Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) Chief Executive Officer Steve Mona recently filled various staff vacancies by appointing three directors. He has also promoted various team members.
"Having a dedicated and talented team is vital to serving the members," Mona said. "I am pleased to announce the addition of some outstanding individuals to the staff and to recognize the accomplishments of others with well-deserved promotions. Our team has played a key role in the success of GCSAA and its members."
Mark Bisbing has been appointed director of corporate sales and marketing. He most recently served as vice president of operations/new business for the Professional Bowlers Association Tour (2000-05). He also has considerable experience in the golf industry in marketing and management, including a stint as director of golf sports marketing for Nike. In that role, he was instrumental in securing and managing the Nike (now Nationwide) Tour relationship with the PGA Tour, developing the Nike junior golf camps and played a key role in securing Tiger Woods as a Nike endorser. Bisbing will direct GCSAA’s revenue generating programs, including the Golf Industry Show, advertising sales for Golf Course Management magazine and program sponsorships.
Former GCSAA president Dave Fearis, CGCS, has been selected as director of membership. Fearis comes to GCSAA after serving as the territorial sales representative and golf development specialist with PBI/Gordon Corp. in Kansas City, Mo. Before that, he was the golf course superintendent at Blue Hills Country Club in Kansas City, Mo., from 1985-2001.
A 37-year GCSAA member, Fearis was on the association’s board of directors for eight years, serving as president in 1999. He received a bachelor’s degree in agronomy from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Ind., in 1968. He will oversee such membership issues as renewal and retention; governance; chapter relations and a field staff program to be piloted in 2006.
Lyne Tumlinson has been promoted to director of career services. She came to GCSAA in December 2001 as employer programs manager in the career development department. In July 2003, her position moved to the Brand Marketing department in the Strategic Communications Group. Her primary activities were in developing and implementing programs and communications directed to employers. Her new position will focus on employer relationships.
Before arriving at GCSAA, Tumlinson served as outreach director for the International Area Studies Centers at the University of Kansas in Lawrence. She received her undergraduate degree in psychology with minors in business and Russian language from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley, Colo., and a master’s degree in Russian and East European Studies from Kansas.
The team members who have been promoted include Mark Gabrick, formerly new business development manager, to senior manager, corporate sales and marketing. He came to GCSAA in December 2004. Originally from Leavenworth, Kan., he is a University of Kansas graduate and has 25 years of experience in prime account sales. Gabrick will manage GCSAA’s sales team and work with industry partners to develop sponsorship packages.
Heather Gerber, formerly online product manager, is now senior manager, online products. She came to GCSAA in 1999. A native of Tulsa, Okla., Gerber will oversee a team of individuals who will develop Web-based products and applications that support GCSAA operations and member programs and services.
Becky Gonzales, who came to GCSAA in the June 2005 as a temporary human resources manager, has been appointed full time as senior manager of human resources. A University of Kansas graduate, Gonzales will administer recruitment, staff development and training programs.
Jeff Graham, formerly manager, golf championship and communications, is now senior manager, golf championship and communications. A native of Manhattan, Kan., Graham came to GCSAA in 1999. He manages GCSAA’s members-only golf championship, which attracts 600-plus participants, and also supports the association’s outreach efforts.
Greg Stacey has been appointed market research and data manager. He was most recently employed as a marketing research analyst for Capitol Federal Savings in Kansas City. He holds a B.S. degree in business administration, with an emphasis in marketing, from the University of Kansas.
Since 1926, GCSAA has been the leading 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 20,000 individual 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. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
Contact:
Jeff Bollig
GCSAA Director of Communications
(800) 472-7878, ext. 4430
jbollig@gcsaa.org
