Adam Thoms, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Commercial Turfgrass and Extension Specialist in the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University, where he started in 2016. He oversees the sports turfgrass research at Iowa State and is the Turfgrass Extension Specialist for Iowa. In addition to research and Extension activities, Adam teaches two classes (Turfgrass Irrigation and Sports Turf Management), as well as serving as an advisor to the Iowa State Turf Club. He also is the advisor for many of the students in the turfgrass program. Adam is in charge of planning education for the Iowa State Turfgrass Field Day and helps with planning education for the Iowa Turfgrass Conference. Before coming to Iowa State University, Adam was the Research Leader for the Center for Athletic Field Safety. Adam has been active in the SFMA since 2005 and took part in the very first SFMA Student Challenge. He has served as the Technical Editor for SportsField Management Magazine and was on the Editorial Committee. He has served on several other committees over the years. Adam is active in the Iowa SFMA Chapter, serving on the Board of Directors as an Educational Advisor. Outside of work he enjoys time with his family, wife (Rachel) and two children (George and Greta).

VISION FOR SFMA

I want to see SFMA be the leader in education and information on playing surfaces. I also feel the SFMA must find some novel recruiting techniques to help with the shortage of labor for the industry. The SFMA should be a source that the media reaches out to when an event happens, and questions arise. We also need to build partnerships with leagues and other organizations to help improve the safety of athletic fields. I feel through education, publicity, and recruiting the SFMA can benefit athletic field managers now and into the future.

Alpha Jones, CSFM joined the team at Duke University in the fall of 2024. Prior to moving to Duke, he was the Director of Field Operations for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, Low – A affiliate of the Houston Astros. He has worked in the Turfgrass Industry for the past 20 years and 12 years before that in the landscape industry.

Alpha’s sports field management experience is very diverse. Fayetteville was his second time in the minor leagues, after several years with the Durham Bulls. Additionally, he was crew leader at WakeMed Soccer Park, Assistant Athletic Director of Athletic Facilities for Longwood University overseeing all outdoor athletic facilities and at the high school sports level with Durham Academy. He has volunteered his time to help renovate, maintain or consult on several local athletic fields.

A long-standing member of the Sports Field Management Association, the North Carolina and Virginia SFMA chapters, Alpha has served on the VSFMA Board of Directors, Conference Education and Tours Committee, Environmental Facility Certification Committee and currently serves as chairperson of the Learning Initiatives Committee.

Alpha earned his degree in Political Science, graduating Summa cum Laude in 2005 from North Carolina Central University. He achieved Certified Sports Field Manager status in 2020.

VISION FOR SFMA

I maintain my vision for the SFMA, which is to see the standards of professionalism, public awareness, and industry leadership, established by the great leaders who came before us, continue to grow successfully, increase the size of our membership, and become the recognized true standard and authority in the sports field management industry.

I believe we must play a vital role in creating a new and diverse interest in our Association and industry. As our society and education systems continue to adapt to the impacts of COVID-19, The SFMA is poised to be a key ingredient in establishing new and solid pathways for future sports field managers to follow within the education systems. We can and must establish new recruiting tools that attract the “technology dependent” generations, the person who is not sure of their future career choice, as well as former athletes who want better, safer, and aesthetically pleasing athletic facilities for their communities and schools. Focusing our outreach on the younger generations now will play a significant role in the vitality and longevity of our industry.

Matt Duncan, CSFM is currently a Professional Turf Account Manager for DLF consulting with customers and selling grass seed across the USA. Prior to joining DLF, Matt has worked 17 seasons as a Head Sports Field Manager in Minor League Baseball in Williamsport, PA- Niles, OH- and Akron, OH. He has also worked 16 years on the Grounds Crew for the Cleveland Browns. Matt was also a Turf Consultant for Central Farm and Garden, a turf distributor in Central Ohio. He has served on the Board of Directors for the Ohio SFMA chapter for 11 years and was awarded the Founders Award in 2016. He was awarded the Darian Daily Award through the Ohio Turfgrass Foundation in 2018 for his service to the turf industry.

He served on the SFMA Board of Directors in 2025 as the Commercial Director.

Matt has been a volunteer groundskeeper at the Little League World Series in his hometown of Williamsport, PA for the past 12 years, and has also volunteered for the ACC Baseball Tournament, AAA Minor-League All-Star Games in OH, KY, and NY, OHSAA Softball State Championship Tournaments, and MAC Conference NCAA Softball Championships as well as other athletic events both locally and nationally.

