TPI’S SPOTLIGHT SHINES ON FUTURE LEADERS FELLOWSHIP MEMBERS
By Suz Trusty
Turfgrass Producers International (TPI) developed the TPI Future Leaders Fellowship program as a small group leadership experience to bring together new and current leaders in the natural grass industry. Te Future Leaders Fellowship is a 24-month immersive program that strikes a balance between dynamic classroom and virtual presentations, experiential learning opportunities, and in-depth leadership text analysis paired with travel and teamwork. Tis program is designed to develop new skills and enhance existing leadership characteristics. Within this interactive framework, participants individually contribute to the long-term success of their career and organization and become even more effective advocates for the natural grass industry.
Te program for the first cohort of fellows ran from early 2022 through 2024. After the application and selection process for the second cohort was completed, those chosen met in person for the first time during TPI’s 2024 International Education Conference & Field Day in Orlando, Florida.
Te second cohort was introduced to TPI members in an article in the May/June 2024 issue of Turf News. As it reported, “Each class member brings a unique perspective and set of skills that enrich our industry.” Te program fosters a supportive learning environment where collaboration flourishes and ideas thrive, while valuing creativity, resilience, and ethical leadership. It aims to equip the cohort with the skills and confidence needed to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of leadership.
Nathan Whitaker, who serves as the program’s leadership consultant and moderator, brings a wealth of experience to that role. Nathan describes his segments as a mix of selecting topics for assigned reading and discussion, conducting workshops, and facilitating interactions and conversations.
Fellows in the second cohort have had several in-person meetings. An early April 2024 trip to Kansas City included an education session with Nathan Whitaker and a visit to Te Sod Shop. Nine of the fellows participated in the TPI Study Tour to Italy. Several shared their photos and/or comments about that experience in the January/ February 2025 issue of Turf News.
Tey met during the TPI 2025 International Education Conference & Field Day in San Antonio, Texas, where they were a dynamic presence, engaging with other attendees. You may have met a fellow assisting at the registration area or helping sell football squares or raffle tickets to benefit Te Lawn Institute during the Super Bowl Tailgate Party. Tree fellows gave presentations during the “10 Innovative Ideas in 50 Minutes” education session (Haley Gavranovic Alford, David Acosta Marquez, and Henry Kerfoot). Fellows also provided a golf cart shuttle service, transporting Field Day attendees to and from the buses or parking area to the field, the lunch tent, the dinner tent, or any other location around the site they wished to visit.
A visit to Washington, DC, in early October, led by TPI Executive Director Dr. Casey Reynolds and TPI Policy
Te second cohort of the Future Leaders Fellowship Program gathered for this photo during the 2025 TPI International Conference & Field Day. Pictured from left to right: Haley Gavranovic Alford, Weston Guetterman, Meccay Nimmer, David Acosta Marquez, Ben Storbeck, Duey Eash, Henry Kerfoot, Alec LeMay, Zac Hanka, David Bradley, and Slater Helt.
10 TPI Turf News September/October 2025
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