INDUSTRY NEWS
DR . CHASE STRAW Dr . Chase Straw joins Penn State as assistant professor of turfgrass soils and the director of the Center for Sports Surface Research . With a distinguished background in turfgrass management and physiology , Straw is a valuable addition to the team .
Straw earned his B . S . in Turfgrass Science from the University of Kentucky , followed by M . S . and Ph . D . degrees from the University of Georgia . His academic pursuits have been complemented by practical experience , including two years as a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Minnesota . In February 2020 , he began his role as an assistant professor of turfgrass management and physiology at Texas A & M University , where he served for nearly five years before joining Penn State in January 2025 .
At Penn State , Straw ’ s role includes a 40 % research , 40 % teaching and 20 % Extension appointment . His research focuses on technology-driven strategies to enhance the performance and sustainability of golf courses and sports fields . Additionally , he serves as the Academic Director on the Sports Field Management Association Board of Directors , further solidifying his leadership in the industry .
Straw ’ s vision for the Center for Sports Surface Research includes fostering innovation and collaboration with industry professionals to address the evolving challenges of sports surface management . He is dedicated to equipping students with cutting-edge knowledge and skills , preparing them to make meaningful contributions to the field .
Advanced Turf Solutions acquires assets of Atlantic Golf and Turf
Advanced Turf Solutions , Inc ., reached an agreement to acquire substantially all assets of Atlantic Golf and Turf . Advanced Turf Solutions welcomed the entire Atlantic Golf and Turf team of sales and support staff . The Atlantic Golf and Turf name will remain in use for a transitionary period of up to three years , ensuring continuity and a seamless experience for customers . Atlantic Golf and Turf has long been a trusted partner in the turfgrass industry , serving customers throughout the New England region with quality products and technical expertise . While the Atlantic Golf and Turf brand will eventually transition to Advanced Turf Solutions , its philanthropic foundation supporting cancer research , Atlantic Cares , will continue to operate as a legacy of the company ’ s commitment to community support .
“ This partnership enhances our ability to deliver exceptional service while maintaining the trusted relationships we ’ ve built over the years ,” said Scott Mackintosh , co-owner of Atlantic Golf and Turf . “ As an Advanced Turf Solutions company , our customers will have access to a broader product offering and the ability to walk in and pick up orders from seven Advanced Turf Solutions stores conveniently located throughout the Northeast . Additionally , my fellow Atlantic Golf and Turf co-owners and I are excited to join Advanced Turf Solutions as shareholders , which underscores our shared commitment to our team and our customers .”
“ We are thrilled to welcome Atlantic Golf and Turf to the Advanced Turf Solutions team ,” said Scott Brame , CEO of Advanced Turf Solutions . “ This acquisition represents a significant milestone in our company ’ s growth , and we are excited about the opportunities to better serve our customers in the Northeast . We are also proud to honor the legacy of Atlantic Cares and continue to support its cancer research initiatives on a bigger scale .”
This acquisition marks Advanced Turf Solutions ’ second major expansion in the Northeast , following completion of its transaction with Valley Green .
Chapter news : NE-SFMA announces new leaders
The New England Sports Field Management Association ( NE-SFMA ) introduced its new leaders during its annual meeting . The board of directors and trustees are as follows : President – Art Goodhind , Town of Natick , Mass . President-Elect – Ryan Bjorn , Gillette Stadium ,
Foxboro , Mass . Treasurer – Andrew Carlisle , CSM , Worcester
Technical H . S ., Worcester , Mass .
Past President – Chris McGinty , Parks Department , Framingham , Mass .
DIRECTORS Tom Barry , CSFM , Greens Farms Academy , Greens
Farms , Conn . Bryan Conant , Parks and Recreation , Nashua , N . H . Brendon Connor , Holy Cross , Worcester , Mass . Adam Ferrucci , Read Custom Soil , Wareham , Mass . Scott Lagana , Turf Products Corp ., Holden , Mass . Christopher Lilly , Blackstone Valley Regional Tech
Voc H . S ., Upton , Mass . Michael Malvoso , Park and Forestry , Needham , Mass . Scott Vose , Tom Irwin Advisors , Tyngsborough , Mass .
TRUSTEES Victoria Wallace , University of Connecticut ,
Storrs , Conn . Michael Lueders , MCA , MCLP , 30 West Street , LLC ,
Medfield , Mass . Edward Olsen , MCA , Parks and Forestry ,
Needham , Mass . sportsfieldmanagementonline . com February 2025 | SportsField Management
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