The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) concluded its 2025 Annual Conference, “Transform,” held October 21–24 in Louisville, Kentucky. Drawing more than 200 attendees from throughout the country, the four-day educational program was hosted alongside Equip Exposition.
Under the unifying theme “Build. Cultivate. Celebrate.” the conference offered expanded educational sessions, collaborative networking, and industry recognition events designed to empower grounds professionals. The program reflected the Society’s commitment to advancing professionalism, sustainability and innovation within the green industry.
Attendees participated in expanded breakout sessions, certification learning opportunities, and first-time collaborations with partner organizations.
This year also introduced new initiatives that fostered dialogue and peer learning. PGMS partnered with the Groundskeeper Chats podcast, presented by Pioneer Athletics, to bring live discussions and interviews to attendees—marking the first-ever integration of this digital platform into the Annual Conference.
The reimagined GROW Forum debuted a more interactive format, offering practical workshops and peer exchanges designed to help professionals strengthen leadership, sustainability, and operational excellence. In addition, crossover speakers from the Sports Field Management Association joined the program, enriching the educational scope and reinforcing shared industry priorities.
A highlight of the week was the Annual Awards Celebration, recognizing the exceptional service of professionals advancing the green industry and Society. Awards included:
- Award of Distinguished Service: Jenny Gulick, former President of the Greater Cincinnati Branch, was honored posthumously for more than 15 years of leadership and commitment. Kelly Kopp, Landscape Manager at the University of Tennessee, was also recognized for long-term dedication to the Society and the green Industry.
- E. Earl Wilson Award: Jeff McManus, Executive Director of Grounds and Landscape at the University of Texas at Austin, received this award for embodying professionalism, service, and mentorship.
- Walt Bonvell PGMS Ambassador Award: Joe Kovolyan, CGM, Northwest Regional Manager for PGMS, was presented with the ambassador award for his ability to interact with Partners in Professionalism and promote the Society across the green industry.
- Gold Medal Award: Paula Sliefert, CEO of the Sports Field Management Association and Executive Director of the Professional Football Field Managers Association, received this honor for outstanding and sustained contributions to the green industry.
- President’s Award: Vince Jagodzinski, CGM, Vice President of PGMS and Manager of Grounds and Field Testing for Stanley Black and Decker, was honored for exceptional service and leadership.
PGMS recognized the nation’s top grounds management achievements, underscoring a commitment to recognizing excellence in grounds management and environmental stewardship nationwide.
Grand Award recipients include: Gathering Place Tulsa, Greer Urban Park, Hobart and William Smith Colleges, Michigan State University, Mission Point Resort, Navy Federal Credit Union Greater Pensacola Operations, Palm Beach Atlantic University, University of Missouri–Columbia, and Utah State University.
Honor Award recipients include: Belmont Abbey College, Brentsville District Sports Field Complex, Dallas Baptist University, Greer Center for the Arts Park, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Ohio Northern University (Sodexo), Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Taylor University, Texas Christian University Athletic Facilities, Texas Woman’s University, Topiary Elephant at University of Alabama, Uline Texas Branch, and University of Kansas Medical Center.
Merit Award recipients include: Oakland County, Michigan and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill – Old Well Project.