PROFILE
“ I want us to be an inclusive, future-focused association that not only meets the needs of today’ s members but also sets the standards for tomorrow’ s field managers.”
Paula Sliefert at FIFA field days
THE JOURNEY THUS FAR Sliefert grew up in rural Iowa, and went on to earn bachelor’ s degrees in both German and International Business from Simpson College in Indianola, Iowa. From there, she went to graduate school at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, where she earned a master ' s degree in German.
“ It was a two-year program; I spent the first year at the University of Salzburg in Austria, and the second year on campus in Ohio,” she said.
Sliefert did not originally intend to major in German, but Glenn Buhr, a professor at Simpson College ran a study abroad program that Sliefert says changed her life.
“ I spent a time in Schorndorf, Germany, lived with a guest family, and ended up with a degree in German from Simpson,” she said.“ That whole experience broadened my perspective on the world.”
Following college, Sliefert worked in the automotive aftermarket industry, first in customer service, then sales, then as a regional business manager, and eventually in marketing.
“ What I loved about the early part of my career is that I was exposed to the customer journey,” she said.“ I really appreciated that everybody is technically in sales; it ' s just how you market or package yourself.”
From there, Sliefert entered the manufacturing industry— and the green industry— at The Toro Company.
“ My career path has been a blend of strategic leadership, marketing and relationship-building roles— many of which intersected with the turfgrass and broader green industry,” said Sliefert.“ Over the years, I’ ve had the privilege of working with national brands, leading cross-functional teams, and contributing to initiatives that positively impact both the environment and the people who steward it.”
( From left) Adam Thoms, Ph. D.; Alpha Jones, CSFM; Sliefert; and Jeremy Driscoll, CSFM
sportsfieldmanagementonline. com July 2025 | SportsField Management
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