A-LIST appoints Dr. Kyley Dickson as new executive director

The Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST) announced that Kyley Dickson, Ph.D  at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, has been selected as the organization’s new executive director.

The executive director, in cooperation with the Executive Committee and Research Committee, develops and implements the long-term strategies of the alliance. As the executive director of the A-LIST, Dickson will seek to utilize his experience in turfgrass research to increase awareness of the program and promote turfgrass as an environmentally friendly solution. Dickson’s interest lies in working with founding A-LIST members, university cooperators and other industry professionals to raise awareness of the importance of planting improved natural turfgrass varieties.

Kyley Dickson, Ph.D.

“Kyley is going to help us to bring sustainable solutions to all the Turfgrass markets. Our sustainable solutions reduce the hidden carbon costs of turfgrasses while enabling the benefits to be enjoyed by all. Kyley understands the long-term benefits of A-LIST varieties and brings excitement to the Team,” said Dr. Leah Brilman, director project management and technical services. This appointment supplements the critical work Dickson will continue at UT-Knoxville.

Dickson is a native of east Tennessee, and was awarded three degrees from the University of Tennessee – Knoxville: A Doctorate in Plant, Soil, and Insect Sciences, a Master’s degree in Plant Sciences, and a Bachelor’s in Plant Sciences, with concentration in Turfgrass Management.

Dickson has worked for 15 years in the turfgrass industry on a wide variety of areas, ranging from turfgrass research to sports fields management to lawn care maintenance. His working role today is as researcher and associate director at the Center for Athletic Field Safety at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville, and he has conducted extensive turfgrass research at his university for more than 10 years.

Dickson has completed turfgrass variety trials on many different aspects of warm- and cool-season species. Currently, his research focuses on improving safety and playability of athletic fields. This research ranges from evaluating new turfgrass varieties for athletic fields to determining the impact of soil moisture content on rootzone behavior. 

“We are ecstatic about welcoming Dr. Dickson to the helm of A-LIST,” said Jeremy Husen, outgoing A-LIST executive director. “Appointing such a respected researcher to the executive director position is another example of our dedication to leading with data-driven turfgrass choices, and our entire group is excited for the future of A-LIST under his guidance!”