Matt studied Turfgrass Management at Penn State University where he also served on the Penn State World Campus Student Advisory Board and was awarded the 2023 For the Glory Award which goes to a student that most exemplifies Penn State’s values, tradition and Pride. He also completed the certificate in Sports Turfgrass Management program through the University of Georgia.

He lives in Youngstown, OH with his wife Kristen, daughter Haley, and son Connor who is looking to attend Ohio State University next fall and pursue a career in Turfgrass Science as well.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to help the association gain recognition as the leader and in the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to information on how to maintain safe and aesthetically pleasing athletic fields and green areas. This association has helped me in so many ways with information, networking opportunities and is such an important group with the knowledge and experience of its membership, and it is an honor to be part of the team to lead this association into the future. Being a positive voice for the Sports Turf Industry is such a passion of mine, I want to use that energy to help the group move forward.

Casey Carrick, CSFM is the Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Turf Management at the University of North Carolina. Casey has worked in collegiate athletics for almost 20 years, and he is responsible for overseeing 25 acres of athletic playing surfaces at UNC. He got his start in the sports field management industry in 2004 as a sophomore at NC State working with the grounds crew. After graduating in 2006 with a B.S. in Turfgrass Science, he worked full-time with the NC State grounds crew before taking the Associate Sports Turf Manager’s position at UNC in 2010. He was promoted to The Director of Athletic Grounds in 2015, and again to his current position in 2023.

Casey became a member of SFMA in 2013 and in 2014 earned his CSFM designation. During his time at The University of North Carolina, Kenan Stadium was awarded College Football Field of the year in 2018, and Dorrance field was awarded College Sporting Grounds of the year in 2021. Casey currently serves on the SAFE Board of Directors, the Southeast Regional Sports Field Management Conference Committee, and is a Past-President for the North Carolina SFMA.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision is for SFMA to be a resource for sports field managers at all levels and to help promote safe athletic playing surfaces for kids of all ages. SFMA has connected me with a multitude of great professionals in our industry and helped me grow throughout my career, and I want every sports field manager to have the same positive experience I’ve had.

Over the last 20 years, I’ve witnessed many changes in our industry – some positive, some negative. While I feel highly confident that we are currently headed in the right direction, I also feel strongly that improvements must still be made regarding salaries, work-life balance, and labor shortage issues. I would love to increase the focus on getting more young people into the industry at an earlier age through our outreach and high school/college curriculums. I am also passionate about shifting back to natural grass. As sports field managers, I believe we have not only the opportunity, but also an obligation, to use our platform with SFMA and SAFE to speak on and promote field safety.

Jason DeMink, CSFM has been with the University of Michigan Athletic Department for the past 15 years. He oversees the field maintenance of the baseball and softball complexes, as well as the practice football facilities. Jason and his team manage game day operations as well as the numerous practices and facility rentals. He has been involved with several field renovations of both natural and synthetic surfaces. Jason provides consultation services to local area high schools and colleges.

Prior to his career at the University of Michigan, Jason was the Assistant Groundskeeper for the Boston Red Sox. Jason is a graduate of the Sports and Commercial Turfgrass Program at Michigan State University and received his CSFM in 2013. Jason joined the STMA/SFMA in 2005 and has served on several committees.

Jason served his country in the US Navy and is a proud veteran. He is involved in volunteer activities including Folds of Honor golf outing, coaching youth baseball, and other community organizations. When not ensuring safe playing surfaces for University of Michigan athletes, Jason enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

VISION FOR SFMA

It is very important to me that the Sports Field Management Association is recognized as the worldwide leader in sports field management—setting the standard in every area, from athlete safety to cutting-edge technology. I envision SFMA being viewed on the same level as the Golf Course Superintendents Association, with equal respect and influence across the green industry.

I am dedicated to elevating the professionalism of our association so that sports field managers receive the compensation and recognition they deserve for their expertise. Additionally, I want to continue expanding the number of Certified Sports Field Managers within our organization, fostering mentorship, growth, and demonstrating to the world that we are the experts in our field.

We must also focus on promoting our industry at the high school level, showcasing sports field management as a rewarding and viable career path. By engaging students early, we can inspire the next generation of turf professionals and strengthen the future of our profession.

