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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
Adam Russell, LEED AP, is Vice President of MVP Genetics and resides in Cumming, Georgia, where he leads the company in all facets of vegetative turfgrass research, development, and licensing. An alumnus of the University of Georgia’s College of Environment + Design, Adam has previously worked on all facets of sports turf design, management (Statesboro-Bulloch County Parks & Recreation), and construction for over 20 years.
Adam is actively involved with SFMA, serving on the Commercial Advisory Council Committee and Field of the Year Committee, with previous service as GASFMA Chapter Commercial Chair, At Large Board Member, and Southeast Sports Field Management Conference Education Committee member. His broader industry service includes roles as Secretary-Treasurer for Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) and Past President of the Alliance for Low-Input Sustainable Turfgrass (A-LIST).
SFMA was founded on the sharing of ideas and strengthening the professional standing of sports field managers. My vision is tripartite: advance the education of our membership, advocate for our industry through lobbying and public outreach, and aggressively market recruitment efforts of younger and more diverse groups of people. In totality, the vision expands the association’s standing with the general public and accelerates the return on the number of educated, highly talented members within the organization
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
A native of Newport, MI, Hooten recently completed his eighth season as the Head Groundskeeper for the West Michigan Whitecaps in 2023. He was named the 2019 and 2021 Midwest League Groundskeeper of the Year. Hooten was also named as the 2019 Single-A Groundskeeper of the Year during the winter meetings in San Diego, CA (Winter 2019).
Before joining the Whitecaps in 2017, Hooten graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Agronomy with an emphasis in Golf and Sports Turf Management. While attending school he interned for the Toledo Mudhens and the Detroit Tigers. Upon graduating he went on to work for the Nashville Sounds, and the Kannapolis Intimidators. In 2016 he became the Head Groundskeeper for the Beloit Snappers, now the Beloit Sky Carp of the Midwest League.
While being the Head Groundskeeper of the Whitecaps, Hooten is currently the President of the Michigan Sports Field Managers Association and is also on the Board of Directors for the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation representing Sports and Institutional Turf. In his spare time, he likes to spend time with his wife Emily, and daughters Maddy, Charlee, and Hayden.
Vision to come.
Jake Mays, CSFM, has been the Grounds and Athletic Fields Manager at the Westminster Schools since 2022. He oversees 200 acres of campus grounds and 12 acres of athletic fields. Growing up as an only child with two parents that were high school head coaches, his passion for sports field maintenance came at an early age. Jake attended Virginia Tech and earned his B.S. in Turfgrass Management in 2019, gaining valuable experience with the Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, and Seattle Seahawks during his ungraduated years. Post graduation he jumped right into the industry as the Head Groundskeeper with the Fredericksburg Nationals and also spending time in the construction side with Nolan Thomas & Company.
A member of SFMA since 2017, Jake has tried to take advantage of every opportunity available to learn and grow from many industry professionals. Jake has been involved with the GASFMA since 2023 when he was appointed as the representative for K-12 schools in GA. He also serves on the education committee and conference committee for the Southeast Regional Sports Field Management Conference.
He resides in Atlanta, Georgia with his fiancé Baillie, and their dog Turf. Jake has a passion working with the younger generation of sports field managers as his goal is to develop kids like him to be the next leaders of the industry. Those who have influenced him have played a major part in the sports field manager he has become.
My vision for SFMA is to continue being the educational leader in the promotion of safe athletic playing surfaces for all levels. At the K-12 level, many decisions rely on athletic directors or school officials to make decisions on field safety and maintenance. With the amount of knowledge that SFMA provides, sharing our tips and knowledge outside of the sports field manager is a need. Sports field managers need to have a seat at the table when decisions are being made and, in many cases, the professionals opinion gets lost. I have been very fortunate to become a part of this community early on in my career and have gained more and more of a passion for it each year. Continued success of SFMA mission is vital to our industry with educational resources and shaping the next generation of sports field managers. By continuing the educational push to all levels and groups with SFMA’s platform, we can secure the future for sports field excellence for years to come. I would be honored to serve our membership and the board of directors.
