Last month, I had the privilege of joining the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association’s board of directors for their 2nd Annual Board Retreat, held in Kissimmee, Fla. The retreat offered a balanced blend of strategic planning and team-building activities, reinforcing both the mission of the association and the relationships that make our work so impactful.

The retreat kicked off with a comprehensive strategic planning session that I had the opportunity to lead. This session served as a cornerstone for the remainder of the retreat, helping to align the board’s focus and establish key priorities for the association’s future.

Among the most important topics discussed were:

Succession Planning: Preparing for Executive Director Jennifer Bryan’s planned retirement in 2027.

Staffing and Funding: Identifying future staffing needs and financial strategies to support those roles.

Legislative Advocacy: Continuing support for the Southern Group’s lobbying efforts in Tallahassee and increasing transparency with membership.

Program Enhancements: Improving the BMP Certification and R4R (Rounds 4 Research) programs.

Governance Updates: Reviewing bylaws, the state affiliation agreement and developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) for future board retreats.

A significant milestone was also achieved as the Florida GCSA committed to a generous $10,000 donation to the GCSAA Foundation for the Centennial, a testament to their dedication to the industry’s long-term success.

Of course, no board retreat is complete without some lighthearted moments to build camaraderie, and this year did not disappoint. For the second year in a row, the group gathered to play the ever-popular game Left Right Center, which has quickly become a tradition.

Laughter filled the room as the dice rolled, and competition heated up. Immediate Past President Jason Zimmerman, CGCS, stole the spotlight once again, emerging as the big winner for the second year in a row. These moments of fun and connection remind us of how those strong relationships fuel strong leadership.

Events like these reinforce the power of strategic planning paired with authentic connection. I’m honored to be part of this forward-thinking group and look forward to seeing how these plans take shape in the months and years ahead.