The 2025 Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Conference brought industry professionals to Palm Springs, California, in January for a week of education and networking. Among those leading the conversation was Sod Solutions Professionals Director of Business & Professional Development Erin Wilder, who is currently serving as SFMA Vice President-Commercial.
SFMA is a leading organization for sports field professionals, providing resources, education and networking opportunities to help professionals maintain safe, high-quality playing surfaces. Now in her third and final term, Wilder advocates for supplier members and helps equip them with the tools and resources for success. She said serving in this role has been rewarding, allowing her to drive meaningful change within SFMA.
Erin Wilder (standing, center) being recognized as SFMA’s VP- Commercial during the Board of Directors Meeting at the 36th Annual SFMA Conference and Exhibition in Palm Springs, CA.
Wilder comes from a seventh-generation agricultural family with a deep-rooted passion for turfgrass and industry leadership. She joined Sod Solutions in 2006 and has also served on the boards for the Florida Turfgrass Association and the Turfgrass Producers of Florida (formerly the Florida Sod Growers’ Cooperative), as well as other industry committees. Her passion for natural grass and environmental stewardship led her to join the SFMA board. She believes the industry has a crucial role in creating safe, sustainable playing surfaces for athletes and children.
“Serving on the board has broadened my perspective and reinforced the importance of sustainable field management, showing how our industry can support both athletic excellence and environmental health,” she said.
2025 SFMA Conference
The 2025 SFMA Board of Directors.
Wilder described the 2025 Sports Field Managers Conference as a reminder of the value of in-person interactions. “This event proved how much our industry thrives on in-person collaboration,” she said.
She believes SFMA plays a vital role in the future of sports field management by bringing together professionals committed to setting the highest standards in field care, safety and sustainability. By fostering collaboration and continuous learning, SFMA drives innovation and best practices that benefit both communities and athletes.
At the halfway point of her term, Wilder is most proud of increasing member engagement, advocating for sustainability and strengthening industry connections. Through new initiatives, she and the board have deepened membership value, prioritized members’ needs and built stronger relationships between SFMA members and stakeholders.
She has also helped establish a more structured system within committees and boards, ensuring members collaborate effectively and stay focused on long-term goals. A key part of that effort has been focusing on the partnership programs, enhancing the leadership of SFMA and engaging with other industry organizations.
“At Sod Solutions Professionals, we are dedicated to advancing this mission by providing cutting-edge, environmentally responsible solutions that support the natural grass industry. Our commitment to quality and sustainability not only enhances the performance of sports fields but also reinforces the values and vision of SFMA, ensuring a bright and resilient future for the industry,” Wilder added.
Looking ahead, she remains focused on increasing member engagement, driving innovative solutions to address emerging industry challenges and strengthening partnerships that will keep SFMA at the forefront of sports field management.
This article was written by Cecilia Johnson.
