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The GCSAA Women’s Leadership Academy is focused on providing women in the turfgrass industry with education, mentoring and networking enabling participants to unleash their potential, empower their future and become inspirational leaders. Each participant at this expenses-paid program will walk away with renewed motivation to make an impact. Expenses will cover flights, mileage for the drive (within reason), hotel stay and associated meals
Self-discovery: who you are and how to be the best you can be.
Understand others: what motivates colleagues and team members.
Communicate effectively: building relationships and collaboration.
Inspire: make a difference in the world on a small or greater scale.
All applicants will be notified of their status by the end of August.
What do you expect to gain from this experience?
After this event is over, how do you intend to engage more women?
Describe your experience as a woman in the turfgrass industry.
Please list how you are involved with the industry. Include engagement in local chapters, student groups, volunteer opportunities, etc.
Applications for 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open in June.
Bohn is a longtime golf industry executive and the president of Titleist Golf Balls at Acushnet Co., a role she has held since 2016 after joining the company in 1987. Over nearly four decades with Titleist, she has led marketing, communications, and product strategy initiatives that helped establish Titleist as the leading golf ball brand worldwide. Mary Lou is a passionate golfer with deep roots in Massachusetts golf, having grown up caddying for her father. She earned a B.S. in business administration from the University of New Hampshire.
McClelland, a native of Ocean City, N.J, earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Temple University in 1987 and was commissioned in 1990. She earned a master’s degree in criminal justice from Boston University in 2006 and is a graduate of the U.S. Naval War College Command and Staff Program. She completed executive development coursework at the University of North Carolina Kenan-Flagler Business School. McClelland currently serves as Deputy Commander, Naval Supply Systems Command. Her previous flag assignments were Vice Director, Navy Staff; Director, Learning to Action Drive Team, Commander, Navy Expeditionary Logistics Support Group; and Reserve Director, Logistics, Fleet Supply and Ordnance, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Her command tours include Navy Cargo Handling Battalion 12, NR Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) Fleet Logistics Center Jacksonville, and DLA Distribution as the Joint Team lead.
Cunningham is CEO of Optimus Talent Partners and a search executive with Kopplin Kuebler & Wallace. She is a Certified Partner with the Predictive index, specializing in workforce analytics and talent optimization. Her background in Human Resources includes leadership roles with Four Seasons Hotels and the Los Angeles Rams. She holds a bachelor of arts in communication, a master of arts in organizational management and SPHR/SHRM-SCP certifications. Cunningham’s expertise includes strategic workforce planning, acquisitions, openings and restructuring across hospitality, private clubs, and professional sports.
Graham believes leadership has the power to transform lives, organizations, and entire industries. With over three decades of leadership experience spanning private clubs, hospitality, education, and organizational development, she has dedicated her career to helping people discover what's possible for themselves and for those they lead. As an international keynote speaker, coachsultant, educator and founder of Passionate Productions, Passion partners with organizations across the country to strengthen leadership, elevate culture and develop the next generation of professionals. Known for her authenticity, strategic insight and engaging presence, she equips leaders with practical tools that inspire lasting transformation, not just momentary motivation. Her work is grounded in the belief that excellence is how we honor the trust our clients place in us and that leadership is one of life's greatest opportunities to positively influence others.
Keller served as director of the Career Center at Kansas State University from 2003 to 2026. Her tenure of over 30 years in career services also included the University of North Carolina - Asheville, Denison University, Northwest Missouri State University, and Indiana State University. Kerri now works independently as a consultant with Career Advantage Golf and Career Key. She received a bachelor's degree from Pittsburg State University, a master's degree from Indiana State University and a Ph.D. from K-State. She enjoys traveling, daily walks and time with her family.
Rau is a certified Professional in Human Resources, who brings high-energy as an inspiring speaker with expertise in career consulting for golf and turf professionals worldwide. Rau earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas, where she was a member of the women’s golf team. She has been a career consultant and speaker for GCSAA since 2005 and draws from 20+ years of experience in recruiting, career coaching, resume building and job search strategies for individuals in the golf industry. Rau authors a career column in GCM Magazine and is a frequent speaker at national, regional and local GCSAA chapter conferences. She has served on several boards of directors in the Lawrence, Kan., community, including her local club as former president and greens chairman. Rau enjoys golf, distance running and cheering for the Jayhawks with her husband and two sons.
Thank you to our benefactors for supporting the Women's Leadership Academy
Location: Lawrence, Kan.