Thirteen GCSAA members have been chosen for the 2019 Melrose Leadership Academy, which includes a trip to the 2019 Golf Industry Show, Feb. 2-7 in San Diego.
The Melrose Leadership Academy supports the professional development of GCSAA-member superintendents. It is administered through the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), the philanthropic organization of GCSAA. The program was established in 2012 by Ken Melrose, retired CEO and chairman of the board of The Toro Co., and is supported by a $1 million gift to the EIFG from the Kendrick B. Melrose Family Foundation.
Academy members are chosen through an application process based on financial need, volunteerism and a drive to advance their careers. The new class will participate in networking and leadership activities as well as attend a variety of education seminars.
“The Melrose Leadership Academy is an amazing opportunity, and our friend Ken Melrose makes it possible,” says GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans. “Congratulations to the 13 winners whose professional development will be enriched by this experience.”
Melrose’s relationship with the golf industry is long-standing. He joined The Toro Co. in 1970 and quickly ascended the ranks of the company, culminating with his appointment as CEO in 1983 and chairman of the board of directors in 1987. Melrose retired as CEO in 2005 and from the chairman position in 2006. That same year, he formed Leading by Serving LLC, a company whose mission is to advance the principles of servant leadership in business organizations.
Melrose Leadership Academy 2019 class
Dean R. Chase
Carnegie Abbey Club
Portsmouth, R.I.
Benjamin P. Culclasure
Kilmarlic Golf Club
Powells Point, N.C.
Jason Culver
Pine Acres Country Club
Bradford, Pa.
Ryan R. Dykes
Camp Creek Golf Club
Panama City Beach, Fla.
John D. Hardin
Oro Valley Country Club
Oro Valley, Ariz.
Richard A. Lewis
Willowdale Golf Club
Scarborough, Maine
Mitchell W. Miller
The Dunes Golf & Tennis Club
Sanibel, Fla.
Manuel “Joe” Oliveira
Green Valley Country Club
Portsmouth, R.I.
Charles T. Passios, CGCS
TGC at Sacconnesset
East Falmouth, Mass.
Patrick Skinner
Brown Acres Golf Course
Chattanooga, Tenn.
Douglas A. Vogel
Preakness Valley Golf Course
Wayne, N.J.
Toby S. Young
Val Halla Golf Course
Cumberland, Maine
Timothy J. Zurybida
Alverthorpe Park Golf
Jenkintown, Pa.