2026 Featured Speakers
Our featured speakers are some of the brightest individuals across the country in turfgrass management and research. These high-profile speakers will present top trends impacting the turfgrass industry. Learn more about each featured speaker by scrolling over their image and selecting their bio.
2026 SESSION SPEAKERS
The following individuals represent turfgrass institutions and industry professionals from across the state of the Iowa. Learn more about these individuals by scrolling over their image and selecting their bio.
Adam Thoms, Ph.D.
Iowa State University
Jeff Iles,
Ph.D.
Iowa State University
Quincy Law,
Ph.D.
Iowa State University
Shawn Buckner
City of Ankeny
Rob Sikma
LA Memorial Coliseum Groundskeeper
Matt Anderson
The Toro Company
Tami Madsen
Central Iowa Water Works
Christian Baldwin
The Aquatrols Company
Alex Stuedemann
PGA Tour
Dane Wilson
Wakonda Club
Holly Espenhover
UnityPoint Health
Kris Baldwin
Iowa State University
Jake Newman
R&J Lawn & Landscape
Paula Sliefert
SFMA CEO
Kritine Tidgren
Iowa State University
Brian Dornsbach
Stihl
2026 SPEAKER BIOGRAPHIES
Paul Hurst
Paul Hurst earned a Political Science degree from the University of Missouri in 1992 before discovering his true calling in turf management, later completing a Plant Science degree in 1996. His career in golf course management spans decades, beginning with three years as an Assistant Superintendent at Gustin Golf Course, followed by another three years at St. Clair Country Club, where he eventually served as Superintendent for ten years. For the past 15 years, he has co-owned GreensPro, continuing his dedication to the industry. Beyond his professional life, Paul maintains a 12 handicap (helped by a mulligan on each nine), plays guitar for the self-proclaimed “best second wedding band in the country” Midlife, and embraces his roles as a recovering parent, hotel and coffee connoisseur, and occasional expert in nitwittery. He is also the proud author of The Rub of the Green, a monthly company newsletter, and has served as editor of the MVGCSA Gateway Green for the last 20 years. Married for 33 years, Paul and his wife have raised three kids, making family just as central to his story as his professional and personal passions.
Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D.
Gregg Munshaw, Ph.D., is the Director of Agronomy for Pratum Seed Companies where he oversees the research program and educates on the role of new genetics in reducing inputs. He earned his bachelors and master’s degrees at the University of Kentucky and his Ph.D. at Virginia Tech. Prior to his time in the seed industry, Munshaw was a faculty member at the University of Kentucky and Mississippi State University where he focused on sustainability, including improving soils and incorporating non-traditional plant species into turf stands. He was also an early adopter of bluemuda and has been conducting research on this system since 2015.
Tom Gould
Tom Gould is based in Chicago, Illinois and is a consulting agronomist for the USGA Green Section. Tom received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Iowa State University in Horticulture with an emphasis in Turfgrass Management. While completing his master’s degree, Tom worked full-time as a Research Scientist, managing turfgrass areas and research trials. He additionally was an integral part of the field renovation of Jack Trice Stadium- Iowa State’s football field. Prior to joining the USGA staff, Tom was the assistant golf course superintendent at Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton, Illinois.
Kyley Dickson, Ph.D.
Dr. Dickson Is a researcher at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, where his work focuses on advancing athletic field safety and performance. Additionally, he serves as the Executive Director of the Alliance for Low Input Sustainable Turf (A-LIST), a position he has held since 2022. In this role, he leads efforts to promote as well as identify environmentally sustainable and high-performing turfgrass varieties.
Matt Fleetwood, Ph.D.
As Global R&D and Technical Services Manager for The Aquatrols Company, Dr. Matt Fleetwood is responsible for managing the research and development of our portfolio of adjuvants, soil surfactants and other supplemental maintenance products, as well as providing technical support to our customers and sales team. Dr. Fleetwood handles our product innovation pipeline, research trials and new product development, working to bring our innovative solutions to our customers. Dr. Fleetwood completed his Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Missouri in 2015, with emphasis areas in Crop Management and Breeding, Biotechnology, and Biology. Additionally, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy in Plant, Insect and Microbial at the University of Missouri in 2022 with his dissertation focus centralized around assessing soil surfactants and characterizing their performance on USGA greens and native soils. Dr. Fleetwood’s strives to provide the necessary tools and information to create a great outdoor playing surface for all ages. His passion for innovation and results drives him to provide the best solutions for our customers.
Adam Thoms, Ph.D.
Adam Thoms, Ph.D., is an assistant professor in the department of horticulture at Iowa State University. He earned his B.S. in horticulture with the turfgrass option from Iowa State University, a master’s in plant science in the turfgrass option from the University of Tennessee and his Ph.D. in plants, insects and soils from the University of Tennessee. His appointment allows him the opportunity to be involved with extension, research and teaching. Thoms’ research focuses on the performance of turfgrasses subjected to various management techniques.
