PROFILE

By Cecilia Johnson

As Executive Director of Turfgrass Producers International ( TPI ), Casey Reynolds , Ph . D ., leads an association that has been the cornerstone of the turfgrass production industry for nearly 60 years . With a focus on education , advocacy and resource development , Reynolds ensures that TPI supports sod farmers , equipment manufacturers and industry professionals worldwide while promoting the environmental and economic benefits of natural grass .

Reynolds ’ passion for agriculture began in high school while working on a strawberry farm . Internships on golf courses and sports field projects led him to study turfgrass at North Carolina State University ’ s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences , earning bachelor ’ s and master ’ s degrees . He then launched a landscaping company , handling yard spraying , lawn mowing and sod installation for five years before returning to NC State to complete his Ph . D . in 2013 .

Reynolds ’ passion for education and research — along with advice from mentors — made pursuing a Ph . D . a natural fit .

“ After 13 years at NC State University , I move to College Station , Texas , in 2013 where I served as a statewide turfgrass extension specialist and faculty member in the Soil and Crop Sciences Department at Texas A & M University .”

The experience of being a faculty member helped Reynolds develop many of the skills necessary to running a non-profit . “ You have to raise funds , create programs and publications that have value to the industry , and build relationships to become a trusted source of guidance ,” he said .

His time in the Lonestar State also offered him new perspectives on farming . “ Texas is so large and I enjoyed the diversity and prominence of farming ,” he added . “ It ’ s something that kind of drew me to TPI — I ’ ve always really enjoyed working with farmers .”

Casey Reynolds , Ph . D . All photos provided by Sod Solutions and Turfgrass Producers International

TURFGRASS PRODUCERS INTERNATIONAL In 2016 , industry colleagues encouraged Reynolds to apply for the executive director role at TPI . During his 2017 interview with TPI ’ s board in Tucson , Reynolds was excited to learn that many familiar faces he knew in sod production were already members of TPI .

“ It really was a natural fit ,” said Reynolds . “ Working with farmers is something I have always enjoyed ; and to have a chance to serve them full-time inspired me to pursue the position .”

TPI hosts and participates in large conferences and meetings around the world , planned several years in advance . Reynolds emphasized the importance of TPI ’ s conferences , which bring members together to share knowledge , explore the latest technology and reconnect with colleagues . “ One of the things our members routinely tell us is that they have built relationships at TPI conferences that lasts a lifetime ,” he said .

22 SportsField Management | January 2025 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com