Officers

President : Sun Roesslein , CSFM

President Elect : Adam Thoms , Ph . D .

Secretary-Treasurer : Alpha Jones , CSFM

Vice President Commercial : Erin Boyd Wilder

Directors

Academic : Chase Straw , Ph . D .

At-Large ( elected ): Kyle Patterson

At-Large ( appointed ): Lee Van Meeteren

Commercial : Warren Gorrowitz

Higher Education : Casey Carrick , CSFM

Parks and Recreation : Zack Holm , CSFM

Professional Facilities : Dan Farnes

Schools K-12 : Jeremy Driscoll , CSFM

SFMA OFFICE P . O . Box 1673 Lawrence , KS 66044 Phone : 800-323-3875 Email : SFMAInfo @ SportsFieldManagement . org www . sportsfieldmanagement . org

SFMA EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Chair : Brad Thedens , CSFM Vice Chair : TJ Brewer , CSFM Board Liaison : Chase Straw , Ph . D . Members : Matthew Arms , CSFM ; Joe Churchill ; Cliff Driver , CSFM ; Kate Garassino ; Rebecca Knapp , CSFM ; and Tony Koski .

Editor ’ s note : Throughout 2024 , members of the SFMA Board of Directors will be providing editorial content in lieu of the President ’ s Message by Sun Roesslein , CSFM . These diverse perspectives will offer additional and unique insight into SFMA and industry initiatives . This month ’ s column was written by SFMA Vice President – Commercial , Erin Wilder , executive director of business and professional development at Sod Solutions Professionals .

As we embrace the warmth of the summer , realizing the year is halfway over , I find myself filled with anticipation for our upcoming gathering in sunny California ! Conference season seems so far away , yet it will be here before we know it . It is a special time to make new connections and renew our relationships as a community . This is a part of our industry I cherish .

During our spring board meeting , we reviewed the outcomes from the 2024 conference and exhibition . As we plan for future events , we are keenly focused on your feedback . We are committed to incorporating your suggestions to enhance the quality and value of our conferences — and the association as a whole — in the years ahead .

Recognition of the expertise of sports field managers is a core value of our association , and we aim to foster an environment where every member feels heard and valued .

I deeply value the partnership between our commercial suppliers and sports field managers , as it facilitates improvements that benefit us all . Sports field managers provide essential feedback that helps shape the industry . And the commitment of commercial members goes beyond financial support , and contributes significantly to our association ’ s vitality and the industry ’ s innovation . I am grateful for the contributions of each member and supplier to making the industry the best it can be . Collaboration enhances the quality and effectiveness of our tools and services and makes our collective efforts more impactful .

I also enjoy seeing women join the turf side of our industry , bringing new perspectives that enrich our community and expand our approach to sports field management .

As we enter the second half of the year , I encourage you to review your vision for 2024 and prepare for an even better year ahead . I ask you to join us in Palm Springs in 2025 to advance our industry . Each conference offers a fresh opportunity

to connect with new colleagues , renew longstanding friendships and enrich our community . The conference is not just a meeting , it is a vibrant forum for exchanging ideas , strengthening bonds , and developing better playing surfaces for our athletes .

Erin Wilder Vice President - Commercial ewilder @ sodsolutions . com

Thank you to every SFMA member for your passion and dedication to this profession . Your commitment to excellence drives our industry forward and shapes a future that is innovative and inclusive . I look forward to seeing many of you in the coming months or in California next January . SFM sportsfieldmanagementonline . com June 2024 | SportsField Management

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