John Kmitta Associate Publisher / Editorial Brand Director jkmitta @ epgacceleration . com 763-383-4405

In late 2022 , we began planning for an awards program that would be presented by SportsField Management magazine . Our parent company , EPG Brand Acceleration , had already garnered success in other markets with awards programs recognizing young industry leaders . ( For those who aren ’ t aware , SportsField Management is a production of EPG Brand Acceleration , which has publications and media assets in a range of other markets .)

In our other markets , the awards programs have grown over the years to become successful “ 40 Under 40 ” lists , and we knew we wanted to do something similar with SportsField Management magazine . However , in order to allow more flexibility with the program , we didn ’ t want to put a number on the total awards recipients per year . Also , as sports field management is an industry that some pursue later in life as a second career , we didn ’ t want to limit nominees to those under the age of 40 ( professionals could also be nominated if they have been in the industry for fewer than 10 years ). As such , the Rising Star Awards program was born .

In addition , because our readership extends well beyond SFMA membership — and where this is a magazine initiative ( not an SFMA award ) — we also wanted to open up the awards to our entire readership ( non-members included ).

Side note : As plans were already in the works for the Rising Star Awards , we heard from multiple readers who suggested we create some sort of recognition in the magazine for young professionals . So , our timing couldn ’ t have been better .

Nominations were submitted from throughout the industry in early 2023 , and we began reviewing all nominations with help and feedback from several members of the industry .

Once the inaugural class of Rising Star winners was determined , I notified the winners and began interviewing them .

With each of those conversations , I came away knowing that we made the right choices for this initial group of Rising Stars . Yes , their credentials and accomplishments speak volumes , but it transcends that . These are really good people , and they are all making a difference in the sports field management profession . I am confident that their impact will be felt for years to come .

My thanks to each of the Rising Star winners for sharing their stories . I hope that our profile articles in the coming pages do them justice .

And if you know someone who is not on this year ’ s list but who is a Rising Star in their own right , please keep an eye out for the 2024 Rising Star nomination form , coming soon . SFM

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SportsField Management ( ISSN PENDING ) ( USPS 000-292 ) ( Reg . U . S . Pat . & T . M . Off .) is published monthly by EPG Brand Acceleration at PO Box 96 , Port Jervis , NY 12771 .

Postmaster : Send address changes to SportsField Management , PO Box 96 , Port Jervis , NY 12771-0096 . For subscription information and requests , call Subscription Services at ( 763 ) 383-4492 . Subscription rates : 1 year , $ 52 US & Poss .; All subscriptions are payable in advance in US funds .

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SportsField Management | October 2023 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com