Certification News

Congratulations to new and renewing CGCSs

Be the first to congratulate fellow members in your chapter. Find out who recently became certified or renewed their certified status.

Newly certified members

Jason L. Narwold, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Jed Vinson, CGCS
Central Texas GCSA

William Meyer, CGCS
Midwest Association of GCS

Chris Vontz, CGCS
Nebraska GCSA

Recertified members

John Bambury, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Kenneth W. Gokey, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Derek Wilkerson, CGCS
LGCSA of Arkansas

Gerald A. Tarsitano II, CGCS
Hi-Lo Desert GCSA

Jay B. Eccleton, CGCS
Michigan GCSA

Steven Johnson, CGCS
Wisconsin GCSA

Newly certified members

Dan J. Hawkins, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Adam R. Levinsohn, CGCS
GCSA of Northern California

Recertified members

Alan P. Jarvis, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Chad M. Higaki, CGCS
Hawaii GCSA

Douglas D. Hausman, CGCS
GCSA of South Dakota

Duane F. Janssen, Jr., CGCS
Lone Star GCSA

Gary K. Carls, CGCS
GCSA of Northern California

Jason E. Habeck, CGCS
Inland Empire GCSA

Joseph F. McCleary, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Patrick R. Doran, CGCS
Oregon GCSA

Steve A. Kealy, CGCS
Western Washington GCSA

William F. Hamilton, CGCS
Sierra Nevada GCSA

William S. Kennon, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Newly certified members

Glen E. Murry, CGCS
Alabama GCSA

Tyler M. Bain, CGCS
Central Illinois GCSA

Nicholas Larrimore, CGCS
Eastern Shore Association of GCS

Justin C. Martinjak, CGCS
Florida GCSA

Brian O'Malley, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

David A. Ousterhout, CGCS
New Hampshire GCSA

Chester C. Guzek, CGCS
Old Dominion GCSA

Bradley Wunderlich, CGCS
Sierra Nevada GCSA

Recertified members

Sean P. Gilliland, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Matt P. Bryan, Sr., CGCS
Alabama GCSA

Michael Candeloro, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Lance A. Rogers, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Brent Racer, CGCS
Heart of America GCSA

Christopher J. Caporicci, CGCS
Long Island GCSA

Glen W. Dube, CGCS
Metropolitan GCSA

Casey Crittenden, CGCS
Nebraska GCSA

Sherri L. Brogan, CGCS
Ohio GCSA

Fred M. Yates, CGCS
Oregon GCSA

Paul S. Stead, CGCS
Philadelphia Association of GCS

David J. Soltvedt, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Peter L. Bowman, CGCS
Sierra Nevada GCSA

Dale L. Hahn, CGCS
Southern Nevada GCSA

Dan W. Taylor, CGCS
Virginia GCSA

Justin C. Ruiz, CGCS, MG
Western Washington GCSA

Newly certified members

David B. McDonald, CGCS
Philadelphia Association of GCS

Nick C. White, CGCS
Mississippi Valley GCSA

Jason A. Pierce, CGCS
Virginia GCSA

Patrick D. Ryan, CGCS
Long Island GCSA

Ryan P. McNamara, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Ryan Cummings, CGCS
Hoosier GCSA

Recertified members

Richard C. Haas, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Stanley B. Elliott, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Gregory P. McDanel, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Brian J. Stiehler, CGCS, MG
Carolinas GCSA

Ronald J. Fox, CGCS
Greater Pittsburgh GCSA

Robert D. Ryan, Jr., CGCS
Kentuckiana GCSA

Kevin Seibel, CGCS
Metropolitan GCSA

Timothy S. Kennelly, CGCS
Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS

Michael S. Buxton, CGCS
Oklahoma GCSA

Paul L. Carter, CGCS
Tennessee GCSA

Recertified members

Todd Biegger, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

David Fruchte, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Steve T. Hamilton, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Matthew B. Hill, CGCS
Central Florida GCSA

