Sod Solutions Director of Florida Operations Mark Kann was elected President of the Florida Turfgrass Association (FTGA) during the annual conference held at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Sept. 30–Oct. 2, 2025.
Kann, who joined Sod Solutions in 2021, bring three decades of experience spanning golf course management, university research and industry leadership. His new role marks what he calls ‘a full circle moment’ in his career.
“I’ve always loved serving and helping others and it’s just another chance to do that,” he said. “Being voted in shows the confidence my colleagues in this industry have in me to run this organization and that’s humbling. I’m ready to go.”
FTGA’s Immediate Past President Eric Dixon announces Mark Kann as the new President during the annual FTGA luncheon meeting.
A Career Rooted in Service
Kann’s path through the turfgrass industry began on golf courses across Florida, where he served as both superintendent and assistant superintendent before spending 14 years managing the turf research facility at the University of Florida’s Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Turfgrass Science and a Master of Science in Horticultural Sciences from UF.
He has held leadership roles across multiple allied associations, including serving as president of both the Florida Golf Course Superintendents Association (Florida GCSA) and the Seven Rivers Golf Course Superintendents Association. He also chaired the FGCSA Education and BMP Committee for nearly a decade, where he helped develop the association’s nationally recognized Golf BMP Certification Program.
In his current role with Sod Solutions, Kann works closely with superintendents, turf managers, sod producers and landscapers across the state. This ongoing connection to every segment of the industry makes his role as FTGA president a natural fit. “We service all these different segments by providing grass and working with them, so it fits really easily for me. I love the industry and this just feels like another way to serve it.”
Mark Kann accepts his position as FTGA President and speaks during the annual luncheon meeting.
Continuing the Work
As president, Kann plans to build on the association’s existing momentum while focusing on collaboration and unity. He emphasized the FTGA’s role in education, research and advocacy. “We support all segments of the industry,” he said. “We provide quality education and have a great relationship with the University of Florida, which gives us access to top researchers and resources.”
The association will continue prioritizing research that addresses real challenges for Florida turfgrass professionals, including projects that improve environmental stewardship, support best management practices and guide policy decisions with science. Kann also pointed to the importance of raising funds for the Florida Turfgrass Research Foundation, which provides student scholarships and supports research benefiting multiple industry sectors.
Mark Kann pictured with FTGA Association Manager Heather and Immediate Past President Eric Dixon at the 2025 Annual Meeting.
Serving his second stint on the FTGA Board, Kann said he’s encouraged by the board’s energy and commitment. He credited much of the association’s success to the hard work of FTGA Association Manager Heather Russo, the Executive Committee and Immediate Past President Eric Dixon for their leadership and dedication to the organization.
“The challenge with any association is that everyone involved has full-time jobs and families,” he said. “I’m inspired by how much time people still give to this organization. Every bit of effort matters, and I want to keep that momentum going.”
Russo said she looks forward to Kann serving as FTGA president, noting his long tenure in the industry and the strong relationships he brings. She added that, like many past presidents, Kann has a passion for industry unity and will continue to grow the association through those connections.
“Through this industry, it all starts as business colleagues that lead to industry family,” Russo said. “Not only has Mark been instrumental as a director on the board, but he has also been a true friend as he has been there for me through a family crisis, to make my new home have an incredible front yard and to witnessing him help others. This industry is a blessing and it is wonderful to have Mark in this industry.
One Unified Voice and Leading Forward
A key focus for Kann’s presidency will be uniting turfgrass professionals across golf, sports, landscape and sod sectors under one statewide voice while also investing in the next generation of leaders.
“The more allied associations we can partner with, the more successful we will be,” he said. “We’ve heard time and time again from the Commissioner of Agriculture that they want Florida coming to Tallahassee as a unified turfgrass industry. That’s how we ensure our voice is heard.”
He believes collaboration doesn’t require full agreement. “Even if we don’t agree on everything, we can work together on shared goals to make the industry stronger.”
He acknowledged that water use, fertilizer and regulatory pressures will always challenge the industry but believes the path forward depends on science and stewardship. “We’ve spent years building Best Management Practices programs to work with the state and show our commitment to doing things right. Significant time, money and effort have gone into this research, much of it through the University of Florida, and it deserves to be heard. The science exists for a reason.”
Dr. Kevin Kenworthy, Mark Kann and Dr. Bryan Unruh at the 2025 FTGA Annual Meeting.
He finds it inspiring how proactive the industry is when issues arise, always looking for ways to educate the public and find solutions together, and credits the many mentors and colleagues who have shaped his approach to leadership over the years. “I’ve covered a lot of ground in this industry and learned from so many good people,” he said. “I don’t have all the answers, but I’ll always find someone who does. That’s how I try to live and lead.”
He said he values the exchange of ideas and experience within the turfgrass community. “I always tell people I have as much time for you as you have for me. There’s so much wisdom in this industry, and I never want to miss the chance to learn from it.”
Looking ahead, Kann also wants to engage more students and young professionals. This year, the FTGA partnered with the Florida GCSA, the Florida Nursery Growers (FNGLA), the Florida Future Farmers of America Association and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) to launch a new mentorship program pairing high school participants with superintendents across the state. Students will form cohorts to gain hands-on management experience ahead of a statewide competition at the 2026 GCSAA Conference in Orlando. “That’s a big initiative because we need more leaders and future leaders in every segment of this industry,” Kann said. “It’s inspiring to see the number of schools already wanting to get involved.”
Mark Kann speaking at the 2025 UF IFAS Field Day.
Driving Engagement and Growth
The recent fall Florida Turfgrass Conference, which grew from about 300 attendees last year to nearly 500 this year, was driven by partnering with UF and the CFSTMA to combine the Citra Field Day with the event. Kann thanked everyone who helped make the two and a half days in Ocala a success and encouraged members to stay engaged and take part in shaping the organization’s future.
Kann said the FTGA’s strength lies in the sheer scope of the industry it represents. “The FTGA looks at the industry from a broad spectrum. When you look at the number of golf courses, sports fields, sod farms and landscaped acres compared to other states, no one even comes close to what we have here. I think we should be the strongest organization in the country. It’s just a matter of pulling everybody together.” He said he’s optimistic about the future and proud to represent such a strong, diverse industry.
This article was written by Cecilia Johnson. Photos provided by Krista Browning.
Mark Kann (second from left) with some of the Sod Solutions team at the 2025 FTGA Annual Meeting.
