Meet Our Experienced Conference Speakers
Pamela Sherratt - THE Ohio State University
Pamela is a Sports Turf Specialist at The Ohio State University.
She teaches sports turf and plant science classes. Currently, Pamela manages online certificates for industry professionals, writes a column for the national Sports Field Managers Association (SFMA) magazine, and speaks at state, national and international conferences. She serves on the OTF Education Committee, OSFMA Board, and SFMA Subject Experts Committee. Pamela conducts Extension & outreach efforts in sports turf and some applied research in sports turf management.
Dr. Alison O’Connor - Colorado State University Extension, Fort Collins
Dr. Alison O’Connor is a 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, Adams County
Eric works for Colorado State University Extension as the Horticulture Specialist in Adams County.
He assists clients with issues related to landscape horticulture and coordinates the Colorado Master Gardener program in the county. He attended Colorado State University where he received an undergraduate degree in Natural Resource Management and later a Master of Science in Horticulture.
Brad Jakubowski - Penn State University
Brad Jakubowski has been involved with the Green Industry for over 25 years.
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.
Don Frantz - Wilbur-Ellis Branded Products Territory Manager
Don has over 25 years of turf and ornamental experience.
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Colorado State University majoring in landscape horticulture: turf management. His professional experience brings all aspects of the industry, including end user roles, plus distribution and manufacturer sales. Don lives with his wife and identical twin daughters in Boise, Idaho.
Hector Velazquez - Hector’s Shop
Hector Velazquez is an individual with a background in outdoor power equipment repair (Golf Course Technician) and videography.
He started his career as a certified motorcycle technician and has been working in the OPE industry for over 24 years. In addition to running Hector's Shop, he produces educational videos for a variety of clients, including Home Depot's tool rental department and now GCSAA.org and also for His Rumble Channel. Hector and his team have won several awards for their instructional videos, including the Edwin Budding Award from GCSAA.org in 2018. In addition to video production, Hector's Shop offers Reel Grinding Service, onsite tech training, shop organization consultations and speaking engagements.
Adam Thoms - Associate Professor and Turfgrass Specialist - Iowa State University
Adam Thoms is an 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.
Eric Pollock - Owner - Golf & Sport Solutions
Over 25 years of experience in the green industry. 15 years managing Sports Fields and 17 making products for the Sports Turf Manager with my company Golf and Sport Solutions.
Jim Urbina - Jim Urbina Golf Design
Business for over 40 years, his first introduction into golf course design and construction was for the Iconic Pete Dye at the T.P.C course at Plum Creek in Castle Rock, Colorado.
He has since gone on to design and build several top 100 golf courses as well as acting as golf course architectural consultant on many top 100 golf courses across the United States. His recent work at Loblolly and Pasatiempo has gotten rave reviews.
Ryan Newman - Senior Director of Sports Turf & Grounds - Denver Broncos
Ryan Newman is in his second year as Senior Director of Sports Turf & Grounds with the Denver Broncos,
where he oversees the management of Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, CO and Broncos Park Powered by CommonSpirit in Englewood, CO. Prior to his time with the Broncos, Ryan spent 21 years with the University of Colorado Athletic Department, where he managed turf operations at all intercollegiate athletic facilities. He earned his BS in Horticulture with an emphasis in Turf Management from Iowa State University in 2002, while working on the athletics grounds crew. His career started with the Sioux City Explorers as the Head Groundskeeper, winning Northern League Field of the Year in 2000. A native of Sioux City, IA, Ryan spends his time away from work with his beautiful wife Kate, and two children Grayson (8) and Ryleigh (3).
Josh Koss - Territory Manager - Harrell's Inc.
Joshua Koss, CSFM has 25 years’ experience in the turfgrass management industry with time spent delivering athletic field and landscape management services to venues at the Professional, NCAA D-1 and K-12 public and private levels. He also has some golf course management leadership experience.
Josh is currently a Territory Manager with Harrell’s, providing product support and agronomic consultation to lawn care operators, professional sports venues, universities, schools and municipalities across Colorado.
Josh started with Harrell’s in March of 2024 after 2 years with Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness supporting the same customer segment.
