Former Tennessee association executive and golf course superintendent tapped to lead membership initiatives for national association
Lawrence, Kan. (July 26, 2016) – Shelia Finney, the former executive director of the Tennessee Golf Course Superintendents Association (TGCSA) and golf course superintendent at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville for more than 20 years, has been named senior director, member programs, at the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).
Finney will oversee four key programmatic areas in membership programs, chapter services, professional development and environmental programs for the national association, which represents 17,500 members in 72 countries. In addition to serving current members, she will be responsible for the development and implementation of growth and retention strategies of new members.
“I believe everything I’ve done in my career up until now has prepared me for this opportunity,” said Finney, who will begin her new position Aug. 22. “I was successful as a superintendent because of GCSAA, and I am excited to now play an integral part of this association that means so much to me.”
A 28-year GCSAA member who has served on numerous committees and task groups at both the state and national levels, Finney successfully increased revenue and member participation during her tenure as TGCSA executive director. She also increased membership in TGCSA by more than 30 percent and introduced new revenue streams for the association.
“This is an exciting time for GCSAA and Shelia brings a unique mix of qualities to this highly impactful position,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA’s chief executive officer. “Shelia has demonstrated an ability to drive membership growth and value, and she understands the role of a superintendent at a golf facility. This position, which demonstrates our continual commitment to serve our members, aligns well with her experience and skill set and we look forward to benefitting from her energy and expertise.”
Prior to her position as TGCSA executive director, Finney was the head golf course superintendent at Gaylord Springs from 1994 to 2015. She began her career as the assistant there from 1990 to 1994.
During her tenure at Gaylord Springs, Finney was responsible for overseeing major course renovations and course preparations for hosting the Bell South Classic on the PGA Champions Tour for 10 years.
Finney has served on the board of directors for the TGCSA from 2009 to 2015 and on the board of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association from 2007 to 2015. She was executive director of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association from 2015 to 2016.
About GCSAA and the EIFG
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to nearly 18,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’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 or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
The Environmental Institute for Golf is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to foster sustainability through research, awareness, education, programs and scholarships for the benefit of golf course management professionals, golf facilities and the game. Visit EIFG at www.eifg.org. or find us on Facebook or Twitter.
Contact:
Craig Smith, Director, Communications and Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 4431 or 785-691-9197 (cell)
csmith@gcsaa.org
