New York, United States: Audubon International has announced the addition of two golf industry executives to its Board of Directors.

Dan Murphy, CEO of Bridgestone Golf, and Jake Riekstins, Chief Development Officer of Landscapes Unlimited, have joined the environmentally focused non-profit organisation that offers members numerous certifications and conservation initiatives.

As at-large Board members, Murphy and Riekstins 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,” said Audubon International CEO Christine Kane.

“We’re looking forward to working with them as we move forward with many new initiatives to further our mission,” she added.

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.

“I am extremely honoured to join such a prestigious organisation. For many years I’ve admired what Audubon International does for our communities,” said Murphy, a graduate of Wake Forest University.

“Of great interest to me personally is the impact the organisation will have in the immediate and distant future. To play a small role in that growth as a Board member is very exciting,” he added.

As Chief Development Officer for Nebraska-based golf course developer and builder Landscapes Unlimited, Riekstins leads the company’s strategic planning process, executing key initiatives.

Riekstins is a 23-year member of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America and earned an Agricultural Sciences degree at the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada.

As a golf course superintendent, 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. 

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