Josh holds an AAS degree in Horticulture and Landscape Technologies from Front Range Community College in Westminster, CO and a BS degree in Business Management from Colorado State University.
Spencer Jordan - Field Service Tech - DBC Irrigation Supply
Spencer Jordan has worked in the industry for over 20 year. He has worked in residential and commercial irrigation as a business owner, irrigation technician, project manager, irrigation manager, and a field service technician.
As a field service technician, he has worked for manufacturing and distribution. He has a Bachelor of Science in Math and a Master’s in Divinity. He is married with 5 children and enjoys the outdoors, especially snow skiing.
Weston Floyd - Research Specialist II - Texas A&M University
After 14 years as a turf manager in Division III and Division I athletics I transitioned into my role as a research specialist at 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 - Colorado State University Department of Agricultural Biology
Lisa Blecker is the Pesticide Safety Educator at Colorado State University (CSU) 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.
Sarah Hirnyck - Pesticide Outreach Specialist - Colorado State University - Fort Collins
Sarah Hirnyck has been the Pesticide Outreach Specialist in the Department of Agricultural Biology at Colorado State University since September 2021.
She assists in the planning and development of the Pesticide Regulatory Education Program (PREP) courses and provides bilingual pesticide safety training programs for pesticide handlers, fieldworkers, and pesticide applicators throughout the state. Prior to working at Colorado State University, she was a Community Education Specialist for the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program (UC IPM). Sarah has diverse educational programs experience. She spent two years in Panamá as a Peace Corps volunteer. She partnered with community members and government agencies to develop and implement community-based conservation programs. Sarah helped create connections and build sustainable relationships between the community and government agencies. Languages spoken: English, Spanish.
Dr. Marta Pudzianowska - Assistant Professor - Mississippi State University
Dr. Marta Pudzianowska is an Assistant Professor at Mississippi State University, with eight years of experience in breeding of warm-season turfgrasses.
Originally from Poland, she earned her M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Horticulture at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. Her main focus is developing resilient and sustainable bermudagrasses. She began working with bermudagrass in California and continues her efforts at MSU. In addition to bermudagrass, she has experience in breeding kikuyugrass and carpetgrass. Her work in warm-season turfgrass breeding at the University of California, Riverside resulted in co-authorship of two cultivars of bermudagrass (‘Coachella’ and ‘Presidio’).
Wes Eppele - Sr. Sales Specialist - BASF
Wes Eppele is a Sr. Sales Specialist for BASF Corporation. He joined BASF in 2012.
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.
Matt Anderson - District Sales Manager - The Toro Company
Originally from Michigan, I earned my B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science from Michigan State University.
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.
Dr. Bryan Hopkins - Professor of Turfgrass Science - Brigham Young University
Dr. Bryan G. Hopkins is a Certified Professional Soil Scientist (CPSS) specializing in turfgrass science and management.
He is a Professor teaching and conducting research at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT. He consults with a wide variety of sports teams, golf courses, and other organizations and is internationally renowned, as evidenced by the honor of being among the <1% of scientists selected as a Fellow in the Soil Science Society of America and the American Society of Agronomy.
Taylor Turner-Weaver - VP of Business Development - Numerator Technologies
Since joining Numerator Technologies in 2016, Taylor Turner-Weaver has been at the forefront of water movement and soil surfactant technologies.
They’ve trained with leading researchers like Dr. John Cisar and Dr. Doug Karcher, and are currently pursuing a Master’s Certificate in Fertilizer Science and Technology at the University of Florida.
An experienced speaker, Taylor has delivered CEUs globally on topics such as managing water repellent soils, localized dry spot, surfactant strategies, and water quality issues. They are an active member of the Florida Fertilizer and Agrichemical Association, serving on the Government Affairs Committee and as Chair-Woman of the Scholarship Board, where they also mentor female scholars.
Outside of work, Taylor enjoys boating, painting, cooking, reading, and (trying to) golf. A born-and-raised Floridian, they are also known for choosing the iconic color of Sarge 2.0.
Dr. Tamla Blunt - Colorado State University
Dr. Tamla Blunt is a Continuing, Contract, Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Colorado State University in the Agricultural Biology Department.
