Audubon International adds duo to board of directors

Audubon International announces the addition of Landscapes Unlimited chief development officer Jake Riekstins and Bridgestone Golf CEO Dan Murphy to its board of directors.

As at-large board members, Riekstins and Murphy will lend their expertise and respected standing in the golf and business communities to further Audubon International’s core mission and execute its strategic plan.

“Dan and Jake bring a great deal of business acumen, environmental knowledge, and a wide range of contacts to our board,” Audubon International CEO Christine Kane said. “We’re looking forward to working with them as we move forward with many new initiatives to further our mission.”

A 23-year GCSAA member and University of Guelph graduate, Riekstins leads Landscapes Unlimited’s strategic planning process via execution key initiatives. Riekstins built an appreciation for environmental stewardship in the golf space through his more than three decades of work at golf courses in Canada and abroad as a golf course superintendent.

“There are many eco-friendly steps golf course operators need to take to preserve our natural habitat,” Riekstins said. “It’s a great time for golf courses to highlight their environmental stewardship by enrolling in Audubon International with the goal of certification.”

Murphy was appointed President and CEO of Georgia-based Bridgestone Golf in 2018. He is responsible for directing the company's core business functions, including product planning and production, marketing, sales, and customer relations.

From 2015 to 2018, he was President of textile manufacturer Kentwool and vice president of American Achievement Corporation. Before his first tenure at Bridgestone Golf, he held key marketing and business development positions at TaylorMade, Dunlop Slazenger, Maxfli and General Mills. He is a Wake Forest University graduate.

“I am extremely honored to join such a prestigious organization. For many years I’ve admired what Audubon International does for our communities,” Murphy said. “Of great interest to me personally is the impact the organization will have in the immediate and distant future. To play a small role in that growth as a board member is very exciting.”