Lawrence, Kan. (June 3, 2025) – Shelia Finney, senior director of member programs for the Golf Course Superintendent Association of America (GCSAA), has announced her retirement, effective April 3, 2026.
Before joining the GCSAA staff in 2016, Finney, a 35-year GCSAA member, was superintendent at Gaylord Springs Golf Links in Nashville, Tenn., for 25 years and served as executive director of the Tennessee GCSA and the Tennessee Turfgrass Association. As a member, she served on several GCSAA task groups and committees, was a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador and was a chapter delegate for 11 years.
“For nearly four decades, Shelia has been a driving force at GCSAA, first as a highly engaged member and then as a highly dedicated member of the staff,” Rhett Evans, CEO of the GCSAA, said. “Her experience as a superintendent and chapter executive elevated our member services. Her passion and diligence in serving GCSAA members has left an indelible mark on the association. We will all miss her, but we wish her the very best on her well-deserved retirement.”
As senior director of member programs, Finney oversaw four programmatic areas: membership, chapter services, learning and career development and workforce development. She is also involved in the First Green program and has been crucial to growing GCSAA’s relationship with FFA.
“I’ve been fortunate to spend my career in an industry I love and with people I respect deeply,” Finney said. “While I’m ready to embrace new adventures, I’m not going far. GCSAA has been a big part of my life, and I plan to stay involved and connected to this incredible community wherever I can be helpful. It’s not goodbye, it’s just the start of a new chapter in my journey.
Upon her retirement, Finney will return to her native Tennessee. She plans to stay connected to GCSAA and continue to assist where she can be useful. She is looking forward to pursuing new interests while staying in touch with the people and industry that have meant so much to her.
Recruitment for her position will begin soon, and Finney will assist in onboarding her successor.
About GCSAA
The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) is a leading golf organization in the United States. Its focus is on golf course management, and since 1926 GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the U.S. and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to 20,000 members in more than 78 countries. The association’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and improve communities through the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org or find us on Facebook or Twitter. Visit our industry-leading magazine at GCMonline.com.
The GCSAA Foundation is the philanthropic organization of the GCSAA. Its mission is to secure funding and support to strengthen advocacy, education, and research that advances the work of golf course management professionals. Visit the Foundation at www.gcsaa.org/foundation.
Contact:
Angela Hartmann
Director, Communications
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 3647 or 785-393-1361 (cell)
ahartmann@gcsaa.org
Mike Strauss
Manager, Media Relations
Phone: 800-472-7878, ext. 5164
mstrauss@gcsaa.org