Dr. Blunt is familiar with a variety of plants that include greenhouse, forest, landscape, turf, and cropping situations and the associated disorders that accompany many of these plants. At Colorado State University, she teaches LIFE102 (first-year biology) as well as Online Horticulture Pathology classes in the Fall and Spring Semesters, and assists with Elements of Plant Pathology, a resident instruction class. She also does Apprentice and Advanced Master Gardener training in Plant Pathology and Diagnostics. Dr. Blunt also teaches Landscape Plant Health Care, Plant Propagation, and Pesticide Safety and Use at Front Range Community College campuses in Westminster and Fort Collins, CO.
Robert Gonzales - Nutrien Solutions
Robert is the Turf & Ornamental Manager for Nutrien Solutions, covering Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, and New Mexico, specializing in turf management for Golf Courses, Parks and Rec Departments, Lawn Care Companies and School Districts.
Robert has been in Colorado for the past ten years and previously was a Golf Course Superintendent in New Mexico. He has been on both the RMRTA and RMGCSA boards. Robert grew up in the landscaping business, as his family owned a small turf care company.
A graduate of Texas A&M and former collegiate golfer, turf has been part of him and his family for most of his life.
Siivi Melorango - Environmental Protection Specialist I - CDPHE
Siivi is an Environmental Planning Specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division.
She has a background in transportation planning and
environmental policy.
Leah Martland - EPS V - CDPHE
Leah is an Environmental Planning Specialist with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Air Pollution Control Division.
She has been with the Division for over 15 years, working on policies and regulations to improve air quality in Colorado.
Alan Hopkins - Area Sales Manager - ENVU
Alan Hopkins is Area Sales Manager for Envu Environmental Science covering Colorado, Western Kansas, Western Nebraska and Southeast Wyoming.
Alan earned a Master of Science degree in Weed Science at the University of Arkansas and worked at Bayer for 28 years in technical, marketing, account management, and sales roles. His career has included extensive experience in the mitigation and management of herbicide-resistant weeds. In his role at Envu, Alan works with state and county weed management specialists along with distributors, retailers, and applicators. He encourages best management practices and stewardship with Envu’s Vegetation Management products.
Dr. Derek Sebastian - Government Stewardship & Relations Manager - ENVU
Dr. Derek Sebastian is the Envu Government Stewardship & Relations Manager and resides in Greeley, CO.
He completed his MS and PhD at Colorado State University with his main research focus on the development of new innovative tools for range and pasture, and industrial vegetation management. This includes detailed research and development of tools such as Rejuvra, Esplanade 200 SC, Plainview, Method, and Telar. He continues to focus on innovative tools to increase the efficiency and success of land managers and landowners throughout the west.
Kevin Hicks - Western Regional Agronomist - Earthworks
Kevin has served as the Western Regional Agronomist for EarthWorks Natural Organics Fertilizer in Easton, PA.
He resides in Coeur d’Alene, ID where he and his wife of 32 years raised their 3 sons. Prior to joining EarthWorks 7 years ago, he had been the superintendent at the Coeur d'Alene Resort for 14 years. Before his time at the CDA Resort, he ran Hillcrest C.C in Boise, ID, host of the Nationwide Tour's Boise Open. Before moving to Boise, Kevin was the Superintendent for 6 years at the exclusive Desert Forest GC in Carefree, AZ. Perennially ranked in the Top 100, it was a lucky break for a then young assistant to be promoted to Superintendent in 1993. He played college golf for the University of Minnesota, Duluth, and received a Turf Management Degree from Penn State University. Beginning his "career" in golf as a caddy at the Wayzata CC in Wayzata, MN at the age of 10, he has been in the business for 47 years, also holding positions in Colorado and Minnesota. For his entire career, he has made the environment and turf health his primary concern, which has led him to the position with EarthWorks. In his off time, Kevin enjoys woodworking and gardening and still finds time to occasionally knock the little white ball around the course.
Shawn Fopma - Key Account Manager - PBI Gordon
Shawn Fopma is a Key Account Manager for PBI-Gordon, developing strategic initiatives with select channel partners in the professional turf and ornamental industry.
