The SFMA Conference Education Committee has put together an exciting and informative education program for the 2026 Conference in Fort Worth, Texas. Leading up to the conference, SFMA highlights speakers to give attendees an idea of what will be offered. This month’s featured speakers are Colin Boak and Jeff McManus.
Colin Boak
Boak studied Sports Management and Business while playing baseball at Division III Olivet College. He later earned a Master of Science in Sports Management from Eastern Michigan University (EMU). His passion for field management began early, maintaining and lining community baseball fields in his hometown. During his time at EMU, he completed an internship with the athletic operations department, gaining experience on both synthetic turf and natural grass surfaces. Since 2016, Boak has served as field superintendent at Legacy, where he oversees six natural grass baseball fields, eight natural grass soccer fields, and two indoor synthetic soccer fields.
Boak will be presenting “Managing and Leading Young Workers and Dealing with Turnover.” This session will explore the unique challenges of managing young workers, including communication barriers, motivation, and workplace expectations. We’ll share practical tools and strategies to help supervisors connect with younger team members and maximize their potential. In addition, the discussion will address the impacts of frequent turnover and the ongoing retraining process that comes with a steady flow of high school–aged employees.
Jeff McManus
McManus doesn’t just grow landscapes — he grows leaders. For nearly 25 years, he transformed Ole Miss into one of the nation’s most beautiful campuses, earning recognition from Forbes, The New York Times, Newsweek, USA Today, and PGMS. His bestselling book, Growing Weeders into Leaders, shares how he turned an unmotivated team into a nationally recognized powerhouse. A sought-after speaker and National Speakers Association member, McManus inspires companies, universities and teams with practical lessons on teamwork, leadership and training. After retiring from the University of Mississippi in early 2025, McManus became executive director of grounds and landscape at the University of Texas, continuing his passion for cultivating excellence.
McManus will present “It’s Not About the Paycheck.” Of course, the paycheck matters—but it’s not what drives the early mornings or late nights. For those who take pride in every stripe and safe surface, it’s about purpose and passion. In this engaging session, McManus challenges the norm: What if doing more with less brings meaning, not frustration? Through real-world stories and leadership lessons, he shows how high-performing teams thrive — not because it’s easy, but because passion leads the way. You’ll laugh, reflect, and leave with practical tools to inspire your crew and reignite your owns park, no matter the obstacles. It’s time to rethink success.