Since it began in 2014, the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassadors program has paired GCSAA members with members of Congress in order to work closely with lawmakers to improve policies impacting golf course maintenance. The program has grown and evolved, with a current roster of 626 ambassadors covering 83% of the country.
The results have been clear: improved relations on Capitol Hill and a better understanding that members of Congress have of golf course management. Grassroots Ambassadors has also spawned a pilot program working in tandem with a handful of PGA sections to connect PGA members with congressional offices to have superintendents and PGA pros working hand-in-hand at a grassroots level to amplify golf’s voice even more.
However, with success also came increased pressure on GCSAA’s government affairs staff to administer the program while simultaneously managing an increasing number of legislative, regulatory and compliance issues at the local, state and national levels.
"Our members recognize the advocacy needs that we have because they are feeling it on their golf courses by seeing bills introduced year in and year out impacting their work," Michael Lee, senior manager, government affairs, said. "We have heard broadly from members across the country, at the Chapter Delegates Meeting, at the Chapter Leaders/Executives Symposium, and from the Government Affairs Committee, the consistent message that we needed more help in this space."
After the membership approved a dues increase in 2025 to support GCSAA efforts in advocacy and other areas, the opportunity arose for additional help with Grassroots Ambassadors.
In June, Kelly Lonker joined the GCSAA staff as the grassroots advocacy specialist to manage the GCSAA’s Grassroots Ambassador Program, among other duties.
"I mainly focus on recruitment and outreach, trying to find more ambassadors to join the program, and focusing on more meaningful engagement," Lonker said. "I’m constantly doing outreach to both ambassadors and congressional offices."
In just her first six months at GCSAA, Lonker recruited 39 new ambassadors, 24 of whom were in districts without an ambassador.
"I am so impressed with just how dedicated GCSAA members are to the industry and their willingness to give back," Lonker said.
Prior to GCSAA, Lonker served as an account manager at Insight Global in Kansas City, Mo., where she built strong client relationships and ensured client satisfaction. She previously served as a lobbyist intern at 1861 Consulting in Topeka, Kan., gaining hands-on experience in legislative procedures and advocacy. She earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in communications studies from Kansas State University.
In addition to Lonker and Lee, GCSAA’s government affairs staff includes Chava McKeel, director, government affairs; Bob Helland, director, congressional and federal affairs; and Sarah Riley, administrative coordinator.
With Lonker firmly focused on the ambassadors, Lee has been able to turn his attention to issues that impact GCSAA members at the state level.
"Just this week, I’ve been contacted by members in Maryland, Virginia, Mississippi, Indiana, Missouri and Tennessee on specific bills that have been introduced in those states," Lee said. "That's just reacting in the policy space. But if we're talking about doing proactive grassroots outreach, now we're talking about Arizona, South Carolina, North Carolina, a whole host of other states. We might not be dealing with policy challenges in every single state right now, but we're still trying to get our members connected with lawmakers to head off future challenges."
For those interested in becoming an ambassador, Lonker is available every step of the way to make your involvement as easy and flexible as possible in making lasting relationships with lawmakers. Contact her at klonker@gcsaa.org or 800-472-7878, ext. 3611.