MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
TOM BARRY
GROUNDS MANAGER • GREENS FARMS ACADEMY • WESTPORT, CONNECTICUT
• M.S. in Turfgrass Management from UConn
• NESTMA’s 2020 Sports Turf Manager of the Year
• Sustainability Champion
What was your first job in the industry? I was 15 years old and worked on the grounds crew at a public 18-hole golf course. What are your current responsibilities at Greens Farms Academy? I manage the maintenance of 45- acres of grounds which includes three natural grass multi-use fields, two artificial turf fields, general lawn areas, landscape beds, pollinator gardens and all hardscaped areas with a crew of four. I develop and implement cultural programs for the maintenance of turfgrass and landscape plants without the use of “lawn care” pesticides. I also teach high school level courses to students related to the landscape and sustainability. Who was your mentor when you were first starting out in the business, and why? Two instructors at UConn, Karl Guillard and Steve Rackliffe were both mentors for me from the beginning. Karl was my advisor throughout my time at UConn and I ended up going to graduate school studying under Karl. He is innovative and intelligent. I learned so much from him including how to manage turfgrass in an environmentally sensitive way. His research focused on sustainable fertilization practices which I use to this day. Steve Rackliffe has helped me with every career decision I’ve made since college. He is the reason I decided to go back for my Master’s degree. That decision opened up many opportunities for me including teaching at Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, Conn. where I have been Adjunct Instructor in the Horticulture Department for 10 years. What is the biggest change you’ve seen in today’s sports turf industry? I believe there is a greater level of professionalism. Over the years, I have seen NESTMA and STMA bring value to the Sports Turf Manager. When I go back and talk to my instructors from college, they tell me there is a more equitable
8 • New England BLADE • June 2020
