Kevin Komer, CGCS, director of agronomy at The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak and Stowe (Vt.) Country Club, has earned the 2026 Excellence in Government Affairs Award from GCSAA for his distinguished legacy of state advocacy work in Vermont.

Foley Company has generously donated $5,000 to the GCSAA Foundation to support the Col. John Morley Centennial Campaign. GCSAA will turn 100 on Sept. 13, 2026, and it has embarked on a Centennial fundraising campaign to establish a new endowment honoring GCSAA’s founder, Col. John Morley.

Bert McCarty, Ph.D., professor emeritus of plant and environmental sciences specializing in turfgrass science and management at Clemson University, has been selected to receive the 2026 Outstanding Contribution Award from GCSAA. McCarty will formally receive the award on Feb. 2 during the Opening Session of the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.

Leann Cooper has been promoted to senior director, member programs, for GCSAA. She has been a part of the GCSAA staff for the last 25 years. In her new role, Cooper will provide overall direction and program management for member relations, chapter outreach, field staff, First Green, workforce development and learning and career development.

As part of its workforce development initiative, GCSAA has created the Greenkeeper Certificate to provide education for entry-level golf course maintenance skills for crew members. The program includes education, an exam and skills demonstration in six key areas.