New COO brings extensive experience in GCSAA management

Evans selected for GCSAA chief operating officer position

J. Rhett Evans, director of the parks, recreation and commercial facilities division for the city of Mesa (Ariz.) has been selected as chief operating officer for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA).

“I am pleased that Rhett will be joining the GCSAA team,” said GCSAA Chief Executive Officer Mark Woodward, CGCS. “I witnessed his talents first hand working with him in Mesa and have always been impressed with how he goes about his work. He is great in developing relationships and his business acumen is sharp. He will be a great fit with our team and our members.”

Evans, who will begin July 9, will plan and direct key aspects of organizational operations, including policies, objectives and strategic initiatives. He will be responsible for developing and implementing key programs that support GCSAA’s short- and long-term financial and operational goals to ensure future sustained growth.

“I am honored to have been selected as GCSAA’s chief operating officer and look forward to joining the team and working with the members,” Evans said. “All of my previous experiences with GCSAA have been terrific. The association has a great reputation. I have had a wonderful time in Mesa and will miss the city and the great people I have worked with and for. It takes a special opportunity for me to leave, and I consider GCSAA to be just that.”

Evans earned both his undergraduate (sociology major/emphasis in business) and graduate (recreation management and leadership/emphasis is public administration) degrees from Brigham Young University. He is also a graduate of the Public Assembly Facility Management School.

Evans has been with the city of Mesa since 2001, serving as director of the convention center and amphitheatre until 2005 before he advanced to his current position. He currently manages a staff of more than 700, through a team of 12 supervisors and three assistant directors, in all program areas, including a convention center and amphitheatre, spring training baseball complex (Chicago Cubs), cemetery, two golf courses, recreation and aquatic complexes and 2,600 acres of park space. He manages a $32.5 million annual operating budget and a $28 million capital improvement budget. In his time as director, he grew ancillary revenues and customer per-capita spending by 43 percent by improving concession and merchandise operations. He also recently enacted a staff reorganization that resulted in a 25 percent increase in daily productivity and 23 percent increase in customer satisfaction.

Evans, 40, (born Sept. 29, 1968) also has experience in facility and events management at the Delta Center and Franklin Quest Stadium in Salt Lake City (1992-97) and the McKay Events Center in Orem, Utah (1997-2001).

With the appointment of Evans, Woodward has completed his executive team, which includes Cam Oury, managing director, finance; Teri Harris, managing director, development; Carrie Riordan, managing director, member programs; Jeff Bollig, managing director, marketing and communications; and Eileen Bangalan, executive operations administrator.

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America is a leading golf organization and has as its focus golf course management. Since 1926, GCSAA has been the top professional association for the men and women who manage golf courses in the United States and worldwide. From its headquarters in Lawrence, Kan., the association provides education, information and representation to more than 20,000 members in more than 72 countries. GCSAA’s mission is to serve its members, advance their profession and enhance the enjoyment, growth and vitality of the game of golf. The association’s philanthropic organization, The Environmental Institute for Golf, works to strengthen the compatibility of golf with the natural environment through research grants, support for education programs and outreach efforts.

Visit GCSAA at www.gcsaa.org

LA MANGA CLUB REVS MANSELL’S MOTOR

Jensen Button may have been closing in on his record start to a Formula One season but Nigel Mansell didn’t seem overly concerned as he relaxed on a recent trip to La Manga Club, southern Spain

The former world champion showed no worries that his five wins from five races record might be bettered as he strolled the resort’s championship fairways and took advantage of the first-class spa facilities.

Mansell, who has been a regular visitor to the five-star destination for nearly 15 years, stopped off at the resort with his wife and son for a couple of days between business commitments – and he is well aware of the qualities which keep him coming back.
He said: “The atmosphere and the staff are always so friendly and welcoming, and the facilities, especially the golf, are fantastic which helps draw people back on a regular basis.

“We had a great trip, albeit we could only stay for a couple of days, but it was nice to recharge the batteries a little in such lovely surroundings.

“We managed to play some golf and spend a couple of hours in the health club which is always nice and relaxing.

“I always recommend La Manga Club as a place to come and enjoy yourself, play some golf and just take advantage of the great facilities that the club can offer.”

Mansell is the latest in a long line of celebrities to visit La Manga Club – which is little wonder as the resort boasts five-star accommodation, unrivalled facilities for a host of activities – including golf, tennis, football, cricket – and a luxury spa.

For more information visit www.lamangaclub.com