Sandy Queen, CGCS, manager of golf course operations for the city of Overland Park, Kan., became the association's 2012 president at the annual meeting and election today at the conclusion of the 2012 GCSAA Education Conference and Golf Industry Show in Las Vegas.
Acknowledging the board's teamwork through tough decisions necessitated by the economic downturn, Queen noted, "If we work together, we can do anything — that is the trademark of the golf course superintendent." Queen added that his goals as president for the coming year included a strengthening of the association's philanthropic organization, the Environmental Institute for Golf, in order to "make a difference in the world we live in"; supporting the PGA of America's Golf 2.0 initiative; and serving as a passionate advocate for the professionals who maintain and manage golf courses.
Queen took the gavel of office from 2011 President Robert M. Randquist, CGCS, who will remain on the board of directors as immediate past president. In retiring from the board as 2011 immediate past president, James R. Fitzroy, CGCS, told the assembled superintendents that during his term of service he believed the board had made difficult but correct decisions in "right-sizing" association staff, expanding the field staff program and putting in place an executive team that once again includes a chief operating officer.
Patrick R. Finlen, CGCS, director of golf maintenance operations at The Olympic Club in San Francisco, was elected vice president. The association's new sectetary/treasurer is Keith A. Ihms, CGCS, the director of grounds maintenance at the Country Club of Little Rock (Ark.).
In balloting that was speedily executed using iPads for the first time, Rafael Barajas, CGCS at Hacienda Golf Club in La Habra Heights, Calif., and Bill Maynard,CGCS at Milburn Golf and Country Club in Overland Park, Kan., were elected to two-year terms on the board.
The board appointed Darren J. Davis, the superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Fla., to fill the remaining year of Ihms' two-year director's term. Peter J. Grass, CGCS, and John O'Keefe, CGCS, will remain on the board for the second year of their two-year terms.
Comments