Mark J. Woodward, golf operations manager for the city of San Diego has been selected chief executive officer for GCSAA.

His selection by the GCSAA Board of Directors comes after conducting a national search to replace Steve Mona, who became the chief executive of the World Golf Foundation March 3. A familiar face to GCSAA, Woodward has been actively involved as a committee participant, a member of the board of directors and 68th president of the association in 2004. He is in his 30th year as a GCSAA member and became a certified golf course superintendent in 1986. He is the first golf course superintendent to serve as GCSAA’s permanent chief executive.

"We were extremely pleased with the quantity and quality of candidates that were interested in the position. Without a doubt, Mark presented the best fit for the association," GCSAA President David S. Downing II, CGCS said. "He is a talented individual with a myriad of skills and abilities that will serve him, the membership, the association, the industry and the game well. He has a strong track record of service to GCSAA and success as a golf course superintendent and an administrator. His efforts have earned him rave reviews in bolstering golf operations for the city of San Diego."