Zack Holm, CSFM, is the Turf Care Manager at the Central Park Conservancy in New York City. As Turf Care Manager he oversees 300+ acres of turfgrass including 26 baseball/softball fields, lawn bowling and croquet courts, as well as hundreds of acres of recreational lawns. The Park is visited by more than 42 million visitors each year and hosts numerous high-profile events for the City of New York such as concerts and the NYC marathon. Prior to Central Park, Zack was the Manager of Operations at the New York Red Bulls Training Facility in Whippany, NJ. During this time the Red Bulls won SFMA Professional Soccer Field of the Year twice for both the Training Facility and Red Bull Arena. Both of those facilities were one of the first facilities to be certified by the SFMA for environmentally responsible management.

Zack is a graduate of Delaware Valley University with a bachelor’s degree in Turfgrass Management. Over the past few years Zack has also earned master’s degrees in construction management and Sports Management from Southern New Hampshire University. In addition to the Red Bulls and Central Park, Zack also spent time in minor and major league baseball.

Zack has been an active member of STMA/SFMA for the past 15 years serving on various committees such as awards and environmental. Currently, he is Chair of the Advocacy Committee and Co-Chair of the Environmental Committee and served on the task force for SFMA’s Environmental BMP document. In addition, Zack is humbled and honored to be serving as the current President of the Sports Field Managers Association of New Jersey (SFMANJ).

A native of San Diego, Zack resides in Byram Township, New Jersey with his wife Cory and two children, Dimitrius and Cassandra.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to position our association as the premier leader in the sports field and green industries, advocating for the role of the sports field manager as an essential profession. SFMA should continue to be the go-to resource for information, environmental stewardship, and the latest technology, empowering our members to be recognized as experts in sports field management.

A critical component of this vision is forming partnerships with organizations like Parks and Recreation departments or coaching associations to establish SFMA as the standard-setter for athletic field best management practices. By fostering these relationships, we can help our members gain a “seat at the table,” allowing them to showcase their expertise and the value they bring to sports and community programs.

The upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026, and potentially the Women’s World Cup in 2027, offer unparalleled opportunities to highlight the expertise of sports field managers. By capitalizing on these global events, SFMA can elevate awareness of our profession, expand our reach, and help achieve long-term goals such as growing the industry and recruiting future sports turf managers from high school and collegiate programs.

If elected, I am excited to work alongside fellow members and the board to ensure SFMA leads the way in advocacy, education, and innovation, showcasing that “we are where the game begins”.

After 14.5 years working as a turfgrass manager at both the Division I and Division III collegiate levels, Weston transitioned into a Research Specialist role at Texas A&M in July 2020. In his current position, he is responsible for conducting and supporting applied turfgrass research, maintaining research plots, assisting with project reports, and mentoring both undergraduate and graduate students. This role has allowed him to blend practical, hands-on turfgrass management experience with academic research and teaching responsibilities.

Weston’s background provides him with a broad and well-rounded perspective of the turfgrass industry. Having worked directly in the field, he understands the daily challenges, expectations, and pressures that managers face. Now, through research and student development, he also recognizes the importance of innovation, education, and data-driven solutions to support the industry’s continued growth. This combination enables him to communicate effectively across both professional and academic communities.

As a board member, Weston is committed to helping strengthen the turfgrass industry by fostering collaboration, promoting practical research, and supporting professional development opportunities. He values the relationships that are built between turfgrass managers, educators, and researchers, and believes that strong communication among these groups is essential for continued progress. His goal is to educate, inspire, and work alongside fellow board members to help implement new ideas, apply findings gathered during the listing tour, and advance the goals of the association for the benefit of all members and the broader industry.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to support the new CEO and help bring her vision for the organization to life by building on our foundation and advancing our role within the broader sports and turf industries. As we are the leading organization in sports turf, we play a vital role in athlete safety, field performance, and environmental care. Showcasing the true value of turf managers is essential, and I want to help facilitate that image of our industry as the leaders. As the leading organization in sports turf, we play a vital role in athlete safety, field performance, and environmental stewardship. It’s essential to showcase the true value of turf managers, and I want to help promote our industry as a leader in the field. Through collaboration, research, and advancing technology, we can highlight our commitment to best management practices, sustainability, and education.

AJ Lindsey, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. He earned his B.S. from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, his M.S. from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and his Ph.D. from Iowa State University. Following his doctoral studies, he served as a postdoctoral research associate at Iowa State.

Dr. Lindsey’s research primarily focuses on turfgrass performance, sustainable and alternative management practices, and soil fertility and health. His work includes improving turfgrass performance through the use of foliar and soil amendments, optimizing nutrient use efficiency to reduce overall nutrient inputs, and developing sustainable turfgrass best management practices. He also studies ways to enhance soil health in turfgrass environments and investigates alternative, sustainable fertilizer sources to promote environmentally responsible management.

