From his early days maintaining golf-course turf in Pueblo, Colorado, at just sixteen, Jim Baird developed a lifelong affection for grass under the sun. That teenage job sparked a passion that led him through some of the nation’s premier turf-education programs—Penn State, Colorado State, Oklahoma State, and Auburn—where he both studied and taught before ultimately being appointed Professor and Turfgrass Specialist at the University of California, Riverside in 2008.nnAt UCR, Baird became the esteemed head of the Turfgrass Research u0026 Extension program—the only such faculty appointment in the entire UC system. Nestled within a sprawling experimental station, he champions cutting-edge breeding of drought- and salinity-tolerant warm-season grasses, aiming to redefine lawn and course sustainability amid California’s harshest water crises nnBaird isn’t one to shy away from the spotlight. He’s regularly featured in major media outlets—most notably the Los Angeles Times, which dubbed him “the state’s Mark Twain of turf” and “our LeBron of lawns” for his outspoken defense of smart water use and green management nnHe has also contributed expert commentary on CNN, ABC affiliates, NPR’s Science Friday, Living Green Radio, Popular Science, and UCTV—highlighting both the science and stewardship behind turfgrass research.nnAt this annual seminar, Baird will bring a rich tapestry of experience—blending academic depth, media storytelling, and on-the-ground application—to help Hawaii’s superintendents embrace water-wise, resilient turfgrass systems that perform under tropical challenges.n

Since stepping into the role of CEO in January 2011, Rhett Evans has led GCSAA with vision and heart Under his leadership, the association has become a powerhouse in advancing sustainability, advocacy, and professional development—pillars that echo the essence of mālama ʻāina (caring for the land) so central to Hawaiian culture.nnBut perhaps most compelling is Evans’s personal journey. In May 2023, he stood atop Mount Everest—and not just in spirit. After a grueling 45-day expedition, he summited at 29,035 feet, carrying a GCSAA flag and his rallying cry: “Onward.” His journey tested every facet of leadership: physical endurance, mental resilience, and unwavering teamwork nnThis February, Evans shared his Everest story through his keynote, “Time’s Up! Lead Out!”, at major GCSAA gatherings across the U.S.—from San Diego’s Conference and Trade Show to Colorado and South Carolina. Attendees were captivated by his vivid storytelling, spectacular expedition imagery, and the clear parallels between scaling the world’s highest peak and guiding a golf course through climate stress, regulatory change, and community expectations nnAt HGCSA, nestled in the heart of the Pacific, Evans will bring those lessons home—drawing connections between his Everest adventure and the unique challenges we face here in Hawai‘i: balancing resource stewardship, workforce development, and climate resilience on our precious island environments.n