TTA Member Spotlight
TTA Member Spotlight on
Richard Pavlasek, CGCS Director of Agronomy & Landscape Operations, Westhaven Golf Club, a Southern Land Company Current Job Title: Director of
Agronomy & Landscape Operations Location: Westhaven Golf Club Number of years in this position: 4 Where did you attend college?
Texas A&M University What was your major?
Agronomy-Turfgrass Management How long have you been a member of TTA? 4 years What positions have you held with TTA? Current board member and
past president of the Michiana Golf Course Superintendent Association in South Bend, IN, and past president of North Texas Golf Course Superintendent Association in Dallas/Fort Worth area. What year did you get started in the turfgrass industry? In 1989, I took
my first turfgrass short course in 1977. Why did you choose a career in the turfgrass industry? I grew up ranching 16
with my dad and wanted to do something in the agriculture field and loved being outdoors. We also grew coastal bermudagrass that we sold as hay to local ranchers. What did you do before your current position and how long were you there? I served in the U.S. Air
business, as well as the networking opportunities that allow you to get to know people better who have similar interests. Do you have any specific goals for the coming year, and if so, what are they? Provide great playing conditions
Force for 8 years prior to going to A&M.
on our golf course for our members, and get through summer.
Who have been your mentors in the industry? Dr. Richard White,
What are your hobbies? Golf, watch-
Wallace Menn, Larry Finke and my stepdad, Mark Cornelison, who was a long time superintendent in central Texas. What have been your contributions to the industry?
Teaching and mentoring young assistants coming up in the turf business. I have always been involved with local superintendent associations and tried giving back by participating and writing articles. How has TTA enhanced your career?
Educational services provided by TTA have been a big help in staying current with the latest trends in the turfgrass
TENNESSEE TURFGRASS April/May 2016 Email TTA at: tnturfgrassassn@aol.com
ing Texas A&M sports, hunting, spending time with my family and squeezing in a trip every now and then to the casino to play craps. Tell us a little about your family. I am married to a great lady, Darby Pavlasek. We have been married for 7 years and met back in 2005. I have two beautiful daughters (Stephanie & Stacy) who live in Frisco, Texas, and one sweet little grandbaby (Emma Kate), who will be two in July. She has definitely stolen all of our attention. Since both of our families live back in Texas, we try and get back as often as possible. T