ValleyCrest Golf Course Maintenance, a division of ValleyCrest Companies, has hired Jeff Higgins, Ph.D., GCSAA Certified Golf Course Superintendent, as director of agronomy.

In his new role, Higgins will provide agronomic support to the company's golf course superintendents in the areas of evaluations and strategies for their plant and soil management practices, agronomic solutions, as well as the development of their annual agronomic plans.

Prior to joining ValleyCrest, Higgins was the executive director of business development for Pursell Technologies, Inc. He also served as an adjunct professor at Auburn and Kansas State Universities aiding in turf grass research, extension and teaching.