goals; and serve as a primary fundraiser for GCSAAPAC and lead successful solicitation campaigns.

Meeting type: Conference call

Paul L. Carter, CGCS, chair
Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, vice chair

David A. Brandenburg Jr., CGCS
Roy Johnson
Gregory A. Pheneger
Robert B. Searle
Steven A. Spatafore

The Research Proposal Review Committee members solicit, review and rank university research project proposals. Provide funding and project recommendations to the GCSAA Board to make the final determination. University research grants provide solutions to issues superintendents face thereby advancing the profession and vitality of the game.

Meeting type: In person

Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, chair
Marc E. Weston, CGCS, vice chair

Muhammad Ali
Roch E. Gaussoin, Ph.D.
Elizabeth Guertal, Ph.D.
Kelly Kopp, Ph.D.
Albrecht Koppenhofer, Ph.D.
Vincent A. Pavonetti, CGCS
Charles B. Robertson IV, CGCS
Cole Thompson, Ph.D.
J. Bryan Unruh, Ph.D.

Engage a diverse representation of chapter executives, superintendents and management companies in discussions and activities that are focused on enhancing and growing the annual Rounds 4 Research fundraising auction administered by the GCSAA Foundation. Rounds 4 Research serves as a fundraising program for GCSAA Chapters and the Foundation which helps to serve members, advance their profession, and improve communities through the enjoyment growth and vitality of the game. It does this through increased research funding, supporting education programs and scholarships, and by engaging golfers in these efforts.

Meeting type: Conference call

Paul L. Carter, CGCS, chair
Douglas D. Dykstra, CGCS, vice chair

John D. Boyce
Brian E. Boyer
Tim J. Busek
Kevin E. Collins, CGCS
David Jones
Timothy B. Kreger
David H. Robinson, CGCS
Lori R. Russell

Through a judging process, the GCSAA Scholars Competition Task Group will score applications submitted by turfgrass students who meet the criteria. This competition recognizes and awards outstanding students in the field of golf course and turfgrass management. The work of the task group provides the means in which to award GCSAA student members, which will help in achieving their professional goals.

Meeting type: Conference call

Steven J. Hammon, CGCS, vice chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

Ryan S. Kraushofer, CGCS
Wayne Lagasse, CGCS
J. Glenn McWhirter
Heather Schapals
Ryan Standifird
Derek S. Stanley
Richard A. Wit, CGCS
Ron Wright, CGCS

Review any proposed amendments to the Bylaws and submit to the members any amendments that the committee approves at least thirty (30) days in advance of the annual meeting. In addition, review all formal complaints of violations of the GCSAA Code of Ethics. The Standards and Bylaws Committee will only be seated if proposed amendments to the Bylaws are identified or if a Code of Ethics violation is received and the President determines that a possible violation has occurred.

Meeting type: Conference call

Kevin P. Breen, CGCS, chair

This committee is not finalized.

The Technology Task Group provide feedback and recommendations on GCSAA developed technologies that currently or will serve the membership.

Meeting type: Conference call

H. Scott Griffith, CGCS, chair
Gregory B. Jones, CGCS, MG, vice chair

This task group is not finalized.

 

Provide perspective and strategic input on GCSAA programs and services in regard to women.

Meeting type: Conference call

Jeff L. White, CGCS, chair
T.A. Barker, CGCS, vice chair

Vanja Drasler
Renee Geyer, CGCS
Kayla L. Kipp, CTEM
Sunserrae Roesslein
Heather M. Schapals
Jill Seymour, CGCS