Paul B. Holmes, CGCS
Michigan GCSA

John C. Miller, CGCS
Ohio GCSA

Jeff A. Frontz, CGCS
Ohio GCSA

Recertified members

Steve Glossinger, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Lee McLemore, CGCS
Alabama GCSA

Joseph C. Traficano, CGCS
Cactus and Pine GCSA

Arlin J. Fenhaus, CGCS
GCSA of South Dakota

Simon W. Parkin, CGCS
Gulf Coast GCSA

Harlyn F. Goldman, CGCS
Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS

Robert J. Maibusch, CGCS, MG
Midwest Association of GCS

Robert B. McCallum, CGCS
Midwest Association of GCS

Bill H. Maynard, CGCS
Mississippi Valley GCSA

Marc P. Davison, CGCS
Wisconsin GCSA

Newly certified members

Kenton D. Brunson, CGCS
Cactus and Pine GCSA

Michael J. Paciga, CGCS
Midwest Association of GCS

Patrick M. Christoffer, CGCS
Utah GCSA

Recertified members

Joseph A. Perry, CGCS
Eastern Shore Association of GCS

Eric E. Newell, CGCS
GCSA of Cape Cod

Mark D. Kuhns, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Todd Raisch, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Casey Kim, CGCS
GCSA of Southern California

Cory D. Blair, CGCS
Georgia GCSA

Charles A. Nowicki, CGCS
Hudson Valley GCSA

Thomas O. McAvoy, CGCS
Long Island GCSA

Russell Cellar, CGCS
Nebraska GCSA

Michael Underwood, CGCS
North Texas GCSA

William Brown, CGCS
Philadelphia Association of GCS

William J. Coulter, CGCS
Rhode Island GCSA

Michael A. Greninger, CGCS
San Diego GCSA

Newly certified members

Matthew T. Devine, CGCS
Alabama GCSA

Peter Bachman, CGCS
California GCSA

Christian M. Scheller, CGCS
Philadelphia Association of GCS

Joe R. Kunze, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Jeff A. Plasschaert, CGCS
Wisconsin GCSA

Recertified members

David Callanan, CGCS, MG
No Chapter Listed

Hugh L. Barefoot Jr., CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Andrew J. Fries, CGCS
Connecticut Association of GCS

William F. Smith, CGCS
Georgia GCSA

Michael J. Dunk, CGCS
Indiana GCSA

Jeffrey L. Gullikson, CGCS
Inland Empire GCSA

Jim VonAhn, CGCS
Iowa GCSA

Mark Hicks, CGCS
Kentuckiana GCSA

Robert J. Nielsen Jr., CGCS
Metropolitan GCSA

John A. Risler, CGCS
Northeastern GCSA

Edward L. Price, CGCS
Peaks & Prairies GCSA

Bob J. Clarkson, CGCS
Peaks & Prairies GCSA

Steven J. Aitken, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Jonathan C. Hindes, CGCS
South Texas GCSA

Mark W. Vaughn, CGCS
Virginia GCSA

Newly certified members

Seth A. Miller, CGCS
Cactus and Pine GCSA

Matt Kimball, CGCS
Cactus and Pine GCSA

Bryce D. Gibson, CGCS
Central Florida GCSA

Daniel R. Brooks, CGCS
Florida GCSA

Clinton E. Tingen, CGCS
Florida GCSA

Jill Seymour, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Kyle A. DeNuys, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Christopher A. Young, CGCS
Tennessee GCSA

Jay N. Wade, CGCS
Virginia GCSA

Recertified members

Darrin R. Spierings, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Christopher Flynn, CGCS
Central Florida GCSA