Jeff Iles, Ph.D.
Jeff serves as Professor and Chair of the Department of Horticulture at Iowa State University (Ames, IA). He teaches, conducts applied research, and provides Extension programming in the areas of landscape plant establishment and maintenance, woody plant (mostly trees) evaluation, and nursery and garden center management. He received his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in horticulture from Michigan State, Penn State, and Iowa State, respectively. Between degrees, Jeff worked in the retail garden center/landscape installation segment of the green industry, first in suburban Detroit, Michigan, and later in Littleton, Colorado.
Quincy Law, Ph.D.
Dr. Quincy Law is an Assistant Professor of Turfgrass Science at Iowa State University. Previously, Dr. Law worked as an Assistant Professor of Invasive and Noxious Weeds at North Dakota State University, and he earned his bachelor’s degree at Iowa State University and his master’s and PhD at Purdue University, under the guidance of Dr. Aaron Patton. Dr. Law teaches various turfgrass courses and conducts turfgrass research on weed biology and control, reducing inputs, and soils. Quincy spends his free time playing golf and catching fish.
Rob Sikma
I have been a groundskeeper at the LA Memorial Coliseum since 2014. In that time I've been lucky enough to be a part of a highly skilled group that has helped manage and maintain the playing field for a variety of different events, including USC and LA Rams football, International soccer, numerous filmings, concerts, SuperMotocross and, NASCAR. Prior to working at the Coliseum I earned a degree in Diplomacy and World Affairs from Occidental College and a JD from Loyola Law School.
Matt Anderson
Originally from Michigan, I earned my B.S and M.S in Crop and Soil Science from Michigan State University. I have been a CSFM since 2012. My professional experience includes: consultant for the Athens Olympic Stadium for the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece, Head Groundskeeper for the Lansing Lugnuts, Assistant Turf Manager at Michigan State University, and the Campus Turf Manager and Grounds Superintendent at the University of Arizona. I have served in leadership roles with the Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, the Michigan and Arizona chapters of the STMA, and the STMA Board of Directors. I am currently a District Sales Manager for The Toro Company, covering sports fields and grounds business in the western US.
Tami Madsen
Tami Madsen is the Executive Director of Central Iowa Water Works, a regional water authority serving over 600,000 central Iowans. She earned a Master of Environment Science in Hydrology from the University of Oklahoma and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Texas at Tyler. Prior to assuming the position of Executive Director at CIWW, she oversaw a multifaceted regional water authority responsible for both drinking water production and the reuse of treated effluent of two wastewater plants. A fervent advocate for multi-jurisdictional water collaborations, Tami serves on the Midwest Assistance Program Board of Directors, whereupon they provide technical water assistance to communities spanning the upper Midwest.
Shawn Buckner
Shawn attended the University of Northern Iowa with a major in Biology with a Chemistry minor. He began his 31 year career with the City of Ankeny in 1994 as a Utilities Operator Assistant. Shawn was promoted through all grades available by the City as he learned Water Distribution and Treatment through experience, courses, and continuing education. He had the opportunity to be involved in the first Aquifer Storage and Recovery Well project done jointly with DMWW, which is one of the tools that CIWW is using to meet peak demands and other operational challenges. Ankeny has built two additional ASR wells during his tenure. In 2010 Shawn moved into a Supervisory and then Management role and has been the acting Superintendent for 8 years. The largest challenge and accomplishment he feels he has had with the City of Ankeny has been designing, building and managing the infrastructure and projects needed to ensure drinking water resiliency to a City that has grown from 24,000 to over 77,000 during his time with them. He is now enjoying the challenge of collaborating with all the member agencies of Central Iowa Water Works as they work together to efficiently manage the production needs of each of these members.
Christian Baldwin
Christian Baldwin is the Global Technical Services Manager for the Aquatrols Company. In this role, he directs and oversees technical support efforts across the Aquatrols’ complete product portfolio ensuring customers receive the best solutions for their specific needs. Baldwin completed his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Clemson University, followed by MS & PhD degrees in turfgrass science with an emphasis area on turfgrass stress physiology. He has a global reach, having authored and/or co-authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and 9 book chapters, presenting his research findings throughout the United States and numerous countries worldwide: all focusing on research findings in various disciplines within turfgrass science.
