N E W S F RO M ATA
WELCOME NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SHELBY HANSON
H
ello, I’m Shelby Hanson, the new Arkansas Turfgrass Association Executive Director! I grew up in Northwest Arkansas, and I have a BS in Agribusiness Marketing and Management. I currently am working on a MS in Operations Management. I work full-time for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, as a departmental fiscal manager. I currently am with the departments of Horticulture and AgriEcon/AgBusiness. Some of my favorite hobbies are hiking, bicycling, reading, and hanging out with my family. I also play with the Arkansas Winds in my spare time. I’m super excited to be joining the ATA as Executive Director and look forward to meeting many of you at our 2022 annual meeting! •
CONGRATULATIONS
Dr.
D R. K A R C H E R
Doug Karcher, who has served as Turfgrass Specialist, Professor and Assistant Head in the Department of Horticulture at University of Arkansas, has accepted the professor and Chair in the Department of Horticulture and Crop Science position at The Ohio State University. Dr. Karcher’s experience and leadership have been a great benefit not only to the University, but ATA and all turfgrass professionals in Arkansas. His presence will surely be missed across the state, but Arkansas Turfgrass offers its sincere appreciation for his contributions to the association. In Dr. Karcher’s absence, until his position is filled, Daniel O’Brien, a doctoral student at UofA will serve as our liaison with the University. In collaboration with Shelby Hanson, our new Executive Director, and the ATA Board of Directors, Daniel will keep our educational connections growing. Stay tuned for updates regarding research at the University! •
6 • A R K A N S A S T U R F G R A S S • Summer 2021
