HAPPENINGS
Ryan McKuhen Joins Bladerunner Farms Ryan McKuhen recently posted the following announcement on his LinkedIn site. I’m honored to share that I’ve joined Bladerunner Farms as President. Specializing in Zoysiagrass production, Bladerunner Farms is the world’s largest private turfgrass breeding and research facility— globally recognized for its innovation, sustainability, and leadership in turfgrass development. I’m excited to work alongside David, the Douget family, and an exceptional team as we push the boundaries of turfgrass science and deliver solutions that shape the landscapes of tomorrow. Grateful for this opportunity—and energized for what’s ahead! To learn more about Ryan, visit his LinkedIn site.
Meet SFMA’s New CEO—A New Chapter Begins In an email to Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) members on June 2, 2025, SFMA President Adam Toms wrote “On behalf of the SFMA Board of Directors, I’m thrilled to announce that we have hired a new Chief Executive Officer: Paula Sliefert. Tis is a major step forward for our association and a moment of great promise for our future. Paula comes to us with a strong background in the sports field industry, a passion for member service, and a deep respect for the work that field managers do every day. I’m confident that her leadership will bring fresh ideas, renewed energy, and a strong commitment to the priorities you’ve shared with us over the
years.Paula was also recently honored as the 2024 recipient of the Harry Gill Award, SFMA’s highest honor. Harry Gill’s dedication and vision helped lay the foundation for SFMA, and Paula’s recognition with this award speaks to her continued impact on our profession.We’ll be introducing Paula Sliefert more formally in the coming weeks through our website, social channels, and upcoming events. I encourage you to join us in welcoming her to the SFMA community.Tank you for your continued dedication and for being the heart of this great association.”
Turf Australia Appoints New CEO In a May 22, 2025, press release, Turf Australia shared an important leadership update. Due to serious and ongoing health challenges, Eva Ricci has stepped down from her role as Executive Officer to retire. As she focuses on her health and her family, we offer her our heartfelt support and thanks for her tremendous contribution to the industry for the past 22 years. In light of this transition, Turf Australia formally announced the appointment of Rachel Collier as the new CEO effective immediately. Rachel is a familiar face in the turf industry and returns to Turf Australia with a wealth of experience and knowledge of great benefit to our growers and the wider industry.
A Message from New Turf Australia CEO It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I return to Turf Australia as Chief Executive Officer. Having grown up in the Hawkesbury, I’ve always understood that farming is more than just a business—it’s a way of life. Te turf industry has long been close to my heart, and I’m honored to once again serve the growers and stakeholders who make this sector so dynamic and essential.
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Over the past decade, I’ve built a career dedicated to strengthening membership-based organizations and industry associations. My experience spans strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, crisis response, risk management, and delivering high-impact events and initiatives. I’ve led teams, implemented systems, and developed programs that drive growth, improve member engagement, and strengthen organizational outcomes.
What drives me is connection—listening to people, understanding their challenges, and working collaboratively to find solutions. As I step into this role, my focus will be on reconnecting with growers across the country, listening to your experiences, and working closely with industry development managers to realign our efforts. Together, we’ll ensure the turf industry is cohesively represented and that turf levy funds are used in the most effective and transparent way possible. I’ll be visiting each state in the coming months and would love the opportunity to meet with you in person. In the meantime, I warmly invite all growers to reach out to me directly at 0438 883 754 or via email at
rachel.collier@
turfaustralia.com.au. Let’s work together to grow a stronger, more united turf industry. Best Wishes, Rachel
Turf News Earns Two First Place TOCA Awards Steve and Suz Trusty, TPI’s Turf News co-editors, returned from the 36th Annual Turf & Ornamental Communicators Association (TOCA) Meeting with two First Place Awards. TOCA is comprised of editors, writers, publishers, photographers, public relations/ advertising practitioners, industry association leaders, manufacturers, and others involved in green industry communications. Te Awards Ceremony was held on May 1, 2025, during TOCA’s annual meeting held in Charleston, SC. TOCA is a national organization based in New Prague, MN.
One award was in the category Photography, Video, Multimedia - Best use of photography judging three issues of a magazine. Tat First Place went to Turf News—May/June, July/August, September/October 2024. Te second First Place was in the category Special Projects - Best coverage in a magazine of an on-site event. Te winner was—"TPI 2024 International Education Conference & Field Day Recap” which was published in the Turf News May/June 2024 issue.
Your co-editors would like to especially say THANK YOU to Jane Tomlinson of Ink Umbrella Design for putting all the words and pictures together in their award-winning manner. We would also like to say THANK YOU to the TPI Board, Staff, and Members for all their suggestions, input, and eagle eyes for each issue, starting with the November/December issue in 2014. Without everyone’s input and assistance, it would not have been possible for Turf News to have won twenty-two TOCA Awards over the past eleven years.
TPI Turf News July/August 2025
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