Leann Cooper has been promoted to senior director, member programs, for the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). She has been a part of the GCSAA staff for the last 25 years.
In her new role, Cooper will provide overall direction and program management for member relations, chapter outreach, field staff, First Green, workforce development and learning and career development. She will replace Shelia Finney, who is retiring in spring 2026 and will assist Cooper in the transition to her new role.
Cooper came to GCSAA in February 2000 as chapter seminar coordinator in the education (now learning and career development) department. She was promoted to chapter seminar administrator in July 2003. She then moved to the chapter outreach department and was promoted to chapter services manager in November 2005.
In January 2014, Cooper was promoted to senior manager, chapter services. She was promoted to her current role as director of the recently created First Green and workforce development department in April 2024.
“Leann has built deep trusted connections with our members and chapters throughout her 25 years at GCSAA, and that experience uniquely positions her to lead this next chapter of our member programs,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We're deeply grateful to Shelia for her remarkable leadership and lasting impact she's had in serving and supporting our members. Leann will continue that momentum with passion, purpose, and a strong vision for the future.”
Cooper will continue leading First Green and workforce development efforts as she transitions to her new role and will oversee the hiring of her replacement.
“I am excited and humbled to step into the senior director, member programs position,” Cooper said. “Throughout my 25 years with GCSAA, I’ve admired the work golf course superintendents and their teams undertake day in and day out. I have gotten to know so many terrific people in this industry. I am eager to continue building on the foundation that Shelia Finney has established, and I look forward to working with members, chapters and staff as GCSAA heads into its second century.”