The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) hosted 25 superintendents from around the nation in the inaugural Leadership Academy, Sept. 23-24 at association headquarters in Lawrence, Kan.

Those who attended the two-day session were nominated by their GCSAA-affiliated chapter based on their potential to serve as volunteer leaders in the near future. They heard speakers and participated in role-playing and exercises that helped them learn practical leadership skills. The program also addressed current issues and future trends impacting the golf course superintendent profession and association management, and helped the attendees begin building a professional network of peers who share best practices and innovative ideas.

"The lifeblood of any organization is a membership that has vision and is engaged," said GCSAA President David S. Downing II, certified golf course superintendent. "To create that, we believe it is important to identify and cultivate leaders who can execute the association's mission and the vision. Our leaders are meant to serve fellow members, and the more engaged in service our members become, the better off we will all be."

The sessions included presentations from Steve Keating of The Toro Co., who focused on "The Five Levels of Leadership;" Randy Moser of Syngenta Professional Products, who covered the "Life Zone Balance Four Triage;" and by GCSAA CEO Mark Woodward, CGCS, who talked about association management. The event was presented in partnership with Syngenta Professional Products and The Toro Co. Both sponsor companies continue to stress the importance of getting more people actively involved in both their association (at the local and national levels) and in the industry.

"My hat is off to the GCSAA chapters who nominated such an outstanding group of participants for the first annual GCSAA Leadership Academy," Keating said. "There is no question that these individuals will make a difference in the future of the Golf industry. Our participation in the experience energized us at Toro - and we look forward to the future of GCSAA in such capable hands."

"It was a pleasure meeting and sharing ideas with such a passionate group of up-and-coming GCSAA leaders," said Dave Ravel, market lead - Turf for Syngenta Professional Products. "The GCSAA Leadership Academy participants have a passion and dedication to this industry that is second-to-none. It was an honor and pleasure to work with them. As such, Syngenta looks forward to continuing our support of this group."

GCSAA is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 21,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA's mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association's philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.

For more information contact:
Dave Fearis, GCSAA membership director, at 800-472-7878 or dfearis@gcsaa.org