BREAKING NEWS: Mark Woodward steps down from GCSAA chief executive position

Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) President Jim Fitzroy, CGCS announced today that Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodward, CGCS, has resigned effective immediately to pursue other career interests.

Woodward was appointed GCSAA chief executive in April 2008 and assumed those duties in July of that year. He came to GCSAA after serving as operations manager for the city of San Diego, including host of the 2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines Golf Course.

"Mark is a talented individual who has made solid contributions to GCSAA," Fitzroy said. "He has been a fine representative and a strong steward for the organization. We wish him well in his future endeavors."

Fitzroy noted Woodward has been instrumental in guiding GCSAA through one of the nation’s most severe economic downturns in years. His leadership also served to position GCSAA prominently for its research, programs and education regarding golf’s relationship with the environment.

Rhett Evans, GCSAA chief operating officer, has been named interim CEO while the organization’s board of directors conducts a nationwide search to determine Woodward’s successor. Prior to arriving at GCSAA in July 2009, Evans was director of the parks, recreation and commercial facilities division for the city of Mesa, Ariz., where he managed a staff of more than 700.

Fitzroy indicated the organization will conduct a national search to fill the chief executive position. The process will involve the services of an executive search firm with the ultimate selection by the GCSAA Board of Directors. The process will begin immediately, although no timetable has been established to identify a replacement.