Prior to this, he was a PBI-Gordon Regional Sales Representative, serving customers throughout Colorado, Nebraska and Iowa. Previously, he was the Assistant Director of the Iowa Turfgrass Institute, and an Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at Wakonda Club, in Des Moines, Iowa. A lifelong Iowan, Shawn holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticulture from Iowa State University.
Bryce Bahe - Northern High Plains Plant Fertility & Soil Health Manager - Nutrien Ag Solutions
Worked in the agriculture industry for 20 years as a laborer, crop consultant, farm manager, retail location manager, & division manager.
Made a lot of mistakes along the way, but learned from everyone of them.
Likes long walks on the beach.
Daniel McCann - Territory Manager - The Aquatrols Company
Daniel has 27 years in the turfgrass industry, 20 of those as a Golf Course Superintendent.
Beginning in 2018, he went to work as a manufacturer rep for a carbon-based bionutritient company and through a strategic partnership in 2020, he began his career with Aquatrols covering the south central United States.
Spencer Bernard - Water Efficiency Specialist - Northern Water
Spencer is an irrigation specialist, 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.
Todd Land - Business Development/ Horticulturist - Buffalo Brand Seed
Arrived in Colorado in 1978, Attended Manitou Springs High School, BS in Landscape horticulture and Communications from Colorado State University.
Has worked in the Native and Ornamental Seed industry since 2007.
Lew Sharpe - World Wide Agronomist & Golf Course Consultant - Tee 2 Green
With seemingly more than a lifetime of experience in golf course architecture, inter-seeding, maintenance and renovation,
Lew Sharp is uniquely qualified to help you find solutions to the challenges golf course superintendents face.
In his 20 years at Tee-2-Green, the leader in bentgrass, Lew has served as the worldwide agronomist and golf course consultant for golf course designers, architects and superintendents. He also advises the Tee-2-Green growers on how to produce some of the most trusted bentgrass in the world.
Darren J. Davis, CGCS - Certified Golf Course Superintendent - Olde Florida Golf Club
Darren J. Davis, CGCS, has been Superintendent at Olde Florida Golf Club in Naples, Florida since September 1992.
Prior to accepting this position, Davis was employed as the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent at the Loxahatchee Club in Jupiter, Florida. Additional professional experience includes two stints at the Augusta National Golf Club, the first serving as an Apprentice Superintendent in 1990 and returning as the IPM Technician in 1991.
Davis attended the Turfgrass Management program at The Pennsylvania State University where he graduated with highest distinction in 1991. He also obtained an Associate in Arts Degree from Tallahassee Community College in 1987, and in 2007 Florida Gulf Coast University conferred upon him a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, Summa Cum Laude.
Davis was elected as the 82nd president of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) in 2018, after joining the board in 2012. His commitment to the association has continued with his involvement with the board through 2020 and most recently as the GCSAA Centennial Celebration Committee Chair—a position he will hold through the association's 100 year anniversary, on September 13, 2026.
Davis has also served as a Director of the Musser International Turfgrass Foundation since 2011. He is a Past President of the Everglades Golf Course Superintendents Association, the Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA), and the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (FGCSA).
Davis has been published in Golf Course Management, the trade journal of the GCSAA, seven times and is a two-time winner of the Leo Feser Award, presented annually by the GCSAA for the best superintendent written article. In 1995 the GCSAA also presented Davis with the National Environmental Steward Award in the private course division, in 2004 the FGCSA honored him with its Distinguished Service Award and in 2011 the FTGA presented Davis with the Wreath of Grass - the associations highest award.
Mark Pickrel - Agronomist - Wilbur Ellis
Mark is an agronomist with Wilbur-Ellis Company.
He earned his degrees from Northern Illinois University and Valencia College. In his free time, he works as a fly fishing guide.
Francisco Santiago - Senior Sales Rep. - BASF
Francisco has a bachelor's & master's degree in agricultural education.
He had a 14-year career at the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Arizona before leaving for the industry. He has worked in the turf and ornamentals sector since 2017.
Francisco tiene un título de licenciatura y una maestría en ciencia en educación agrícola. Tuvo una carrera de 14 años en Collegio de Agricultura y Ciencias de la Vida en la Universidad de Arizona antes de dejarla para la industria. Ha trabajado en el sector de césped y ornamentales desde 2017.