Member Spotlight

Member Spotlight on Incoming ATA Board President Drew Charcandy Assistant Director of Athletic Fields at the University of Alabama

“Pressure is a Privilege”

Drew Charcandy grew up in Helena, AL and graduated from Thompson High School. He became involved in the turf industry while he was in high school, working for Helena Parks and Recreation. He found the job very satisfying. “I enjoyed getting the fields safe and pristine for the kids to play on, and enjoyed watching them have fun.”

Upon graduation Drew had the opportunity to go to work for the Birmingham Barons as an assistant groundskeeper. At this point he realized he could make a career in this industry he loved. He was fortunate to be mentored by Daniel Ruggiero while at Regions Field. Mr. Ruggiero would eventually lead to an interview with Jon DeWitt and Drew being offered the position of Assistant Director of Athletic Fields for the University of Alabama.

While working for the Barons, Drew decided to diversify his experience with turfgrass and took a job with Hoover Country Club as an assistant. From there he went on to work with Owen Coulson at Vestavia Country Club as an Assistant Superintendent.

Drew worked at Vestavia a number of years. Along with Ruggiero, Drew considers Owen Coulson to have had a big influence on his career advancement.

“Owen pushed me with grass knowledge, and in my professional growth. He invited me to board meetings where big decisions were made, and he encouraged my confidence in participating in those meetings.”

While working as a golf course superintendent, Drew never lost his love of the sports turf industry. He would frequently work as a volunteer at Regions Field during the SEC Baseball tournaments. “I missed the allure of the sports field where a major game would be televised with millions of viewers, and the product of your work would be on display. Sports turf is much more detail oriented than golf, and I always enjoyed working with a team and being part of a group effort on sports fields.”

Seven years ago, Drew interviewed with Jon DeWitt and was offered his present position. The pressure of this job wouldn’t be for everyone, but Drew thrives on it. “It’s the University of Alabama,” Drew says. “Everything must be correct as all eyes are on your product. Someone once told me ‘Pressure is a privilege,’ and I endorse that belief.”

And it’s a good thing Drew enjoys the pressure! He juggles seven different schedules on Alabama teams’ sports fields and works in the whirlwind that is Alabama football during the season. He works with his teams to keep the fields pristine and, more importantly, to keep everyone playing on them safe.

Because every minute counts, especially during football season, Drew enjoys spending as much time as possible with his family. Drew has been married to Crystal for 10 years, and they have a seven-year-old son, Andrew. He also enjoys helping coach Andrew’s baseball teams.

Drew is a valued board member of the Alabama Turfgrass Association and will serve as President in 2026. He is a longtime member of the Alabama Turfgrass Association, the Alabama Golf Course Superintendents Association and the Sports Turf Manager’s Association. Drew is also a member of the National Eagle Scout Association. We wish Drew every success at Alabama and as our incoming President.