Dr. Lindsey’s extension program is dedicated to providing education, training, and support to the public and a wide range of stakeholders. Through collaboration with county extension faculty, his program delivers resources and guidance on turfgrass management practices that enhance turfgrass quality while reducing negative environmental impacts.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to continue to be the leaders for the industry and to grow the organization in terms of membership and recognition. SFMA sets the standards for athletic fields and is crucial for providing quality playing surfaces while minimizing environmental risks and increasing player safety. Furthermore, I believe that SFMA will continue to provide increased awareness and recognition of the professionalism of its members.

Ben Baumer, CSFM, is an Assistant Groundskeeper for the Chicago Bears at their training facility in Lake Forest, IL. With more than 16 years of experience in the sports turf industry, Ben also serves as Vice President of the Illinois Sports Field Managers Association.

Ben’s passion for turf management began in his hometown of Batesville, Indiana, where he grew up accompanying his father, the local Parks and Recreation Commissioner. He spent his early years caring for the same little league fields he would later play on. Ben joined SFMA as a college student in 2009 and has been an active member ever since, including being part of the 2012 SFMA Turf Bowl National Championship Team.

A 2012 graduate of Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree, Ben gained early hands-on experience working part-time with the Purdue Sports Turf Team. His career includes roles with the Indianapolis Indians, Brownsburg Community School Corporation, the Chicago Cubs, Northwestern University Athletics, and the Washington Redskins. Among his professional highlights are working the 2016 World Series and the 2021 Super Bowl.

Ben currently lives in Chicago’s West Loop. In his free time, he enjoys golfing, exploring the city, listening to The Pat McAfee Show, and spending time with his girlfriend Gina and their mini goldendoodle, Waffles (also known as Bubs).

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to strengthen the association as the central hub of support, education, and advocacy for all sports field managers whether they are maintaining high profile stadiums or local community sporting fields. Well maintained sports fields are more than just playing surfaces; they are in the foundation for safe competition, community engagement, and athlete development at every level. My vision for SFMA that I want to promote are strengthening member connections, broader industry recognition, workplace development, and continued encouragement of sustainable practices. SFMA is only as good as its membership so a key part to this is making stronger member connections through mentoring, networking, and additional knowledge sharing opportunities.

I envision expanding SFMA’s industry recognition by advocating for our profession’s value and highlighting the impact we have on safety, performance, and sustainability. Another part of this is working with other industry organizations such as GCSAA, PGMS, and NALP by highlighting the green industry and everything we all do. Building off that the SFMA needs to continue our workforce development by encouraging young people to pursue careers in turfgrass and providing pathways for continuing education and develop more certification. SFMA needs to continue to highlight how their members are applying sustainable practices by championing environmental stewardship and responsible resource management.

With a firsthand background in sports field operations, a commitment to professional development, and a belief in service leadership, I am ready to be a voice for our members and help shape the future of the association. I want to ensure that every member no matter their location, facility size, or years of experience-feels represented, supported, and empowered. Together, we can build on the legacy of the SFMA and ensure the next generation of sports field professionals are even more respected, connected, and prepared than the last.

With over 19 years of experience in turfgrass and landscape management, Eric has held leadership roles in golf course management, Minor League Baseball, and Division I and III university athletics. His career has been defined by driving culture change within grounds teams and organizations across Kentucky and Louisiana.

He currently serves as Advocacy Chair for SFMA and Vice President of the KYSFMA Chapter, and has contributed to multiple SFMA committees, including Field of the Year, Seminar on Wheels, and Editorial. Eric earned his Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) designation from PGMS in 2021 and his Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation in 2024.

Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Business Administration from Indiana Tech University and a Two-Year Turf Certificate from Rutgers University. He lives in Lexington, Kentucky, with his wife, Katie, and their three children Emma, Elyse, and Felix.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to continue the efforts in maximizing our reach globally. Sports Field Mangers are resourceful and are asked time and time again to make the almost impossible, possible. SFMA must continue reaching and educating the younger generation of Sports Field Managers/Green Industry Professionals. Continued establishment of programs at the K-12 level and continued partnerships with FFA and 4-H groups are promising ways to educate and advocate for our industry. Maintaining relationships with current industry professionals and passing on their institutional knowledge is vital for our future successes. We must find better ways to maximize educational opportunities (internships) for the next generation with the understanding that sports field management isn’t the only avenue you can pursue – this industry has endless opportunities and can take you wherever you challenge yourself to go. Continue SFMA’s efforts in partnering with other professional organizations (NALP, PGMS) and enhancing our relationships as a network of industry peers, willing to share and collaborate on items that will benefit all professional organizations.

