Steven Fisher selected to Advisory Council
Steven Fisher, chairman and CEO of Plaza Construction Corp., has joined The Environmental Institute for Golf’s Advisory Council. The Institute is the philanthropic organization of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
An avid golfer, noted philanthropist and industry leader in environmental design, Fisher makes a mutually beneficial addition to The Institute’s Advisory Council. The Advisory Council, headed by World Golf Hall of Fame member Greg Norman, provides guidance to The Institute’s board of trustees in the areas of outreach, fundraising and strategic planning. The members were selected to enhance The Institute’s ability to cultivate relationships with current and potential donors, as well as communicate the importance of the work conducted by The Institute.
“Steve is a solid addition to the Advisory Council and he brings a wealth of business acumen to the table,” Norman said. “We have fellow Institute trustee and Advisory Council member Rafael Martinez to thank for reaching out to Steve for us, who has a lifetime’s experience in philanthropy and environmental awareness. The Institute will gain a great deal from his involvement over the next few years.”
Fisher also serves as chairman of Terra Mark Development Co. and a partner in Fisher Brothers (along with his brothers Kenneth and Winston and their father Arnold). Fisher Brothers is the parent company of Plaza Construction Corp., which is based in New York, N.Y. Plaza has pledged a $100,000 donation to The Institute for research, education and environmental stewardship.
“I am excited about this opportunity to join The Environmental Institute for Golf’s Advisory Council,” said Fisher. “It is a nice fit because I share an interest in environmental stewardship with several parallels in best management practices, as well as a passion for golf.”
Less than a decade ago, when Plaza was the in-house construction department of Fisher Brothers, it had fewer than 50 employees and revenues of $40 million. Today, under Steven Fisher’s leadership, Plaza has become one of New York’s leading construction management and general contracting firms with revenues of more than $1.5 billion and employing more than 425 employees. He has been awarded the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, as well as the Outstanding Leadership Award presented by the Greater New York Construction Users Council. Fisher is a member of the board of governors of the Police Athletic League, vice president of the board of trustees of the Police Museum, and has chaired the Association to Benefit Children as well as The Salute to Freedom Dinners on board The Intrepid.
All of Plaza’s new developments employ the latest high-performance environmental designs and techniques available utilizing adaptable and sustainable high quality design. Green building design and construction includes all professionals in an integrated development process, from the design team (building owners, architects, engineers and consultants), construction team (materials manufactures, contractors and waste haulers), maintenance staff and building occupants. Collaborating as a team, all of these entities are designing, constructing and operating green buildings that reduce pollution, lower operating costs, enhance the building marketability, and potentially increases occupant productivity, and creates a more sustainable community. A green building, such as Riverhouse on Rockefeller Park, is constructed and designed to reduce energy and water consumption, enhance indoor air quality, utilize sustainable design and materials in its construction, and recycle construction waste, while monitoring and maintaining the efficiency and energy performance of the building’s systems.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is a collaborative effort of the environmental and golf communities, dedicated to strengthening the compatibility of golf with the natural environment. The Institute concentrates on delivering programs and services involving research, education and outreach that communicate the best management practices of environmental stewardship on the golf course. For more on The Institute, visit www.eifg.org.
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. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org.
The Environmental Institute for Golf’s Advisory Council:
* Gregg Breningmeyer, John Deere Golf director of sales and marketing
* Pete Dye, golf course architect
* Steven Fisher, Plaza Construction Corp. (New York) chairman and CEO
* John Foster, West Coast Turf president
* Sergio Garcia, PGA Tour professional
* Dana Garmany, Troon Golf chairman and CEO
* Edward Robert “Bobby” Ginn III, Ginn Resorts chairman and CEO
* Michael Happe, The Toro Co. managing director, commercial equipment business
* Jack R. Harrell Jr., Harrell’s Fertilizer CEO
* Herb Henkel, Ingersoll-Rand chairman, president and CEO
* Bill Jones III, Sea Island Co. chairman and CEO
* Paul C. Kanavos, Flag Luxury Properties, LLC chairman and CEO
* Bill Kubly, Landscapes Unlimited CEO
* Owen G. Larkin, Vineyard Golf Club (Edgartown, Mass.) president
* Rafael Martinez, Republic Capital Corp. president and Institute trustee
* Gary N. McClung, Midway Ford/Sterling Truck Center president and developer of Quintero Golf and Country Club (Peoria, Ariz.)
* Ken Melrose, president of Leading By Serving, LLC, retired chairman and CEO of The Toro Co., Institute vice chairman/treasurer
* Greg Norman, Advisory Council chairman, Institute trustee, Great White Shark Enterprises chairman and CEO
* David Pillsbury, president of PGA Tour Golf Course Properties and immediate past chairman of The Institute’s board of trustees
* Vijay Singh, PGA Tour professional
* Joe Steranka, PGA of America CEO
* Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World chairman
* Bob Wood, Nike Golf president, Institute chairman
* Weldon Wyatt, Sage Valley Golf Club (Graniteville, S.C.) founder and CEO
Contact:
Jeff Bollig, GCSAA director of communications
800-472-7878, ext. 4430 or jbollig@gcsaa.org
