Emerging Leader Award

The Emerging Leader Award is presented in partnership with johnDeer

The Emerging Leader Award recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a superintendent with less than five years’ experience, student, associate member, or assistant, who displays continuous growth in service and leadership.

Nominations for the 2025 Emerging Leader Award are now closed. The 2025 award will be presented at the 2025 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in San Diego.

For questions, contact Mollie Qualseth, senior manager, executive operations, by email at mqualseth@gcsaa.org, by phone at 785-832-4410, or by mail to GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049-3859.

An individual may be nominated by a chapter of GCSAA or any member of GCSAA, including self-nominations. Evidence of substantiation must accompany the nomination. Nominees for the Emerging Leader Award must currently serve the industry as a member of GCSAA within the following membership categories: superintendent with less than five years’ experience, student, associate, or assistant. A Nominee must be a member in good standing, engaged in their local chapter and/or at the national level, or at the community level, as an advocate for the profession.

The Emerging Leader Award will be selected by the GCSAA Nominating Committee.

The Emerging Leader Award winner receives:

  • Complimentary registration to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, and select air/hotel travel expenses.
  • Complimentary registration to the Chapter Delegates Meeting and select air/hotel travel expenses.
  • Recognition in GCSAA publications and websites
  • Recognition at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show
  • National, regional and local publicity
  • Personalized plaque
  • Name on a permanent plaque at GCSAA headquarters

2024

Richie Kremer

2023

Brandon Razo

2022

Travis Cook