EARTH SHAPING NEWS Published Quarterly by the Golf Course Builders Association of America
Inside Issue the
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President’s Perspective
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Executive Director Notes
13 Developers Guide 14 Human Resources 16 Allied Updates 20 Movers & Shapers 30 GCBAA Meetings Calendar
FALL EDITION
GCBAA BESTOWS THE 2022 DON A. ROSSI AWARD TO INDUSTRY LEADER Steve Mona
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n recognition of his significant contributions and service to the golf industry, the Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) is pleased to announce Stephen “Steve” F. Mona as its recipient of the prestigious Don A. Rossi Award. The Don A. Rossi Award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the game of golf and its growth and who have inspired others by their example. GCBAA President, Judd Duininck, Duininck Golf, said “The GCBAA membership provides nominations and our Awards Committee, consisting of extremely knowledgeable industry leaders and supporters, brought forth a well-deserving candidate. Steve Mona is the epitome of this award which made it an effortless decision to select and honor such an incredible recipient.” Steve Mona has been an impactful leader in the golf industry for 41 years. Steve first served as tournament director of the Northern California Golf Association from September 1980 to January 1982. He then became assistant manager of press relations for the United States Golf Association (USGA) from January 1982 to June 1993, at which time he became Executive Director of the Georgia State Golf Association. In January 1994, he became the Chief Executive
Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association (GCSAA). In March 2008, after 14 years at GCSAA, he assumed his position as Chief Executive Officer of the World Golf Foundation (WGF). In March 2019, he became the Executive Director of We Are Golf (formerly Golf 20/20), which is one of the three divisions of the World Golf Foundation, and in January 2020 became Senior Advisor to WGF CEO Greg McLaughlin, a role he holds today. He also serves as the Director of Governance and Leadership at Club Benchmarking, a role he began in July 2019 and in which he continues today. In his tenure, he has fostered industry relationships, as well as an ongoing global focus. He has promoted, encouraged, and supported the GCBAA and its members. Steve noted his “huge affinity” for GCBAA and is “humbled and honored” to be recognized by the Association. Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director, is quoted as saying, “I am thrilled to see the Association honor Steve with our prestigious award. I have had the pleasure of knowing Steve from early on in my career in the industry, and he has always been a mentor and friend and supporter of our members and the game!” continue on pg. 2