August is one of the busiest and most demanding months in sports field management. As fields carry the wear of a long summer, and fall sports quickly approach, preparation, adaptability and attention to detail are put to the test. While many of you are focused on your facilities, the SFMA Board of Directors has been focused on preparing the association for the future.

Over the past several months, the board has devoted significant time to redeveloping SFMA’ s strategic plan. Our goal is to ensure the association continues to meet the evolving needs of today’ s sports field managers. Discussions have centered on enhancing member experience, developing stronger resources and educational opportunities, and strengthening connectivity with our local chapters. I am encouraged by the collaboration and momentum surrounding this effort, and I look forward to sharing more as we continue building an even stronger association.

As we celebrate the success of members who played a role in preparing fields for FIFA World Cup 26, we are reminded that every great competition

begins with exceptional playing surfaces and the professionals who prepare them. Their dedication and expertise showcase the global impact of sports field management.

While the board plans for the future, many of you are living one of the most challenging times of the year. Summer stress, preseason preparations, championship events, staffing challenges, unpredictable weather, and expectations all converge in August. These moments showcase the professionalism, resilience, and expertise that define sports field managers.

OFFICERS President: Alpha Jones, CSFM

I was recently reminded that our impact extends far beyond the fields we maintain. A young woman I coached in softball more than 15 years ago announced that she had accepted a position with a local television station. Watching her begin this new chapter brought back memories of lessons learned on the field— preparation, accountability, teamwork, perseverance, and composure under pressure.

Those same lessons are demonstrated every day by sports field managers. Many of us may never know the full impact our work has on the athletes who compete on our fields. Yet every safe surface, well-prepared venue, and every example of professionalism contributes to something much greater than the game itself. We aren’ t just preparing fields, we are building the future and leaving a legacy.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to excellence.

Immediate Past President: Adam Thoms, Ph. D. President Elect: Casey Carrick, CSFM Secretary / Treasurer: Jason DeMink, CSFM Vice President Commercial: Matthew Duncan, CSFM

DIRECTORS Academic: Weston Floyd, CSFM At-Large( elected): Ben Baumer, CSFM At-Large( appointed): Eric Harshman, CSFM, CGM, SSC Commercial: Adam Russell, LEED AP Higher Education: Joe Hill Parks & Recreation: Tara Jordan Professional Facilities: Mitch Hooten Schools K-12: Jake Mays, CSFM

SFMA OFFICE P. O. Box 1673 Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 800-323-3875 Email: SFMAInfo @ SportsFieldManagement. org www. sportsfieldmanagement. org

— Alpha Jones, CSFM