Melrose Leadership Academy will send 13 golf course superintendents to the 2019 Golf Industry Show
Program for GCSAA members based on financial need, volunteerism and desire to advance career
Thirteen members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have been chosen for the 2019 Melrose Leadership Academy, which includes a trip to the Golf Industry Show, Feb. 2-7 in San Diego.
The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA member superintendents. It is administered through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.
Academy members are chosen through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism and a drive to advance their careers. The new class will participate in networking and leadership activities, as well as attend a variety of education seminars.
“The Melrose Leadership Academy is an amazing opportunity and our friend Ken Melrose makes it possible,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Congratulations to the 13 winners whose professional development will be enriched by this experience.”
Melrose’s relationship with the golf industry is longstanding. He joined the Toro Co. in 1970 and quickly ascended the ranks of the company, culminating with his appointment as CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board of directors in 1987. He retired as CEO in 2005 and from the chairman position in 2006. That same year he formed Leading by Serving LLC, a new company whose mission is to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations.
The members of the 2019 Melrose Leadership Academy are:
- Dean R. Chase of Carnegie Abbey Club in Portsmouth, R.I.
- Benjamin P. Culclasure of Kilmarlic Golf Club in Powell’s Point, N.C.
- Jason Culver of Pine Acres Country Club in Bradford, Pa.
- Ryan R. Dykes of Camp Creek Golf Club in Panama City Beach, Fla.
- John D. Hardin of Oro Valley Country Club, Oro Valley, Ariz.
- Richard A. Lewis of Willowdale Golf Club in Scarborough, Maine
- Mitchell W. Miller of The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club in Sanibel, Fla.
- Manuel ‘Joe’ Oliveira of Green Valley Country Club in Portsmouth, R.I.
- Charles T. Passios, CGCS, of TGC at Sacconnesset in East Falmouth, Mass.
- Patrick Skinner of Brown Acres Golf Course in Chattanooga, Tenn.
- Douglas A. Vogel of Preakness Valley Golf Course in Wayne, N.J.
- Toby S. Young of Val Halla Golf Course in Cumberland, Maine
- Timothy J. Zurybida of Alverthorpe Park Golf in Jenkintown, Pa.
Note: Certified Golf Course Superintendent (CGCS) is GCSAA’s professional certification for golf course superintendents to be recognized at the highest level of achievement in golf course management.
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. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
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:
Angela Hartmann
Associate Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org