Meet our 2026 Conference Speakers! New speakers will be added as they are confirmed—be sure to check back for updates!

Chase Straw, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Soils and Director of the Center for Sports Surface Research at Penn State University

Originally from Kentucky, he earned his B.S. in Turfgrass Science from the University of Kentucky and his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia. He then served as an Assistant Professor at Texas A&M University and completed a postdoctoral research appointment at the University of Minnesota. His work focuses on using technology and data analytics to improve the performance and safety of golf courses and sports fields.

Alison O’Connor, Ph.D.

Professor of Extension for Colorado State University in Larimer County

Dr. O’Connor received her B.S. in horticulture from Iowa State University, her M.S. in horticulture from The Ohio State University, and her Ph.D. in horticulture from Colorado State University. She has worked for CSU Extension for 17 years, specializing in woody plants, turfgrass management, and annuals and perennials for the landscape. She coordinates 120+ volunteers in the Colorado Master Gardener Program and is an affiliate faculty in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University.

Eric Hammond

Colorado State University Extension, Horticulture Specialist and County Director in Boulder County

He assists clients with issues related to landscape horticulture. Eric attended Colorado State University where he received an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management and later a Master of Science in Horticulture. His studies focused on drought tolerant plants and evaluating woody plant material.

Brad Jakubowski

Irrigation Specialist, Penn State University

He has worked throughout the industry in sports fields, golf, and res com. Brad has lectured on topics such as: meteorology, irrigation, fertility and fertilizers, soils, and sustainable business. Brad is currently an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University and is a frequent presenter at state, national and international conferences. He earned his Master’s Degree at Colorado State University and enjoys working with industry professionals.

Max Nikkari

Graduate student and instructor, Colorado State University in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture

Max conducts research that focuses on turfgrass water use and practical turfgrass management. Max teaches Turfgrass Management to between 30 and 40 undergraduate students in the fall semesters. In his free Max enjoys hiking, mountaineering, running, and cycling all with his fiancé, Rylie.

Adam Thoms, Ph.D.

Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist at Iowa State University

He covers the state of Iowa answering commercial turfgrass managers problems as part of his Extension efforts, as well as conducting turfgrass management research. He also teaches classes as part of the ISU Turfgrass undergraduate program. Adam earned his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. Adam is also active in several turfgrass organizations including being the President of the Sports Field Management Association.

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Weston Floyd

Research Specialist II - Texas A&M University

In that role I oversee the daily operations at the Scotts Miracle Grow Facility for Lawn and Garden Research. I conduct industry trials, assist with teaching undergraduate courses, and aid graduate students with the planning and execution of their research.

Lisa Blecker

Pesticide Safety Educator at Colorado State University and Faculty in the in the department of Agricultural Biology

In this role she oversees the revision of study guides and exams for applicators seeking their private and commercial applicator certifications, delivers continuing education programs for pest management professionals, delivers worker protection standard trainings, and teaches an undergraduate course, Understanding Pesticides. Lisa is currently the Administrator for the Pesticide Regulatory Education Program (PREP), a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, providing professional development opportunities for pesticide regulatory officials in states, tribes, and affiliated territories.

Matt Anderson

District Sales Manager - The Toro Company

I have been a CSFM since 2012. My professional experience includes: consultant for the Athens Olympic Stadium for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Head Groundskeeper for the Lansing Lugnuts, Assistant Turf Manager at Michigan State University, and the Campus Turf Manager and Grounds Superintendent at the University of Arizona. I have served in leadership roles with the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, the Michigan and Arizona chapters of the STMA, the STMA Board of Directors. I am currently a District Sales Manager for The Toro Company, covering the western US.

Wes Eppele

Senior Sales Specialist for BASF Corporation.

In this role, Wes represents the BASF Turf & Ornamentals portfolio in the states of Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and Arkansas. Wes graduated from NC State University in 2011 with a BS in Turfgrass Science and Purdue University in 2018 with a MS in Agricultural Economics and Indiana University in 2018 with an MBA. He resides in McKinney, TX with his wife and family.

Spencer Bernard

Irrigation specialist at DBC Irrigation. He is experienced in landscape water management.

After earning a degree in Sports Turf Management from Colorado State University, he has worked extensively in irrigation construction, maintenance, design, and auditing. Currently, he manages water efficiency programs, ensuring optimal irrigation practices for landscapes while balancing performance and sustainability for end users. Additionally, he oversees Northern Water’s Conservation Gardens irrigation system, expanding his expertise across various landscape applications.

Travis Shaddox, Ph.D.

CEO of Bluegrass Art and Science, Soil Scientist specializing in soil fertility and turfgrass nutrition

Travis has a Ph.D. from the University of Florida. He is the CEO of Bluegrass Art and Science and a former assistant professor at the University of Kentucky and University of Florida. Dr. Shaddox has authored numerous peer-reviewed and industry publications focused on nutrient management for lawns, sport turf, golf, and sod production. He is widely recognized for his work translating scientific research into practical, evidence-based recommendations for turfgrass professionals.