GCSAA’s ability to help members advance their careers will be further enhanced with hiring of Grace Wyatt as the new manager of the CGCS program

Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 12, 2023) – Phyllis Muder, CAE, a professional with more than 15 years of association education experience, has been named as director of learning and career development for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). In addition, Grace Wyatt has been named manager, CGCS certification.

In her role, Muder will provide leadership and guidance for GCSAA’s learning and development programs and initiatives, including career development, e-learning, external education,  certification and certificate programs. She will also be working to develop compelling new learning strategies for the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show.

GCSAA continues to invest in increasing the value for its members. As part of this expansion of member value, this position was redefined to focus on enhancing the delivery of career development This hire is part of GCSAA’s continued investment in providing the career development opportunities and resources that best meet the needs of GCSAA’s 20,000 members.   

Prior to GCSAA, Muder most recently served as senior manager of certification and career programs for the American Public Works Association (APWA) in Kansas City, Mo., where she oversaw the certification program, exam administration and marketing of education programs. Muder has a bachelor’s degree in communications from PennWest California and earned her Certified Association Executive (CAE) certification from the American Society of Association Executives in 2022.

“Phyllis has a long track record of serving members and helping them attain their professional development goals,” GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Rhett Evans said. “Her leadership skills and association experience will be a valuable asset as we continue to elevate and expand the learning and career development opportunities for current GCSAA members and those interested in careers in golf course management. I am excited to have her be a part of the GCSAA team and assist members in advancing their careers.”

Muder began her new position on Dec. 11.

“I am thrilled at the opportunity to help GCSAA members expand the art and science of creating and maintaining these beautiful spaces and committed to finding avenues to encourage others to pursue the profession,” Muder said.

The learning and career department will also be boosted with the hiring of Wyatt as GCSAA’s new manager, CGCS certification, who will oversee the Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) program.

As manager of the CGCS program, Wyatt will be responsible for determining applicant eligibility, exam design and administration, attesting procedures, processing of renewal applications, recognition of certified members and certification-related events and opportunities at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show. In her role she will also ensure the competencies relevant to the certification programs are up to date, adhere to the GCSAA CGCS Certification Code of Standards and addressed throughout GCSAA’s continuing education offerings.

Wyatt, who has a degree in political science from Kansas State University, will join the GCSAA staff on Dec. 18 after serving as the continuing legal education coordinator for the Kansas Bar Association in Topeka, Kan.

To learn more about GCSAA’s learning and career development programs, visit gcsaa.org.