SFMA IN ACTION

SFMA CEO, Paula Sliefert, M. A., on August 18 issued the following letter to SFMA members regarding organizational realignment of SFMA:

Dear SFMA Members, Throughout the past year, the SFMA Board of Directors and staff have been engaged in an extensive strategic planning process focused on one question:

How do we best position SFMA to serve our members and the sports field management profession for the next decade?

Following the anticipated approval of SFMA’ s new Strategic Plan by the Board of Directors in September, we are taking the next step in aligning our organization with that vision.

To support the priorities outlined in the Strategic Plan, SFMA Headquarters will transition to a new organizational structure designed to better serve our members, strengthen operational excellence, and position the association for sustainable growth.

Our organizational structure will consist of five key leadership roles: Chief Executive Officer— Vision, governance, advocacy, industry leadership, and SAFE Director of Operations & Finance— Organizational excellence and financial stewardship, revenue development and partnerships Director of Growth & Engagement— Membership growth and member engagement Senior Manager of Education & Events— Professional development and conference excellence Manager / Coordinator of Member Services & Administration— Member support and operational coordination across all departments

Today, these positions are represented by: Paula Sliefert— Chief Executive Officer Leah Craig— Director of Growth & Engagement Jennifer McLendon— Senior Manager of Education & Events To complete this transition, SFMA will immediately begin recruiting for two new positions: Director of Operations & Finance Manager / Coordinator of Member Services & Administration These additions represent an investment in our future and in our members. By strengthening our internal capacity, we will be better positioned to deliver on the priorities identified in our Strategic Plan, including: Providing faster, more responsive service to members and chapters. Delivering exceptional educational programs and conference experiences. Expanding professional development and certification opportunities. Growing membership while increasing engagement and volunteer participation. Building stronger partnerships and diversified revenue to support member programs. Strengthening financial stewardship and operational excellence. Increasing advocacy for the sports field management profession. Creating an organizational structure that is sustainable for years to come. Organizational change is never easy, but it is often necessary to ensure an association remains strong, relevant, and prepared for the future. Every successful organization reaches moments where it must evolve to meet the changing needs of its members and industry. This is one of those moments for SFMA.

We also want to recognize and sincerely thank the individuals who have served SFMA throughout the years. Their dedication, commitment, and countless contributions have helped build the strong foundation on which we continue to grow. We are grateful for their service and the lasting impact they have made on our association.

As with any transition, there will be a period of adjustment while we recruit outstanding professionals to join our team. During this time, we respectfully ask for your patience, understanding, and grace as we work to build an organization that is even better equipped to serve you.

Our commitment to our members remains unchanged. We will continue delivering high-quality education, meaningful member engagement, industry advocacy, certification, chapter support, and exceptional events while strengthening the infrastructure that supports everything we do.

We firmly believe these changes will position SFMA to serve you better— not just next year, but for many years to come. We are excited about what lies ahead and look forward to building the next chapter of SFMA together. Thank you for your continued confidence, engagement, and support of your association. – Paula Sliefert, M. A.- Chief Executive Officer

The application period for SFMA’ s prestigious Field of the Year program is now open! Begin your application today and take the first step toward earning one of the most recognized honors in the sports field management industry. New Application Process This year, SFMA has streamlined the process by moving the Field of the Year applications into its new membership system. Applicants will need to log into the Member Portal and access the application under the Awards & Scholarships tab.

Awards are presented in three facility categories: Schools and Parks Colleges and Universities Facilities used by Professional Athletes Within these categories, five sports are recognized: baseball, football, softball, soccer, and sporting grounds( a broad category that includes non-mainstream sports such as lacrosse and rugby). Deadline and Recognition The application deadline is October 15, 2026, with winners notified in November. Winners receive an award, recognition at the SFMA annual Awards Banquet and in SportsField Management magazine; up to three nights of hotel accommodations at the SFMA Annual Conference & Exhibition in Tampa, Florida, February 1-4, 2027; media publicity; and signature clothing.

Celebrate your achievements and showcase the excellence of your field management team— apply today!

Every profession has individuals whose leadership, service, innovation and commitment leave a lasting impact. The Sports Field Management Association( SFMA) Founders Awards recognize those individuals and celebrate the legacy they continue to build within sports field management Nominations are now open through October 15.

The SFMA Founders Awards include four prestigious honors: Dick Ericson Award— Recognizes excellence in sports field and facility management and outstanding leadership. Dr. William H. Daniel Award— Honors significant contributions through research, education, or extension. George Toma Golden Rake Award— Celebrates exceptional dedication, teamwork, community service, and going“ above and beyond.” Harry C. Gill Award— Recognizes distinguished service, leadership, and a lasting commitment to strengthening SFMA and the profession. Who should you consider nominating? Think about someone who has: Inspired or mentored others throughout their career. Elevated the profession through leadership or volunteer service. Advanced sports field management through research, education, or innovation. Demonstrated excellence in managing sports fields and facilities.

Made a lasting impact on SFMA and the profession through years of dedication.

Many deserving professionals never receive recognition because everyone assumes someone else will submit a nomination. If someone comes to mind, take the time to recognize their contri- butions.

Visit https:// www. sportsfieldmanagement. org / founders-awards / to review the award criteria and log in to your SFMA member portal by October 15 to nominate a member who embodies the attributes of one or more of the founders.