INDUSTRY INITIATIVES

By John Kmitta

The Sports Field Management Association ( SFMA ) launched a new mentorship program , developed and implemented by the SFMA Learning Initiatives Committee . According to SFMA Education Manager Jennifer McLendon , M . Ed ., an SFMA mentorship program has been discussed and desired for many years , and the 2023 Learning Initiatives Committee collaborated to make it a reality .

“ We are excited for this program to launch ,” said McLendon . “ To grow the industry and the turfgrass profession , several factors were discussed . The common theme that continued to resurface was the need for individuals to feel supported and encouraged to grow professionally and individually .”

McLendon added that there are many individuals within SFMA willing to serve as mentors , and now that the program has launched the hope is that many will see the value in becoming a mentee and will apply to the program . According to the Learning Initiatives Committee , the program will enhance knowledge and skill transfer among members , boost career development and advancement , develop meaningful and collaborative relationships within the industry , increase confidence and motivation for the mentee and bring awareness and solutions to difficult topics and situations that sports field managers encounter . Learning Initiatives Committee Chair Alpha Jones , CSFM , said the mentorship program provides a recognized , board-approved mechanism to connect SFMA members who have qualifications and subject matter expertise that closely match the needs of the mentee .

20 SportsField Management | February 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com