Brad Finn joined the University of Houston Athletics Department in August 2020 where he serves as the Assistant Athletic Director of Grounds, Facilities and Events. He oversees all Houston Athletics grounds and facilities, including the annual budget for athletics and intramural fields, along with the maintenance contract for the department’s landscape.
In 2022, he and his team earned the Sports Field Management Association’s Soccer Field of the Year award.

Since April 2023, Finn has also worked with the Houston Astros as a part-time member of the gameday grounds crew.

Prior to Houston, Finn served as Director of Athletic Grounds at Rice (2018-20), Facilities Supervisor at Michigan (2017-18), Assistant Groundskeeper at Boston College (2015-17) and in Gameday and Field Operations with the New England Patriots and Revolution (2014-17).

An active member of the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA), Finn has served three terms as Texas Regional President (2022, 2023, 2025), Texas Regional Past President (2024) and Texas Region III Representative (2021).

Finn earned his bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management from University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 2015 and his master’s degree in leadership and administration from Boston College in 2017.

He and his wife, Madeline, live in Houston with their two dogs, Teddy and Mitts, and two cats, Chicken and Badger.

VISION FOR SFMA

Athletic Fields are an asset at all levels, whether it be player safety or organizational goals – we should always have someone there to advocate for our profession. SFMA should be setting the standards for safe, high-quality playing surfaces while advocating for the professionals who manage them. Like athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, and dietitians, field managers hold comparable certifications and expertise, however they are held in higher regard than field managers. We need to continue to advocate for better salaries, better resources and the professional respect our members deserve from players, coaches and owners. Our industry has made great progress, but there is still work to be done. We need to continue to raise the standards for current and future field managers.

Joe Hill is the Head Turf Manager for Iowa State University Athletics and oversee all surfaces and grounds for the Athletic Department. As a side hustle I also supervise the custodial department in all 18 of our athletic buildings. I have spent the last 24 years in and around the turf industry; 16 years in professional baseball, 3 years in collegiate athletics and 5 years on the golf side. I began my career with the Spokane Indians Baseball Club (Single A – Texas Rangers) and spent 5 years with them (4 years as Assistant, 1 year as Head Turf Manager). From there I went to The Club at Black Rock, an exclusive private golf course in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho as an Irrigation Tech before returning to baseball with the Boston Red Sox. I spent 1 season with the Red Sox then accepted an Assistant Turf Manager position with the Seattle Mariners for 3 years. Not tired of moving yet I accepted an Assistant Turf Manager role with the New York Mets and spent 2 seasons there before getting sent back to the minor leagues to the Reno Aces (Arizona Diamondbacks – Triple A) as Director of Field Operations. Baseball wasn’t filling up enough of the calendar in Reno, so we decided to add a USL Soccer team (Reno 1868FC – San Jose Earthquakes) to the stadium and field as well. After 5 years of Baseball and Soccer I somehow talked my way into the General Manager position with Ames Golf and Country Club in Ames, Iowa. At AGCC I managed all aspects of the business including the Golf Course, Pro-Shop, Restaurant, Kitchen, Pool, Staff and all business affairs revolving around the club. This led me to my current position at Iowa State University where my wife Kate is the Associate Head Softball Coach and we have two kids, Bowie and Crosby.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision reflects what our industry has become over the past 15-20 years. An ever-evolving model that continues to change from year to year. We are no longer just turf managers; our positions are much more than that. Budgets, people, sporting and non-sporting events and the businesses that are growing around our playing surfaces at an exponential rate. I would like to see the Turf Manager role continue to evolve in a position of strength and influence within their own teams and organizations and for the association and conference to follow suit.

Tim Howe, CPRP, CPSI, was recently named the Director of Parks and Recreation for the Village of Villa Park, Illinois. He has worked in the Parks and Recreation field for more than 20 years.

Prior to joining Villa Park, Tim served as the Director of Parks and Planning for the Buffalo Grove Park District, where he oversaw 19 full-time employees responsible for maintaining eight facilities and more than 400 acres of parkland. His oversight included management of over 20 baseball and softball fields, one football field, and more than 10 soccer fields.

Before his tenure in Buffalo Grove, Tim worked for the Streamwood Park District, where he was their Park Manager. He oversaw over the athletic field maintenance of over 30 acres and helped create an athletic field maintenance manual to help with operations and procedures.