Andrew W. Ninnemann, CGCS
Eastern Shore Association of GCS

James B. Conant, CGCS
GCSA of New England

Brett R. Hetland, CGCS
Iowa GCSA

Stephen Rabideau, Jr., CGCS
Metropolitan GCSA

Li Tao, CGCS

Adam P. Thomas, CGCS
Long Island GCSA

Steven E. VanAcker, CGCS
Midwest Association of GCS

Eddie B. Wachter, CGCS
Mississippi Valley GCSA

Eric A. Bresky, CGCS
Northeastern GCSA

Anthony E. Bubenas, CGCS
Western Washington GCSA

Newly certified members

Matthew Muhlenbruch, CGCS
California GCSA

Matthew R. Jones, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Andrew S. Maki, CGCS
Central Texas GCSA

P. Michael Campbell, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Ryan M. D’Autremont, CGCS
Miami Valley GCSA

Andrew J. Cross, CGCS
Midwest Association of GCS

Tyler S. Johanson, CGCS
North Florida GCSA

Lucas C. Fowler, CGCS
Northern Ohio GCSA

Chris Cook, CGCS
Oklahoma GCSA

Recertified members

Paul B. Latshaw, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Eric G. Dusa, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Scott D. Gennings, CGCS
Connecticut Association of GCS

William T. Hiers, CGCS
Everglades GCSA

Anthony M. Brown, CGCS
Florida GCSA

Greg Cormier, CGCS
GCSA of New England

John J. O’Keefe, CGCS
GCSA of New Jersey

Gary L. Sailer, CGCS
Heart of America GCSA

Colin G. Seaberg, CGCS
Michigan GCSA

Scott G. Kinnan, CGCS
Old Dominion GCSA

Jeffrey S. Edwards, CGCS
Philadelphia Association of GCS

Daniel M. Wheeler, CGCS
Virginia GCSA

Newly certified members

Mitchell E. Savage, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Eric S. David, CGCS
Mid-Atlantic Association of GCS

H. Scott Griffith, CGCS
Georgia GCSA

Alan G. FitzGerald, CGCS, MG
Central Pennsylvania GCSA

Zachary Bauer, CGCS
Rocky Mountain GCSA

Adam D. Hoffman, CGCS
Georgia GCSA

Ben L. Anderson, CGCS
Georgia GCSA

Recertified members

Francis Chan Kwang Hui, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Joseph A. Livingston, CGCS
North Texas GCSA

Brent T. Graham, CGCS
Old Dominion GCSA

Britton Lacy, CGCS
Oregon GCSA

Gary S. Peterson, CGCS
Carolinas GCSA

Michael J. Valiant, CGCS
Utah GCSA

Newly certified members

Kevin E. Collins, CGCS
Connecticut Association of GCS

Stephen J. Curry, CGCS
Connecticut Association of GCS

Wayne Lagasse, CGCS
Connecticut Association of GCS

Alan B. Davis, CGCS
Utah GCSA

Recertified members

David M. Rogers, CGCS
Central Florida GCSA

Walter K. Pritchett, CGCS
Kentuckiana GCSA

Christopher M. Chase, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Aidan O'Hara, CGCS
No Chapter Listed

Robert A. Radachi, CGCS
Northwestern Ohio GCSA

Rodney W. Crow, CGCS
South Texas GCSA

Josh J. Lepine, CGCS
Wisconsin GCSA

Christopher A. Zugel, CGCS
Wisconsin GCSA

Set yourself apart: Learn more about becoming a CGCS

What new CGCSs say about the program


Charlie Mongan, CGCS"Earning the distinction of CGCS has been a goal for myself for a long time. I have known and worked for other CGCS throughout my 28-year career. I feel like I have now reached an important milestone in my career with this distinction. I am finally on the same level as many of the strong industry leaders that also have the same distinction of being a CGCS.”

– Charlie Mongan, CGCS, Aldeen Golf Club, Rockford, Ill.


Dan Hawkins CGCS"As I gained more experience and expertise over the years as a Superintendent it became a personal goal of mine to attain Certification. I wanted to challenge myself to become the best possible employee. I believe the process to become certified brings together all I have learned, whether it's on the job, chapter board service or through external education, and culminates in the highest designation we can receive from the GCSAA. CGCS is a title I will be proud to attain and display as a member of this great profession."

