PROFILE
In addition to Simpson, Jones also shared a bit about the influence of Dr. Mike Goatley, Tim VanLoo, CSFM; Abby Mc- Neal, CSFM; Nick McKenna, CSFM; and Sarah Martin, CSFM.
“ Dr. Goatley didn’ t know me when I first got to Virginia, but he put himself out there and said,‘ Wherever you are, if you need my help, I’ ll make an effort to see you,’” said Jones.“ I was in a small town, Farmville, Virginia, and I reached out to him. It turned out he had a speaking engagement in a nearby town and he made an extra 30 minute drive to help me with a disease issue. That showed me that no matter the role of the member, give them your best effort, and make the time if you can. And when you do, be present for them. He made me really feel like I was the only person he was interested in at the time.”
Jones added that VanLoo encouraged him to take the CSFM exam.
“ I could always hear him hear in the back of my head telling me,‘ You can do this. Just take your time and you’ ll be fine.’ His encouragement got me through the CSFM and then helped me when it came to board service.”
McNeal’ s advice and consultation, McKenna’ s support and inspiration, and Martin’ s attention to others have all shown Jones that the goal as president is to leave the association and the industry better than you found it.
“ My vision for the SFMA is to see the standards of professionalism, public awareness, and industry leadership continue to grow successfully, and become the recognized true standard and authority in the sports field management industry,” Jones shared in his SFMA vision statement.“ 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.”
To that end, Jones urges members to connect with local schools, speak with children and young adults, deliver presentations to classes and engage in other similar efforts.
Jones knows that the year as SFMA president goes by fast, but he looks forward to working as a team to continue striving for higher levels of excellence.
“ We know the direction we want to go, and we are building momentum in that direction.”
John Kmitta is associate publisher and editorial brand director of SportsField Management magazine.
" We know the direction we want to go, and we are building momentum in that direction.”
sportsfieldmanagementonline. com February 2026 | SportsField Management
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