E38 | Protecting the Future and Advancing the Industry with Jeff White, CGCS

Episode OverviewIn this episode of Leadership on the Links, we sit down with Jeff White, CGCS, outgoing President of the GCSAA (Golf Course Superintendents Association of America). Jeff shares his journey from local chapter leadership to the national stage, offering insights into industry leadership, workforce development, environmental advocacy, and the future of golf course management. Jeff reflects on his experiences, challenges, and the lessons he's learned while representing golf course superintendents worldwide. Listeners will learn: Leadership Growth: Transitioning to national leadership roles requires adaptability, strong support, and offers significant professional development. Member Engagement: Clearer storytelling and in-person experiences are key to showcasing GCSAA's value and engaging members. Workforce Development: Raising career awareness and offering dual pathways (education and training) are critical for attracting new talent. Environmental Stewardship: Expanding BMP adoption and active policy participation protect the industry's future. Global & Post-Leadership Insights: International experiences broaden perspectives, while planning and mentorship ease transitions after leadership roles. Soundbytes: "It's been an awesome ride. It's been everything I thought it would be and more. When I say 'more,' I mean managing the balancing act of scheduling everything—family, work, GCSA, and so on. As you progress from being a junior board member to higher levels, you build a foundation. It's similar to serving on a local committee or task group; you think you're prepared for the next step, but once you get there, you realize there's a steep learning curve. Representing 20,000 members is an incredible responsibility, and I've grown so much along the way." (0:12) "One lesson I've learned throughout my career is to be yourself—there's only one 'you.' I've also come to value listening as a skill. Communication is a two-way street. Great leaders know how to listen, really listen, and distill everyone's thoughts into something cohesive. I've admired those who can wrap up a discussion with a single sentence that brings people together." (38:06-40:00) Quotes: "Listening isn't just about hearing words—it's about understanding the message. That's an area where I'm still growing, but I've seen how valuable it is for solving tough conversations and holding a group together." "I think the Career Pathways initiative is on a solid upward trajectory. It's exciting because it represents the here and now, and I've seen a lot of initiatives evolve over my time on the board. This one still has room to grow—it's not in its infancy, but it hasn't fully matured either. It's something that will always evolve. "I'm passionate about the BMPs (Best Management Practices). It's not a question of 'if' but 'when' these will become essential. Many people don't understand BMPs yet, but they're incredibly versatile tools. Whether you use them for internal purposes, like designing a wash station, or for outward-facing goals, like advocacy with local or national governments, they provide tremendous value. "We need more people to embrace BMPs proactively instead of reactively. I've seen other countries where regulations were imposed because they weren't at the table during discussions. Collectively, we're working to protect the game, the environment, and our industry. Progress since 2020 has been slower than I'd like, but we're moving in the right direction." Links Mentioned in this Episode: GCSAA: www.gcsaa.org Tyler Bloom Consulting: www.tylerbloomconsulting.com X (formerly Twitter): @white70 LinkedIn: Jeff White, CGCS