Audubon International adds golf industry executives to board of directors

Audubon International announced the addition of two golf industry executives to its board of directors, including Dan Murphy, CEO of Bridgestone Golf and Jake Riekstins, chief development officer of Landscapes Unlimited.

Dan Murphy (Photo: Audubon International)

As at-large board members, Murphy and Riekstins will lend their expertise and respected standing in the golf and business communities to further Audubon International’s core mission and execute its strategic plan.

“Dan and Jake bring a great deal of business acumen, environmental knowledge and a wide range of contacts to our board,” Christine Kane, CEO of Audubon International, said. “We’re looking forward to working with them as we move forward with many new initiatives to further our mission.”

Murphy became president and CEO of Bridgestone Golf in 2018. He is responsible for directing the company’s core business functions, including product planning and production, marketing, sales and customer relations.

Jake Riekstin (Photo: Audubon International)

From 2015 to 2018, he was president of Kentwool and vice president of American Achievement Corporation. Before his first tenure at Bridgestone Golf, he held key marketing and business development positions at TaylorMade, Dunlop Slazenger, Maxfli and General Mills.

“I am extremely honored to join such a prestigious organization. For many years I’ve admired what Audubon International does for our communities,” Murphy said. “Of great interest to me personally is the impact the organization will have in the immediate and distant future. To play a small role in that growth as a board member is very exciting.”

As chief development officer for Landscapes Unlimited, Riekstins leads the company’s strategic planning process, executing key initiatives. Riekstins is also a 23-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

“There are many eco-friendly steps golf course operators need to take to preserve our natural habitat,” said Riekstins. “It’s a great time for golf courses to highlight their environmental stewardship by enrolling in Audubon International with the goal of certification.”