Lawrence, Kansas, United States: Mark Johnson, Director, Environmental Programmes, for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA), who has spent 19 years with the association, has announced his retirement.

Johnson joined the GCSAA staff in August 2005 as Environmental Programmes Specialist and was promoted to Senior Manager, Environmental Programmes, in 2007. In 2013, he was named Associate Director, Environmental Programmes, and was promoted to his current role in 2022.

Throughout his tenure, Johnson provided direction and project management for the various environmental programmes, tools and services at GCSAA. 

He was instrumental in the completion of Best Management Practices (BMP) guidelines in all 50 US States and in the development of GCSAA’s BMP Planning Guide and Template to help superintendents create facility BMPs.

Johnson also played a key role in the Golf Course Environmental Profile, GCSAA’s ground-breaking project to develop a comprehensive environmental profile of golf courses in the United States. 

In addition, he oversaw the awarding of funding to approximately 80 scientific research projects totalling US$1.9 million. He served on the EPA Office of Pesticide Programme Dialogue Committee (PPDC) from 2020 to 2023 and was Chair of the Lower Kansas River WRAPS (Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy) for more than a decade.

Johnson also represented GCSAA on the National Turfgrass Evaluation Programme Policy Committee.

“In nearly two decades at GCSAA, Mark’s passion and efforts have left an indelible mark on the industry that will continue to have a positive impact on our members for years to come,” said Rhett Evans, GCSAA CEO.

“His work has been directly responsible for providing superintendents with the scientific documentation they need to demonstrate their environmental stewardship efforts. He has truly lived our mission of serving members and advancing their profession. Mark will be missed, but we wish him the very best as he moves on to a well-earned retirement,” added Evans.

Prior to and during his time at GCSAA, Johnson’s career focused on outdoor recreation, environmental protection, wildlife and natural resource conservation. He graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in systematics and ecology.

Johnson said: “Albert Schweitzer is credited with saying: ‘The purpose of human life is to serve and to show compassion and the will to help others’ and GCSAA afforded me the opportunity to do just that for our members these past two decades. 

“I hope any difference I may have made in their lives will be passed along to others who can have successful careers and life experiences. I know that the great men and women in our industry will succeed through service and dedication to others.”

Upon his retirement, effective on December 12, Johnson plans to spend quality time with his family and pursue his interest in portrait photography.