SportsField Management March 2021 | Page 29

PROFILE
How has STMA benefitted you , and what is your advice to other sports field managers when it comes to the importance of service to , and involvement in , the industry ?
Cook : The STMA has come a long way since I was on the board , and the leadership has been incredible . I ’ m especially proud of how Past President Jimmy Simpson and the STMA staff guided us through the pandemic . Over the years , having a unified voice throughout the association was key toward building our members a more professional platform . When I started on the board as a professional member , there were a handful of chapters , and the association was struggling financially . Hats off to past board members like Rich Moffit , Greg Petry , Mike Schiller and all the STMA leadership that helped build a nest egg for the future of our association . Another tip of the hat to Abby McNeil , who leads our International Committee , as she guides us toward developing programs and relationships with other organizations around the world .
SFM : What are the keys to getting today ’ s youth interested in careers in sports field management , and what is your message to the next generation of sports field managers ?
Cook : In my travels , I have seen how cultures approach sports field management differently . For example , in other countries , children are often encouraged to help with simple field maintenance in a fun and sharing way . Many schools are creating more courses in high school and colleges where our youth can be exposed to educational and trade opportunities . The continued development of these initiatives will provide more options for our sports field managers of tomorrow to develop and be successful . I ’ ve learned that you are only as good as the people you have working with you . I have been blessed to have some great team members over the years , and have had the honor to learn and work with outstanding crews around the world . My advice to the next generation : Make a plan , stick with it , and if you make a mistake learn from it , own it and move forward .
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