SportsTurf provides current, practical and technical content on issues relevant to sports turf managers, including facilities managers. Most readers are athletic field managers from the professional level through parks and recreation, universities.
Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/54529
SMTA President as he's only the second president in the group's history to come from the field. It's a background that brings a fresh perspective to the job. "People gravitate to Mike's easy nature and natural teaching ability," said Kim Heck, CEO of STMA. "His style is more coach and collabora- tor. He's not afraid to make difficult decisions…and being in academia he understands processes, which are very crucial to the operations of an association." A leader from an academic world brings a tremendous amount of knowledge to the membership regarding turfgrass, agreed Troy Smith, outgoing STMA president. "He is one of the brightest guys I know, and I hope our members will take the time to ask Mike some of their turfgrass questions as he will probably have the answer," Smith said. "Mike has also dealt with government bureaucracy and understands the need for great governance and standard operating procedures. I feel he will be able to lead our as- sociation in the right direction with our newly updated strategic plan." WHAT'S IN STORE Executing the association's strategic plan happens to be at the top of Goatley's agenda this year. "We've got a great plan in place, and we're going to follow it," he said. "Our board is committed to growing our membership, increasing membership services, and continually improving sports turf manager recognition for all they do." Two new committees are also listed among Goatley's priorities for 2012. "Under Troy's leadership, we started an environmental committee and international committee, and those two areas remain on everybody's radar," he said. Goatley holds high hopes for SAFE (Safer Athletic Fields for Every- one), the fundraising arm of STMA whose mission is to seek funds to support research, scholarship and association outreach efforts. "We're going to champion that fields should be safe and sustainable at all levels, and urge leaders and the public to understand how impor- tant a role athletic fields play in building community pride and spirit," he said. "As an academic, I'd love to have a breakthrough. The SAFE board now has a plan and direction and focus. It's really promising to see how the group has re-engaged." But Goatley places the biggest importance of all on serving mem- bers. With regulations on the rise from agencies at local, state and federal levels, STMA members need a voice, and it's one Goatley wants to make sure STMA provides. "Every day that passes, our members are facing more challenges," he said. "STMA has to be the resource for them and offer them the expert- ise and science-based approach when these challenges arise." "The biggest (objective) of all is, how do we better serve our mem- bership," he continued. "Promoting the value of being an STMA mem- ber so when it's time to renew, there's no questions asked." No one can doubt Goatley's ability to take on the task. According to his predecessor, Smith, "Mike brings wisdom, logic and a true passion for our profession that will help him to be a successful president for STMA." ■ www.stma.org SportsTurf 13