The second class of 16 GCSAA Class A members has been selected to participate in the Academy to be conducted at the 2014 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, February 1-6. Class members earned an all-expenses-paid trip to the show through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism, and career ambition.

The second class of GCSAA members has been selected to participate in the Melrose Leadership Academy to be conducted at the 2014 Golf Industry Show in Orlando, February 1-6.

A total of 16 GCSAA Class A members earned the all-expenses-paid trip through an application process that was based on financial need, volunteerism and career ambition. The academy will offer education specific to risk management (health, safety, environmental compliance), operational efficiency, business and environmental stewardship. Attendees will also participate in various leadership activities. Selected participants are:

• Kelly D. Bowen, Black Rock Creek Golf Club, Sunnyside, Wash.
• Brian Brown, Chisago Lakes Golf Course, Lindstrom, Minn.
• Joel A. Collura, Deerwood Country Club, Mount Holly, N.J.
• Thomas F. Dale, CGCS, The Links at Brigantine (N.J.) Beach
• Ronald C. Garrison, Fox Hill Country Club, Exeter, Pa.
• Hampton Kicklighter Jr., CGCS, Dublin (Ga.) Country Club
• Patrick S. Knelly, Sugarloaf (Pa.) Golf Club
• David L. Littrell, Iroquois Golf Course, Louisville, Ky.
• Stephen E. Malloy, The Oaks Golf Links, Somersworth, N.H.
• Shane A. Miller, Iron Lakes Country Club, Allentown, Pa.
• Peter C. Powell, Boca Greens Country Club, Boca Raton, Fla.
• David C. Van Auken, Antigo Bass Lake Country Club, Deerbrook, Wis.
• Michael F. Walton, CGCS, QiZhong Garden Golf Club, Shanghai, China
• Michael White, The Links at Kahite, Vonore, Tenn.
• David R. Williams, CGCS, Mountain View Country Club, Boalsburg, Pa.
• John M. Wynn, WGC Golf Course, Xenia, Ohio

The focus of the program is to assist GCSAA members in maintaining Class A membership status, the highest classification offered by the association. To be a Class A member, candidates must have a complete portfolio including formal education, experience as a golf course superintendent, continuing education and fulfillment of GCSAA’s IPM competency requirement.

“Congratulations to the class of 2014,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “This is a fantastic opportunity afforded to GCSAA Class A members, and the education that they will receive by participating in the Melrose Leadership Academy not only benefits their own careers, but is developing leaders who can shape the future of the profession.”

The Melrose Leadership Academy was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from The Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.

The inaugural class of the Melrose Leadership Academy was brought to the 2013 Golf Industry Show in San Diego, where they were able to interact with other professionals at the industry’s largest event and participate in exclusive events for the academy.

“Meeting and trading stories with many other superintendents from all over the country was a great experience along with the top-notch education sessions,” said Joseph J. Ettawageshik, GCSAA Class A member superintendent at Lochenheath Golf Club in Williamsburg, Mich., and part of the first Melrose Leadership Academy. “I enjoyed the golf experience as well. I was able to meet new people, do some networking and have fun while doing it.”