Forty-three leaders from 24 affiliated chapters strengthened their leadership skills at the 2023 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium, March 21-22, 2023, at GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan. 

The symposium is funded, in part, by the Williams Leadership Endowment Fund through the GCSAA Foundation.

This annual event allows chapters to send a volunteer leader and association staff member to GCSAA headquarters. The program is intended to strengthen each chapter’s leadership team, build on successes and learn new concepts and ideas to support chapter effectiveness. 

Attendees participated in sessions focused on a broad segment of volunteer and association management topics with plenty of time to network with their peers from around the country. GCSAA staff also discussed the various ways the association can assist in chapter operations.

The session’s first day was highlighted by updates on GCSAA, regional advocacy efforts and communications platforms to assist with chapter operations. The GCSAA Board Orientation coincided with the Symposium, which allowed attendees to be introduced to recently elected board member Scott Griffith, CGCS, from Athens, Ga.

Day two was also filled with leadership training and key information from the GCSAA Foundation. 

Jodie Cunningham, professional with Optimus Talent Partners, concluded the event with an interactive session on working with different generations and how to recruit and secure talent, not just employees.

The entire event was very successful and well received by attendees.

The objectives for the 2023 Chapter Leader/Executive Symposium included:

·       Gain practical skills and knowledge to help you successfully lead your facility and your chapter

·       Explore the challenges and changes impacting today’s association operating environment

·       Build an ongoing professional network of peers and share best practices and innovative ideas

·       Receive updates on programs and initiatives that are of interest to chapters from GCSAA

Attendees included:

·       Alabama GCSA – Kayla Cook and Travis Cook

·       Caribbean GCSA – David Pitts

·       Central Illinois GCSA – Brett Oxley

·       Central Texas GCSA – Carol Cloud and Tony Nash

·       Connecticut GCSA – GraceMarie Chapin and Wayne LaGasse

·       Georgia GCSA – Mark Hayes and Tenia Workman

·       Gulf Coast GCSA – Amanda Miles and Justin Sketoe

·       Hi-Low Desert GCSA – Molly Duval

·       Idaho GCSA – Alex Bliss

·       Inland Empire GCSA – Darcy Otto

·       Iowa GCSA – Nick Kray and Jeff Lamoureaux

·       Lone Star GCSA – Jeffrey Hansen

·       Louisiana-Mississippi GCSA – Eric Coomer

·       Metropolitan GCSA – Bill Cygan and Mike McCall

·       Michigan GCSA – Adam Ikamas, Gene David and Doug Hoeh

·       Midwest AGCS – Luke Cella and Dan Stahl

·       Nebraska GCSA – Katy Boggs and Ryan Shea

·       Ontario GSA – Kevin Collier and Courtney White

·       Oregon GCSA – Josh Loy and Alexis Wenker

·       Peaks and Prairies GCSA – Ryan Knapp and Lori Russell

·       Pocono GCSA – Chris Reverie

·       Rocky Mountain GCSA – Kevin Kallas and Gary Leeper

·       Western Washington – Bill Ackerly and Marcus Harness