Officers

President : Sun Roesslein , CSFM

Immediate Past President : James Bergdoll , CSFM , CPRP

President Elect : Nick McKenna , CSFM

Secretary-Treasurer : Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Vice President Commercial : Paula Sliefert

Directors

Academic : Chase Straw , Ph . D .

At-Large ( elected ): Ryan DeMay , CSFM

At-Large ( appointed ): Zachary Holm , CSFM

Commercial : Erin Boyd Wilder

Higher Education : Jason DeMink , CSFM

Parks and Recreation : Jason Bowers , CSFM

Professional Facilities : Alpha Jones , CSFM

Schools K-12 : Jeremy Driscoll , CSFM

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

SFMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Co-chairs : Brad Thedens , CSFM and Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Members : T . J . Brewer , CSFM ; Joe Churchill ; Charles Fontanier , Ph . D .; Eric Harshman ; Forrest Jammer ; Cody McKee ; Kieran O ’ Donnell ; Kelly Rensel , CSFM ; Eric Roberts , CSFM ; Chase Straw , Ph . D .; Adam Webb .

2023 ? Where did that come from ? Happy New Year , SFMA members ! As I write this , I am preparing to head to Salt Lake City , Utah , for our 34th Annual Conference and Exhibition . As usual , my excitement to attend our profession ’ s “ family reunion ” is growing as it gets closer .

I am a big fan of music , and often find particular songs hit the spot to align with events that are happening . The SFMA conference makes me think of a few lyrics from “ Crowded Table ” by The Highwomen :

“ If we want a garden , we ’ re gonna have to sow the seed .”

It reminds me that while we literally plant grass seeds , on a larger picture , big goals start with a small step . Where we want to grow as an association starts with a strong foundation . Strengthening and better supporting our chapter network is a key focus moving forward as we begin to implement our strategic plan .

“ I want a house with a crowded table and a place by the fire for everyone .”

Having the opportunity to connect with industry peers and grow our networks will help us each succeed . Friends with different experiences , knowledge and viewpoints to bounce ideas off can help when we need it most . There is strength in building your crowded table . From an association standpoint , a crowded table means expanding our membership , which will strengthen our association in many ways .

Looking forward into 2023 , I am thrilled about working closely with Laura Simmons as our new CEO and the SFMA Board of Directors to begin work on the detailed strategic plan . We will work hard , planting the seeds to grow the respect for our profession , spark the passion in emerging professionals , and encourage diverse membership growth .

There is a strong plan in place , and we have a great team to put in the work . Our headquarters staff is absolutely amazing ; continually making the magic happen behind the scenes . The volunteer commitment of our members is inspiring – the number of hours donated from all the committee members and the board of directors must be in the thousands ! All to make this association stronger and

help achieve the goals of SFMA . In 2022 our rebrand gave us a new name and a new logo . Now that we have our new CEO , the future is wide open for what we can all accomplish together . I strongly encourage you to jump in ! Consider getting involved to help shape what this association can do to benefit our members and have a positive impact on our profession . Committee sign up will open soon . I hope to see you at the table . SFM

Sun Roesslein , CSFM

Sun Roesslein , CSFM SFMA President Sun . Roesslein @ jeffco . k12 . co . us sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2023 | SportsField Management

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