Sod Solutions Director of Florida Operations Mark Kann was elected President of the Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA) during the FTGA annual conference held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida.
Kann, who joined Sod Solutions in 2021, brings three decades of experience spanning golf course management, university research and industry leadership. His new role marks what he calls ‘a full circle moment’ in his career.
“I’ve always loved serving and helping others and it’s just another chance to do that,” he said. “Being voted in shows the confidence my colleagues in this industry have in me to run this organization and that’s humbling. I’m ready to go.”
Kann’s path through the turfgrass industry began on golf courses across Florida, where he served as both superintendent and assistant superintendent before spending 14 years managing the turf research facility at the University of Florida’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science and a Master of Science in Horticultural Sciences from UF.
He has held leadership roles across multiple allied associations, including serving as president of both the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (Florida GCSA) and the Seven Rivers Golf Course Superintendents Association. He also chaired the FGCSA Education and BMP Committee for nearly a decade, where he helped develop the association’s nationally recognized Golf BMP Certification Program.
In his current role with Sod Solutions, Kann works closely with superintendents, turf managers, sod producers and landscapers across the state.
As president, Kann plans to build on the association’s existing momentum while focusing on collaboration and unity. He emphasized the FTGA’s role in education, research and advocacy.
“We support all segments of the industry,” he said. “We provide quality education and have a great relationship with the University of Florida, which gives us access to top researchers and resources.”
The association will continue prioritizing research that addresses real challenges for Florida turfgrass professionals, including projects that improve environmental stewardship, support best management practices and guide policy decisions with science. Kann also pointed to the importance of raising funds for the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation, which provides student scholarships and supports research benefiting multiple industry sectors.