The SFMA Conference Education Committee has put together an exciting and informative education program for the 2025 Conference in Palm Springs, California. Each month, speakers will be featured to highlight a sample of what will be offered to attendees at the conference. This month’s featured speakers are Drew Miller, Ed.D., Danny Losito, CSFM, Dan Sandor, Ph.D., and Tyler Carr, Ph.D.
Drew Miller, Ed.D., is the Brentsville Turfgrass Management program director at Brentsville District High School in Nokesville, Virginia. He is a former MLB, NFL, and NCAA groundskeeper with different teams. Miller Graduated from Virginia Tech with a bachelor’s and master’s degree before completing his doctorate at Liberty University. In his current role, he has developed the premier high school turfgrass management, where he is bringing the next generation of sports field managers. He is using his blueprint to develop high school turfgrass management programs across the United States to bring awareness to this incredible industry.
Danny Losito is a CSFM with experience in the NFL, MLS, MLB, NCAA and MiLB. Danny is a Raleigh, North Carolina native and an NCSU Turfgrass Alumni. Losito traveled the country over the last 13 years in the industry with the goal of broadening his experience in multi-sport and event management. He currently holds the title of director of sports fields & grounds for the Carolina Panthers & Charlotte FC where he oversees the management of three facilities and 18 acres of playing fields.
Miller and Losito will be presenting “Providing Opportunity for the Future.” In this presentation you will learn new and innovative ways to provide life-changing opportunities to young individuals that may not have seen sports field management as a career. We will discuss different events where we created the environment for young individuals to truly experience what we all do in the field, firsthand in the real-world setting. From the COPA America Cup to Bowl preparation. We will showcase the impact that these events have had on the industry and how with more we can truly make a lasting impact on the growth and overall well- being of Sports Field Management. We must take an active role in recruiting the next generation and we will help teach how to make these connections and continue to grow this incredible industry that we all love.
Dan Sandor, Ph.D., is a collegiate assistant professor of turfgrass at Virginia Tech. He holds a 100% teaching appointment as he leads all undergraduate coursework, chairs undergraduate research, advises & mentors students, and serves as the faculty advisor for the Virginia Tech Turfgrass Club. Sandor directs multiple recruiting initiatives of prospective VT Turf students and has built & developed strong connections with high school agriculture and green-industry programs across the Commonwealth. He is also engaged in multiple turfgrass research, extension, and outreach-education efforts at VT, and he serves as the education chair of the Virginia Sports Field Management Association. Sandor earned his Ph.D. from the Univ. of Arkansas’s turfgrass science program in 2018; and he served as a postdoctoral associate with the Univ. of Minnesota Turfgrass Science program prior to joining VT in the fall of 2019.
Tyler Carr, Ph.D., is an assistant professor and turfgrass extension specialist at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His research focuses on improving turfgrass cultural practices to develop sustainable turfgrass systems. His extension program strives to provide education and cost-effective solutions for the Ohio turfgrass industry. Carr received a B.S. in Horticulture, Landscape, and Turf Sciences from the University of Arkansas, an M.S. in Horticulture from the University of Arkansas, and a Ph.D. in Plant, Soil, and Environmental Sciences from the University of Tennessee.
Carr and Sandor will be presenting “Data-Driven Sports Field Management.” Stop wondering which fertilizer to use, when to apply it, or how much water your field needs. Sports field managers face a constant stream of decisions, and while many practices claim effectiveness, not all are backed by science. This seminar will equip you with the knowledge to confidently navigate this landscape. We’ll delve into the rigorous scientific method that separates evidence-based practices from mere speculation. You’ll gain the tools to critically evaluate recommendations, ensuring they’re rooted in scientific research. By the end, you’ll be able to justify and advocate for data-driven, science-based practices at your facility. This not only leads to better field conditions, but also translates to cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
