Nufarm, GCSAA to welcome inaugural EXCEL Leadership Program class to GIS 2018

Logo: Nufarm

Nufarm and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) will welcome inaugural EXCEL Leadership Program members to the 2018 Golf Industry Show (GIS) Feb. 7-8 in San Antonio.

The EXCEL Leadership Program, administered through GCSAA’s philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), provides leadership training in career, community and industry stewardship to support future leaders in the golf course management industry.

In October 2017, Nufarm and GCSAA announced their partnership in the creation of the EXCEL Leadership Program to offer development opportunities for future golf course management leaders.

In November, after reviewing applications from qualified U.S. and Canadian assistant golf course superintendents, 12 applicants were chosen. Selections were awarded by a committee composed of the EXCEL Advisory Board and representatives from Nufarm.

The inaugural members of the EXCEL Leadership Program are:

• Jens Arneson of Maple Bluff Country Club in Madison, Wis.
• Travis Cook of The Country Club of Birmingham in Birmingham, Ala.
• Phillip Fischer of Brickyard Crossing Golf Course in Indianapolis, Ind.
• Zachary Fleegar of Stowe Mountain Club in Stowe, Vt.
• Richard K. Haines of Onwentsia Club in Lake Forest, Ill.
• Stephen Hicks of Brantford Golf & Country Club in Brantford, Ontario
• Joshua S. Lemons of Golden Valley Country Club in Minneapolis, Minn.
• Jessica K. Lenihan of Hayden Lake Country Club in Hayden, Idaho
• Tyler R. LePore of Talisker Club at Tuhaye in Park City, Utah
• Brycen Meng of Indian Hills Country Club in Mission Hills, Kan.
• Mitchell E. Savage of Green Valley Ranch Golf Club in Denver, Colo.
• Steven Shavel of Double Eagle Club in Galena, Ohio

The 12 program members will also participate in separate two-day training sessions at Nufarm’s headquarters in Alsip, Ill., and GCSAA headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., each year of the three-year program cycle.

This awarded membership also includes five-day trips to the annual GIS. This year, EXCEL members will join the EIFG networking reception on Feb. 4. They will attend a Q&A forum with Nufarm followed by career-enhancement educational sessions on Feb. 5. Members will then participate in decision-making, leadership and networking strategy learning sessions on Feb. 6 before merging with the GIS Opening Night Celebration and event proceedings Feb. 7-8.

Nufarm will host EXCEL members on Feb. 8, for a meet and greet. This tour will be followed with a group lunch and a debrief gathering to honor program guests, discuss plans for the next GIS, and review the next EXCEL Leadership Program trip.

“We are pleased to actively partner with GCSAA to develop the leadership skills of a very promising and qualified group of inaugural EXCEL Leadership Program members,” said Steve Vincent, Nufarm Turf & Ornamental sales manager. “We look forward to our involvement with each of them at GIS 2018 and in the years ahead.”

Learn more about the EXCEL Program and how to apply for the next class of membership at Nufarm booth #20071 at GIS.