GCSAA Downsizes Staff Again, Mulls Dues Increase

Several senior employees of the GCSAA were let go yesterday as the association continues to struggle with a diminished revenue stream, according to an announcement released by Jim Fitzroy, CGCS, president. The staff members – which included Bonnie Stephenson, the woman who has stewarded the GCSAA trade show and conference since the early 1980s – had a combined tenure of nearly 80 years at the group’s Lawrence, Kan., headquarters.

The staff reduction comes on the heels of reports from attendees at the recent Chapter Delegates meeting that the association plans to propose a dues increase – said to be $20 per year – for a vote at the upcoming annual meeting in Orlando.

In a candid e-mail to members, Fitzroy said:

“The economic recession, particularly in the golf industry, has been deep and severe. Since 2008, GCSAA has reduced expenditures $5.4 million with the objective of having the least amount of impact on members as possible. Earlier this year, the GCSAA Board of Directors conducted an extensive strategic planning session to review our mission and vision, and chart our path for the upcoming years. Our responsibility as leaders is to keep GCSAA strongly positioned for the future by seeking new resources and optimizing the ones we have in order to execute programs and services on the members' behalf.

“Therefore, today I am announcing a series of significant actions that will result in reorganization of GCSAA programs and services. Unfortunately, it will also result in reduction of staff. In the last three years, we have reduced staff from 122 to 85, so taking these additional steps places additional responsibility on those that remain. Working with interim CEO Rhett Evans, we will continue to focus on those areas we have deemed to be a priority. There is no denying that we will discontinue some activities and reduce the magnitude of others as we manage the association through this difficult period. But the reductions are also necessary to create the capacity to expand into areas of significant opportunity such as field staff, continued international expansion, advocacy/outreach and professional development, among others.

“Traditionally, we have not publicized the departure of staff below the executive level. However, because we will be parting with some longtime employees, I do think it is appropriate that we recognize them for their contributions and thank them for their service. They have been exemplary representatives of GCSAA.

“Bonnie Stephenson ends her tenure at GCSAA after 36 years in a variety of administrative positions, most notably her tenure as director of conference events and meeting planning. We thank Bonnie for her contributions as the association's longest tenured employee. Utilizing technology and vendor relationships, we will continue to offer a premium experience for our members at GCSAA functions and events.

“Teri Harris departs GCSAA after 20 years in various positions, most recently as Senior Director of Development for the Environmental Institute for Golf. We thank Teri for her loyalty and dedication. We will continue to maintain a strong presence in the areas of environmental programming and leading the collaboration for Golf's Drive Toward Sustainability under the direction of Greg Lyman, GCSAA director of environmental programs.

“Ed Hiscock leaves GCSAA after 14 years, the majority of them as Editor-in-Chief of Golf Course Management magazine. We thank Ed for his serving as a voice for GCSAA and the golf course superintendent profession. As technology continues to shape our communications, we are further integrating our video, online, print and audio formats to provide you the information how you want it and when you want it.

“Clark Throssell, Ph.D., completes his time at GCSAA after nine years as director of research. We thank Clark for sharing his expertise and service to members. We will continue to offer a research program by leveraging our relationships with our instructors and others in the industry. We will continue to search for opportunities for increased funding and collaboration to best serve the industry.

“I will repeat what I have shared with you in the past. GCSAA is experiencing many of the same challenges that you and your facilities are facing. Having to part with talented and dedicated staff is not easy or pleasant. We owe much of our organizational, facility and individual successes to our GCSAA staff. But the actions are necessary. We cannot stick our head in the sand and hope for better times. We have to be in the right position so that when those better times do come back, we are invested to reap the return.”