Melrose programs for superintendents, equipment managers provide professional development, networking and educational opportunities

Lawrence, Kan. (Dec. 19, 2023) – Thanks to funding from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation, 10 members of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will have the opportunity to attend the 2024 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show, Jan 29-Feb. 1, in Phoenix, Ariz.

The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA superintendent members while the Melrose Equipment Management Experience provides professional development for GCSAA equipment managers. Both programs are administered through the GCSAA Foundation, the philanthropic organization of GCSAA.

The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation was founded by the late Ken Melrose, former CEO and chairman of Toro Co., and longtime friend and supporter of GCSAA. The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 followed by the Melrose Equipment Management Experience in 2019. Both programs provide valuable learning experiences, professional development, networking and educational opportunities for superintendents and equipment managers and, in turn, improve the future of the golf course management industry.

Participants in both Melrose programs are chosen through an application process based on financial need, involvement in communities through volunteer efforts and a drive to progress in their careers. Five superintendents have been chosen for the 2024 Melrose Leadership Academy, and five equipment managers have been chosen for the 2024 Melrose Equipment Management Experience.

“GCSAA is grateful to send these deserving individuals to the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show as part of The Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “Through the Melrose programs, these members will receive unparalleled education and networking opportunities that will no doubt advance their careers by providing them with knowledge to take home to their respective golf courses. Congratulations to the 2024 class of Melrose participants.”

The members of the 2024 Melrose Leadership Academy are:

• Bill Abbe, East Hartford Golf Club, East Hartford, Conn.
• Jeremy Frisicaro, Bayville Golf Club, Virginia Beach, Va.
• Randall Hess, Springfield Country Club, Springfield, Pa.
• Jason Narwold, CGCS, Regatta Bay Golf and Yacht Club, Destin, Fla.
• Jonathon Oppenheim, Knollwood Country Club, Granger, Ind.
  

The members of the 2024 Melrose Equipment Management Experience are:

• Ryan Deering, Rolling Green Country Club, Arlington Heights, Ill.
• Jason Goebel, Voyager Village, Danbury, Wis.
• Christopher Hyman, Cobblestone Creek, Victor, N.Y.
• Nicholas Meyer, Sunset Hills, Carrollton, Ga.
• Steven Weber, Deer Creek, Deerfield Beach, Fla.
  

For more information on the Melrose Leadership Academy and the Melrose Equipment Management Experience, visit www.gcsaa.org/foundation/education.