Sports Turf Managers Association (STMA) – the professional organization for men and women managing sports fields worldwide named John Watt, Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) and Athletic Fields Manager for North Kansas City School District, as the K-12 director for 2016.
Current STMA President, Jeffrey Salmond, CSFM and Director of Athletic Field Management for the University of Oklahoma, appointed Watt to the 13-person Board when former K-12 director resigned due to work responsibilities.
An active STMA member since 1999, Watt has served on the Student Challenge, Membership & Awards Committees and was a 2010 “Field of the Year Award” winner.
“The sports turf manager is an integral part of local youth and school sports programs to ensure consistent, safe and playable surfaces for athletes of all ages and abilities,” said Watt. “STMA has provided me with educational opportunities and best practices to implement in my community and I look forward to contributing to the national organization at a higher level.”
Watt received a B.S. in Plant Science at the University of Missouri. After graduating, he worked for the Cleveland Browns from 1999 to 2006.
The STMA conducts its annual elections electronically in late Nov. and the Board officially takes office during the Conference & Exhibition.
Next year’s event will be held in Orlando, FL. Jan. 24-27, 2017.
