GSI Executive Search is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark J. Woodward, CGCS, MBA, Principal and Head Agronomy Consultant
Mark J. Woodward brings more than 50 years of diverse experience in many facets of the golf industry to GSI where he will specialize in Golf Course Superintendent and Director of Agronomy searches, as well as assisting with agronomic consulting and other related projects. Most recently, Woodward served as Director of Agronomy at the prestigious Whisper Rock Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona before retiring in December 2020. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Vice President for OB Sports Golf Management where he managed 12 golf courses in three different states. Woodward spent most of his career in the Arizona golf industry but also served as the CEO of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) based out of Lawrence, Kansas. In a nationwide search in 2005, Woodward was selected by the City of San Diego to serve as the Golf Operations Manager to prepare Torrey Pines Golf Course for the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship. While at Torrey Pines, Woodward also hosted three Buick Invitational PGA Tour tournaments and three Junior World tournaments. Woodward has a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Arizona State University (ASU) in Environmental Resources in Agriculture and a master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix. He has served on local golf course superintendents boards (Cactus and Pine GCSAA) numerous times and on the national board of directors of the GCSAA for seven years, including a term as president. Woodward was CEO of the Environmental Institute for Golf (EIFG), and along with the CEOs of the PGA of America, the Club Management Association (CMAA), and the National Golf Course Owners Association (NGCOA), he played a key role in starting the “WE ARE GOLF” coalition and the “NATIONAL GOLF DAY” programs that are still active today. In 2006, Woodward was named one of golf’s “Most Admired Operators” by Golf Inc., the same magazine that recognized him as one of the top 35 “Most Powerful People in Golf” in 2008 and 2009 Generations of the Woodward family have worked in the Arizona golf industry, dating back to 1938. In 2021, Woodward became the third member of his family to be inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame. “Agronomy is key to any club and we’re proud to be welcoming one of the best in the business to our team at GSI Executive Search,” says Bob Jones, President of GSI Executive Search. “Mark’s expertise will help us better serve our clients as they’re seeking candidates with this specialized background, and we’re thrilled to have him leading our consulting efforts in this area.”
Shawn Emerson, an Agronomy Consultant at GSI Executive Search, shares, "I’ve always stated that relationships lead to partnerships, and I am excited to be working with GSI Executive Search, Ethos Club and Leisure, and Mark Woodward. Combining our resources will produce a dynamic team, well versed in agronomy, water conservation, construction, and club management. This partnership creates one of the strongest teams available to any club seeking outside expertise."
"I couldn’t think of a better place to work during this time of my life,” says Woodward. “GSI has an excellent reputation in the private club and hospitality industry and I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue doing what I love by advising golf clubs about the practice of agronomy.”
Welcome, Mark! |
| Mark J. Woodward, CGCS, MBA Principal Head Agronomy Consultant
480-381-8831
At a glance:
- Elected to the GCSAA board of directors in 1999, serving seven years and ending as President of the association in 2004 and Past President in 2005.
- In 2008, became the first-ever golf course superintendent to be selected as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GCSAA in the 90+ year history of the association.
- Played a key role in starting the “WE ARE GOLF” coalition and the “NATIONAL GOLF DAY” programs.
- Taught golf-related classes at Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China and at the National Institute for Golf Management (NIGM) in Wheeling, West Virginia.
- Recognized by Golf Inc. magazine as one of golf’s “MOST ADMIRED OPERATORS” in 2006 and in the top 35 “MOST POWERFUL PEOPLE IN GOLF” in 2008 and 2009.
- Inducted into the Arizona Golf Hall of Fame in 2021.
- Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from Arizona State University (ASU) in Environmental Resources in Agriculture and a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) from the University of Phoenix.
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Comprehensive Current Searches May 24, 2022 |
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At GSI Executive Search, we’re always adding new searches to our ever-expanding roster of private club clients. Please see below for the complete list of current searches. Click on candidate searches for further profile information and to apply. |
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Corpus Christi Country Club Corpus Christi, TX
General Manager The Barefoot Beach Club Bonita Beach, FL More Info to come
Fairlawn Country Club Akron, OH
Heritage Bay Golf & Country Club Naples, FL
Stoneybrook Golf & Country Club Sarasota, FL
San Joaquin Country Club Fresno, CA
Mission Hills Country Club Kansas City, KS
Old Baldy Club Saratoga, WY More Info to come
Adirondack League Club Old Forge, NY
Vaquero Club Westlake, TX
Estero Country Club Estero, Florida
Coleman Lake Club Goodman, WI
The Cramer Mountain Club Cramerton, NC |
| Las Campanas HOA Santa Fe, NM
Kelly Greens Golf & Country Club Fort Myers, FL
The Moorings Golf & Country Club Naples, FL
Talisker Club Park City, UT
Marrakesh Country Club Palm Desert, CA
Racquet Club of Philadelphia Philadelphia, PA
Country Club of Louisiana Baton Rouge, LA
Naples Lakes Country Club Naples, FL
Elk Creek Ranch Meeker, CO
Westchester Country Club Rye, NY
Seattle Yacht Club Seattle, WA
Daniel Island Club Daniel Island, SC
Vaquero Club Westlake, TX |
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Interested in placing a candidate search with GSI? Contact one of our search consultants. |
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Scott McNett Senior Principal 314-854-1321 Midwest United States |
| Ned Welc, CCM, CCE Principal 440-796-7922 Florida / Ohio Southeast United States |
| Terry Anglin, CCM, CCE, ECM Principal 901-550-9338 West / Southwest United States |
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David J. Robinson, CCM Principal 808-829-2508 Northern California / Hawaii Northwest United States |
| Manny Gugliuzza, CCM, CCE Principal 732-618-8665 Northeast United States |
| Richard A. Lareau, CCM, CCE, ECM Principal 713-557-4287 Texas / Oklahoma / Kansas / Gulf States |
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Andrew Minnelli, USPTA, PTR, USRSA Associate 310-740-4488 Racquet Sports / United States |
| Mark J. Woodward, CGCS, MBA Principal Head Agronomy Consultant 480-381-8831 |
| Shawn Emerson Agronomy Consultant 602-818-5818 |
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Bob Jones President 972-341-8133 Office |
| Jay Salem Chief Operating Officer Human Resource Consultant 972-341-8143 Office 214-533-5165 Cell |
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About GSI Executive Search:
GSI Executive Search, an Ethos Club & Leisure Alliance company, is a full-service executive search firm serving the private club and hospitality industries throughout the U.S. The firm's hands-on, thorough, and results-oriented approach has led to successful placements for over 25+ years with more than 500 client clubs/organizations and over 900 search assignments.
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