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

This edition of SportsField Management is our second annual Rising Star Awards issue , and I couldn ’ t be prouder of the program we have built . But it ’ s not about the awards program itself — it ’ s about the people .

Last year ’ s inaugural class was amazing . I enjoyed getting to know the winners through the interview process and by meeting them at the SFMA Conference . And , once again , with the help of SFMA , we have identified an amazing class of Rising Stars .

In recent months I have had the opportunity to speak with all of this year ’ s winners and learn more about them . While those conversations are but a brief glimpse into their personalities and their careers , it was clear why their peers nominated them — and selected them — as stars on the rise .

All of this year ’ s winners have already accomplished a lot in their young careers . They have improved their organizations , helped advance the profession , demonstrated strong leadership skills , and bettered their communities . Most of all , these Rising Stars have put others first .

They have volunteered their time to help other sports field managers with major events , supported their superiors to create better work / life balance , helped revitalize and grow their local SFMA chapters , served as mentors to others , created opportunities for young people , performed charitable works and much more .

When I ask people their favorite part of the job , the most common response I get is the support and camaraderie among those within the profession . That is why I try to stress to our Rising Star winners that these awards are a sign of the impact they have had on others . That their peers took the time to nominate them says a lot about these up-and-coming industry leaders .

With that in mind , please consider nominating a Rising Star in this industry who has had an impact on you . We will soon be accepting nominations for the 2025 Rising Star awards . And remember , nominees don ’ t have to be under the age of 40 . I ’ m sure there are plenty of deserving stars out there over the age of 40 who have come to sports field management as a career within the past decade . So , please take some time and share their story .

My thanks to all those who nominated someone for this year ’ s awards . If the person you nominated wasn ’ t selected as a winner this year , please nominate them again in 2025 . I also want to thank the SFMA members who reviewed the nominations for their insight and expertise . And special thanks to STEC Equipment for sponsoring the Rising Star Awards — your support makes programs like this possible .

Congratulations once again to all of this year ’ s winners . You are an example to others , and your efforts are truly deserving of this recognition . SFM

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SportsField Management | October 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com