San Francisco, CA- The Golf Course Superintendents Association of Northern California (GCSANC) is pleased to announce its newly elected board members and officers. Overseeing the GCSANC as president in 2013 is Class “A” Golf Course Superintendent Jon Christenson of Oakhurst CC (Clayton, CA). Christenson has been in the turf maintenance business for more than 27 years and recently served as GCSANC vice president. Prior to his involvement with the Northern California Chapter, Christenson held leadership positions within the Iowa Chapter of the GCSAA where he was also recognized for his distinguished service to the association and its members.
Gary Ingram, CGCS, of Metropolitan GL (Oakland, CA) and a leader with the Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative (OTEI), will serve as vice president of the association, while Brian Boyer of Cinnabar Hills GC (San Jose, CA) assumes the role as secretary-treasurer. Former Chapter President Rodney Muller of Empire Ranch GC (Folsom, CA) will complete the officer core serving as past president. Others currently serving on the board of directors include Jim Abate, Class “A” golf course superintendent at TPC Harding Park GC (San Francisco, CA), and Affiliate Director Jim Sherman, vice president with Turf & Industrial Equipment Company.
The newly-elected Northern California Chapter directors include: Jay Neunsinger, golf course superintendent at Tilden Park GC (Berkeley, CA) and Stacy Wallace, a Class “A” golf course superintendent at Stonetree GC (Novato, CA). In addition, Matt Kuchin, assistant golf course superintendent at San Jose CC (San Jose, CA) will serve as the board’s representative for assistants, and Dan Rogers, general manager with Jacobsen West, is the newly-elected affiliate director. Kyle Marshall, GCSANC superintendent member at Summitpointe GC (Milpitas, CA) completes the board governance as a recent appointee.
In addition to its new leadership team the GCSANC announces its most recent award recipients recognized for excellence in a variety of categories.
The GCSANC Turfgrass Excellence Award was presented to two individuals for their high level of achievement in upholding quality standards in turfgrass maintenance. The recipient for the GCSANC Turfgrass Excellence Award in the Public Category is George Young, a Class “A” golf course superintendent at San Jose Municipal GC (San Jose, CA). Young takes his work seriously at this extremely busy, well-maintained municipal course in Silicon Valley (owned by the City of San Jose and managed by Rawitser Golf) which provides affordable golf experiences for citizens 365 days a year.
In the Private Category, the Turfgrass Excellence Award was presented to Class “A” Golf Course Superintendent Ken Williams, CGCS, at Stanford University GC (Stanford, CA), a highly treasured course where he’s served as host to several premiere championships, collegiate and otherwise. In addition to his turf management responsibilities at the well-sustained campus course, Williams oversees the maintenance operation at the Siebel Varsity Golf Training Complex, touted as one of the best practice facilities in all of collegiate golf. A certified golf course superintendent, Williams gladly adds this honor to the Superintendent of the Year Award he received from the GCSANC earlier in his career.
Terry Grasso, CGCS, of Sequoyah Country Club (Oakland, CA) is the recipient of the George Santana Distinguished Service Award, presented for his long-standing commitment to the GCSANC and the turf care industry. A certified golf course superintendent, Grasso has more than 25 years as a member of the association. A former GCSANC Superintendent of the Year honoree, Grasso continues to provide keen mentoring support to his staff and colleagues, too. He is a supporter of the California Alliance for Golf and several community-based golf initiatives such as Sequoyah CC’s Youth Merit Scholarship program, The First Tee of Oakland and the NCGA Foundation.
Director of Agronomy David “Dave” Wilber, with Sierra Pacific Turf Supply, is recipient of the GCSANC Bert Graves Affiliate Merit Award, bestowed for his contributions to the betterment of the association. Wilber, who just completed his tenure as a GCSANC affiliate board member, is also a popular turf care industry blogger through TurfNet.com, and has been a longtime supporter of the Nor Cal Chapter, its members and programs.
The Golf Course Superintendent of the Year Award was bestowed upon Class “A” Golf Course Superintendent Rodney Muller at Empire Ranch GC, a public Club Corp-managed facility in Folsom, CA. Muller receives the top honor for his contributions to the betterment of the association and its members. He currently serves on the GCSANC board of directors and continues to find ways to improve programs and services for fellow golf course superintendents and affiliate members. Muller has served on several chapter committees including education, scholarship and research and has helped promoted industry initiatives important to the future of golf including the Saving of Sharp Park Golf Course.
The Northern California Chapter of the GCSAA is dedicated to serving its members, advancing their profession and enhancing the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. In its outreach efforts the association is a supporter of the California Alliance for Golf, California Turf & Landscape Foundation, Environmental Institute for Golf, Oakland Turfgrass Education Initiative, Play Golf America, Golf 2.0, and The First Tee. To learn more about the organization visit http://www.gcsanc.com/.
Contact:
Association Contact: Barbara Mikel | gcsanc@e-easi.net
Media Contact: Emmy | EmmyPGA@aol.com
