GCSAA’s Shelia Finney is stepping down from her position as senior director, member programs, and will begin a new role as manager, CGCS, beginning Aug. 21.
The decision was not an easy one for Finney, but the experience of caring for her son James in the last year of his life before his death in February made her re-evaluate her work/life balance.
“I truly love my current role and GCSAA, but I need to step back and make some time for all of the other things in my life,” Finney said. “I am really excited that I now have the chance to stay with GCSAA and focus on helping members achieve certification.”
Prior to joining the GCSAA staff in 2016, Finney, a 34-year GCSAA member, was the superintendent at Gaylord Springs Golf Links for 25 years and also served as executive director of the Tennessee GCSA and the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. As a member she served on several GCSAA task groups and committees, was a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador and was a chapter delegate for 11 years.
As senior director, member services, she oversees three programmatic areas: membership, chapter services and learning and career development. She is also highly involved in the First Green program and has been crucial to growing GCSAA’s relationship with FFA.
As manager, CGCS, she will oversee the certified golf course superintendent program and continue to be involved in FFA and GCSAA women’s initiatives. Finney will work 32 hours per week from her home in Tennessee.
“Shelia has been an incredible asset to GCSAA, first as a highly engaged member and later as a dedicated team member,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said, “We fully support her decision to put more focus on her life outside GCSAA, and we are happy that we were able to find a way to have her stay with the team while giving her the balance she needs.”
GCSAA is evaluating the vacated senior director position and a recruitment will be launched soon.