Tim earned his B.A. in Sport Management from Lewis University and later returned to Lewis to complete his master’s in organizational leadership.

An SFMA member since 2008, Tim credits the organization with playing an instrumental role in his professional growth—providing invaluable networking opportunities and access to knowledge through its website and national conference. He served on the ILSTMA Board of Directors from 2013 to 2018 and has volunteered on numerous SFMA committees, including Membership, Chapter Relations, Education, and the Learning Initiative Committee.

Tim lives in Huntley, Illinois, with his wife, Jessica; their three energetic boys, Lyle (7), Vaughn (5), and Shea (3); and their dog, Tug. He is an avid baseball memorabilia collector and a devoted New York Mets fan.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision is to elevate the recognition and influence of sport turf managers by highlighting the critical role they play in athlete safety and field performance. Too often, the work of these professionals goes unnoticed, yet the quality of a playing surface can directly impact injury prevention, game integrity, and the overall experience for athletes at every level—from youth leagues to the professional stage. By promoting the expertise and standards of SFMA, we can educate youth organizations, collegiate programs, and professional leagues on the value of investing in skilled field managers. My goal is to position SFMA as the leading voice in sports field safety and performance.

To support this, I believe in harnessing emerging technology and data to make smarter, more efficient maintenance decisions. Tools such as moisture sensors, GPS-guided equipment, and AI-driven turf analysis can help sport turf managers better understand field conditions, anticipate issues, and reduce guesswork in field care. Using technology not only improves safety outcomes but also strengthens the professional credibility of our members.

Equally important is creating a stronger network among members. I want to expand opportunities for turf managers to connect, share best practices, and learn from each other across regions and sports. Whether through mentorship, regional meetups, or expanded digital platforms, increasing the sense of community within SFMA will empower professionals and grow the impact of our field. This is more than a job—it’s a profession that plays a vital role in the safety and success of every game played.

Tara Jordan has worked full-time for the City of Greenwood Village, Colorado, since 1996. She began as a seasonal employee, was hired full-time in 1998, and promoted to Parks Supervisor in 2000. Tara enjoys working outdoors and managing the variety of responsibilities involved in maintaining safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing athletic fields and parks.

Tara has been a member of the Colorado Sports Field Management Association (CSFMA) since 2000 and the SFMA since 2002. She has served on the CSFMA Board of Directors since 2021 and currently holds the position of Past President. In addition to her CSFMA leadership, Tara serves on the board of the Rocky Mountain Regional Turfgrass Association (RMRTA) and has been actively involved with the SFMA Chapter Relations Committee for the past two years. She has also volunteered for the Little League Softball World Series for two years in partnership with Women in Turf, supporting youth sports at a national level.

Tara holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts from Regis University, which has helped her build strong leadership, communication, and team management skills. With nearly 30 years of sports field management and municipal park experience, Tara is dedicated to advancing education within the field, promoting best practices, and supporting the ongoing growth and success of SFMA and its members nationwide.

VISION FOR SFMA

My vision for SFMA is to serve as a practical, inclusive, and forward-thinking resource for professionals responsible for maintaining safe, high-quality sports fields, especially those working in Parks and Recreation departments. As a Parks Supervisor, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges of managing fields that are open 24/7, often with limited staff and budgets, while balancing multiple responsibilities beyond field maintenance. These experiences fuel my commitment to helping Parks professionals succeed and provide solutions that are realistic, actionable, and effective.

I see an opportunity for SFMA to expand outreach to Parks Departments nationwide, sharing guidance on efficient field management that accounts for limited resources. This includes promoting creative problem-solving, such as collaborating with other crews, departments, or hiring contractors when necessary, and providing solutions to safely train seasonal staff quickly and effectively. Aligning SFMA’s curriculum with established Parks and Recreation certifications, such as Certified Landscape Technicians (CLT), and Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), would provide members with meaningful professional growth while elevating the credibility and visibility of field management within the broader Parks and Recreation community.

I am also motivated by innovation that improves efficiency and sustainability. The SFMA has the ability to continue providing information and opportunities for members to learn about new ideas and products, with the potential to enhance long-term operational efficiency.

Additionally, continuing to grow our profession and industry is at the forefront of my vision. Many are unaware that this career path exists, and SFMA can play a leading role in showcasing it as a rewarding, sustainable, and vital profession that blends science, creativity, and community impact.

Ultimately, my vision for SFMA is to empower all field managers, regardless of department size or resources, to deliver safe, well-maintained fields for their communities.