GCSAA appoints new senior director

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) selected Shelia Finney as the new senior director of member programs.

Shelia Finney will oversee four key programmatic areas in membership programs, chapter services, professional development and environmental programs for the national association, which represents 17,500 members in 72 countries. In addition to serving current members, she will be responsible for the development and implementation of growth and retention strategies of new members.

“I believe everything I’ve done in my career up until now has prepared me for this opportunity,” said Finney, who will begin her new position Aug. 22. “I was successful as a superintendent because of GCSAA, and I am excited to now play an integral part of this association that means so much to me.”

A 28-year GCSAA member who has served on numerous committees and task groups at both the state and national levels, Finney successfully increased revenue and member participation during her tenure as TGCSA executive director, GCSAA said. She also increased membership in TGCSA by more than 30 percent and introduced new revenue streams for the association.

“This is an exciting time for GCSAA and Shelia brings a unique mix of qualities to this highly impactful position,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA’s CEO. “Shelia has demonstrated an ability to drive membership growth and value, and she understands the role of a superintendent at a golf facility. This position, which demonstrates our continual commitment to serve our members, aligns well with her experience and skill set and we look forward to benefiting from her energy and expertise.”

Prior to her position as TGCSA executive director, Finney was the head golf course superintendent at Gaylord Springs from 1994 to 2015. She began her career as the assistant there from 1990 to 1994.

During her tenure at Gaylord Springs, Finney was responsible for overseeing major course renovations and course preparations for hosting the Bell South Classic on the PGA Champions Tour for 10 years.

Finney has served on the board of directors for the TGCSA from 2009 to 2015 and on the board of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association from 2007 to 2015. She was executive director of the Tennessee Turfgrass Association from 2015 to 2016.

Photo: GCSAA