Alex Stuedemann
Alex Stuedemann is a Director of International & TPC Agronomy and 26-year employee for the PGA TOUR building his experiences across a variety of roles at TPC Twin Cities, TPC Deere Run, TPC San Antonio, as well as within PGA TOUR Construction & Design Services and PGA TOUR Agronomy. A 2000 graduate of the University of Minnesota, Alex holds a B.S. in Environmental Horticulture with an emphasis in Landscape Design and Turfgrass Science. He works collaboratively across the PGA TOUR to deliver top-level course conditioning for professional golf tournaments both domestically and abroad, including the oversight of select TPC network venues. Outside of work, Alex enjoys life with his wife of 19 years, Erin, and their two daughters, Sophia (11) and Kaeva (8), and yellow lab Zuri.
Dane Wilson
Dane Wilson is the Golf Course Superintendent at Wakonda Club which hosts the Principal Charity Classic on the PGA Tour Champions annually. Prior to Wakonda Club, Dane was a Golf Course Superintendent at Bonita Bay Club in Naples, FL as well various positions in his time at Medinah Country Club in Chicago, IL while also spending time in Gorinchem, Netherlands constructing “The Dutch” golf course. Throughout his career, he has been a part of teams that have hosted PGA Tour events and Ryder Cups at Valhalla GC & Medinah CC while also the Golf Course Superintendent for the renovations to Courses #1 & #2 at Medinah CC. His recent restoration of Wakonda Club took place between the 2023 and 2024 Principal Charity Classic with great success.
Holly Espenhover
Holly Espenhover is an Iowa native with more than 15 years of experience in healthcare leadership, human resources, and organizational development. She currently serves on the Senior Team at UnityPoint Health – Fort Dodge as Regional Director of Human Resources, where she leads strategy, culture, and leadership development across the market. Prior to this role, she spent nearly a decade as Chief People Officer at Stewart Memorial Community Hospital.
Kris Baldwin
Kris Baldwin is a Virtual Education Specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, where she helps educators and professionals navigate the evolving world of virtual learning. With over 20 years of experience in education, Kristi focuses on practical ways to utilize technology, including generative artificial intelligence, to enhance communication, instruction, and productivity. She enjoys sharing insights and hands-on strategies that help participants feel confident and equipped to apply what they learn. Known for her clear and approachable style, Kris regularly presents at conferences and events, encouraging audiences to embrace change and create solutions for workplace challenges. She earned her EdD in Educational Administration from the University of South Dakota and has a Master of Arts in School Library Studies from the University of Northern Iowa.
Jake Newman
Jake Newman is currently the Director of Operations at RJ Lawn and Landscape in Waukee, Iowa. With a background spanning commercial property management and golf course turfgrass maintenance, Jake brings15 years of experience in turfgrass management. He holds an A.A.S. in Golf Course and Athletic Field Turfgrass Management from Kirkwood Community College and a B.A.S. in Plant Science from Upper Iowa University. Jake will share insights on smart water usage in landscape and turfgrass irrigation systems, drawing from both practical field experience and academic expertise.
Paula Sliefert
Paula Sliefert joined The Toro Company in 2007 and currently serves as senior manager in the company’s Commercial Business. In her role, she has responsibility for supporting a number of Toro’s key industry relationships – in addition she develops and implements strategies targeted at growing the Sports Fields & Grounds market segments, which represents professional and collegiate sports, educational institutions, and government including federal, state and local entities. In 2025, Paula was hired as the new Chief Executive Officer for the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA).
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Kristine Tidgren
Kristine is an adjunct associate professor in the Agricultural Education and Studies Department and serves as the director of the Center for Agricultural Law and Taxation (CALT) at Iowa State University. Her work centers on studying and interpreting laws that impact the agricultural industry, with a particular focus on agricultural taxation. Since joining CALT in 2013, she has written hundreds of articles and blog posts to keep tax professionals, attorneys, producers, and agribusiness professionals informed about legal developments affecting their work. She also contributes technical chapters to the National Income Tax Workbook and writes regularly for farm publications. In addition to her writing, Kristine frequently speaks to professional and producer audiences on agricultural law and tax topics and helps organize and teach CALT-hosted seminars, including the annual Federal Income Tax Schools. She teaches AgEds 451, a four-credit agricultural law course for upper-level undergraduates in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and collaborates with colleagues nationwide through organizations such as the Rural Tax Education Committee, the American Agricultural Law Association, and the Land Grant University Tax Education Foundation. Licensed to practice law in Iowa and Missouri, Kristine is a member of the Iowa Bar Association. Before joining ISU, she worked for a legal publishing company and as a practicing attorney. She earned her J.D., Order of the Coif, from the University of Texas at Austin and her B.A. in journalism from Iowa State University. Kristine grew up on a farm in west-central Iowa.
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Brian Dornsbach
Brian is currently a Territory Manager with Stihl and has a passion for helping customers find the right solutions through sales, safety training, and hands-on technical demos.
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