– Dan Hawkins, CGCS, The Club at Flying Horse and Flying Horse North, Colorado Springs, Colo.


Chester Guzek CGCS"It has been a long-time goal to achieve Certification status. It is an honor to join fellow colleagues who have accomplished this task. For those who are on the fence regarding Certification, make the leap, it is very satisfying and rewarding."

– Chester Guzek, CGCS, The Raven Golf Club at Snowshoe Mountain Resort, W.Va.




Bill Meyer CGCS"This certification is very meaningful to me, thinking back to when I was a student member it was such a monumental achievement and group that I always hoped one day I would be a part of. During the certification process I have had a few moments of realization that I was going to be joining this group of professionals, it has been very surreal."

– Bill Meyer, CGCS, Heritage Oaks Golf Club, Northbrook, Ill.



Adam Levinsohn, CGCS"Over the years I have developed a passion for golf course maintenance and have enjoyed working with others who have set out to maintain and advance the game of golf as well. Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent has been an accomplishment that I have been striving for over many years of hard work. Career growth along with the personal fulfillment of reaching the highest levels of turfgrass management and environmental stewardship mean a great deal to me. I look forward to continuing my growth in this industry and am honored to be part of this distinguished group of superintendents."

– Adam R. Levinsohn, CGCS, Berkeley Country Club, El Cerrito, Calif.


Jeff Plasschaert CGCS“Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent has been a career goal of mine since becoming a superintendent. I am honored and humbled to be joining the dedicated group of Certified Golf Course Superintendents. The journey of becoming certified was rewarding not only personally but has added great value to our entire golf course operation."

– Jeff Plasschaert, CGCS, Reid Golf Course, Appleton, Wisc.



Justin Martinjak CGCS“Earning designation as a certified golf course superintendent has been a personal goal of mine for a number of years. To me, achieving this honor helps demonstrate my commitment to the industry and my desire to continue moving forward professionally.”

– Justin Martinjak, CGCS, Seven Springs Golf & Country Club, Maitland, Fla.




Ryan McNamara CGCS“Achieving CGCS status was something I aspired to early in my career, having been fortunate enough to be mentored by several great Certified Golf Course Superintendents. Mentoring others is the most important part of being a golf course superintendent for me and having gone through the certification process, I am now better equipped to mentor the next generation of superintendents. I am humbled to join the ranks and look forward to helping others advance their careers with the knowledge and experience gained.”

– Ryan McNamara, CGCS, Woodside Plantation Country Club, Aiken, S.C.


Tyler Bain CGCS"I started in this business as a 15-year-old working on a 9-hole golf course down the street from my house. My 15-year-old self never thought I would turn this into a career, but I’m very happy I did. During the CGCS process and looking back over my career has been extremely gratifying knowing that I’ve put my heart and soul into this business. The CGCS status has validated all of the work I have put in over my career and will continue to drive me as I move forward. I am very proud and honored to join this distinguished group of professionals.”

– Tyler Bain, CGCS, Ironwood Golf Course, Normal, Ill.


Ryan Cummings CGCS“Becoming a Certified Golf Course Superintendent has been a challenging yet rewarding journey in my professional career. The process allowed me to grow professionally and challenged me to look at all aspects of how we achieve our agronomic and playability goals here at Elcona. Being recognized by earning one of the highest distinctions in our industry is a humbling honor that will benefit me the rest of my professional life.”

– Ryan Cummings, CGCS, Elcona Country Club, Bristol, Ind.


Brian OMalley CGCS"Obtaining the CGCS status is a lifetime career achievement that validates all my years of hard work and dedication. Reaching the pinnacle of commitment to excellence in this industry has been tremendously satisfying. Not only does this program make you a better leader, educator, and communicator but it also makes the entire facility better in all facets. The credibility the comes with the CGCS status will also help my club improve in the years to come. I am extremely proud of this accomplishment and hope more Superintendents start the program to become a Certified Golf Course Superintendent.”

– Brian O'Malley, CGCS, River Vale Country Club, River Vale, N. J.