Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/251509
48 WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION questions than answers, I embarked on a university Honours degree in Turfgrass Management from Oregon State University while entertaining a wife and two kids. Brief stints in university turfgrass research and as Assistant Superintendent before becoming Golf Superintendent through 90's and ending up at Kwantlen for over 10 years now. I believe in hands-on student experiences with close industry interaction and societal paybacks; the ideal Polytechnic experience. Very proud of our students' involvement with "Home Reno Makeover" and Turf Club charitable donations. I especially enjoy grooming students to become successful turfgrass managers and supporting alumni as they progress upwards in their careers. Served the turf industry as WCTA Research Committee Chair, BCGSA Chapter President, WCTA Board member, Conference organization, trade magazine writer and frequent guest speaker. Grounds volunteer at five national golf events, with 2015 US Open next. I see role of Board member as impartially representing the best interests of the general membership. I live in Cloverdale with my lovely wife Cathe, have five grown kids and four beautiful grandkiddies. Enjoy golf, cooking, ballroom dancing, Habs and Alouettes (sorry, my hometown!). Yes, my lawn is nice. CASEY O'CONNOR - LOWER MAINLAND INDUSTRY (current Director) Growing up as the son of a golf course superintendent provided me with the opportunity to develop exten- sive practical experience in the turf management field from an early age. Starting in 1990 raking bunkers at the Kananaskis Country Golf Course, I quickly realized by the age of 14 that I had inherited my fathers love for the industry, and would go on to pursue a career in Turfgrass management. I have since furthered my background through extensive work experience and education. In 2000, I graduated from the University of Guelph with an Associate Degree in Horticulture, followed by a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University in 2006. I went on to work as an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at three high end golf clubs over an eight year period. In 2010, I accepted an opportunity to become a technical sales consultant with Turf Canada Inc. This opportunity has allowed me to both utilize and further develop my unique blend of experience relating to both business and agronomics. I have spent the past three years becoming a trusted product consultant and expert in turfgrass nutrition, plant health and soil chemistry. My focus in business is to provide clients with exceptional service, agronomic support and quality products which aid in their success and ultimately helps to make their high pressure jobs a little bit easier. Maintaining healthy turf is the key to sustainability in dealing with today's economic and political pressures. GARETT SQUIRE - INTERIOR - GOLF (current Director) My experience with turf grass started in Ontario when my family farm was turned into Deer Creek GCC. I worked on the crew from a young age until I heard the "call of the west". With my boots and clubs I headed west. My bank account made it as far as Banff. After three years working at The Fairmont Banff Springs GC it was time to head further west. Northview GC was my next stop. After a very satisfying year, the wet climate got the better of me and I moved east to the interior of BC. I have been the Assistant Superintendent at Talking Rock GC for six years now and have watched this property come from seeded soil to a popular destination for Shuswap golfers. I have been a member of the WCTA for ten years now and have previously put forth my name to the Board of Directors. I am very interested in finding ways to reduce the use of chemical pesticides and exploring new ways to tackle old problems. Having been in the turf grass industry for more than half my life I have learned two things that everyone should consider: 1)There is always more than one way to do the any job. 2) You are only ever as good as plan "B". JED MCGEACHIE - LOWER MAINLAND INDUSTRY With 15 yrs of experience in customer relations; business development and education; Jed McGeachie entered the irrigation industry in a business develop- ment role for Corix Water Products in 2010. During this time, Jed has built and established relationships with key decision makers in the municipal and golf sectors as it relates to irrigation equipment; technologies and other turf grass products that benefit the industry. Jed has worked with Municipalities, Parks Boards, Manufacturers and Water Managers/Consultants on solutions for turfgrass health, maintenance, operations and water efficiency. With past employment experience in the auto parts industry and international education in Taiwan, Jed exemplifies a diverse perspective that would be a benefit to a Board of Directors as it relates to the outlook and vision for the industry, board governance and leadership working with a group to form consensus. Jed would be ideal at the collaboration among directors, membership and partners in the industry. He would be an asset to the Board of Directors for the WCTA with his strategic thinking and methodical approaches on communication and implementation. GUY MARTIN - LOWER MAINLAND SPORTSFIELDS My career in local government began in 1997 with the City of Langley. In 2002 I became the Head Gardner and Arborist, and responsible for all turf grass management. I lead the parks team through challenges of bringing our fields and assets to a new level of customer service, bringing underperforming irrigation systems and poor maintenance practices to industry standards. I was the volunteer chair of the City of Langley's Communities in Bloom efforts that culminated with a win in the International Category for medium sized cities. The City also received special mention for turf and groundcover management practices. I further became the Exempt Acting General Foreman, responsible for all aspects of the parks department when required. In 2011 I accepted a position with the City of Abbotsford Candidates Continued From Page 47 Continued on Page 50