The industry body for the synthetic turf industry in North America, the Synthetic Turf Council (STC) has announced the 2023-2024 Board of Directors.

The announcement was made at the Annual Conference in New Orleans, Louisiana. This year marks the 20th anniversary for the national non-profit trade association representing the synthetic turf industry.

For the 2023-2024 term, the Board Officers include Chairman Michael Gentile, Co-founder/CEO, Firefly Sports Testing; Vice Chairman Matt Ross, Regional Vice President, Shaw Sports Turf; Treasurer Shannan Powell, Director of Marketing, ForeverLawn of Tampa Bay; Secretary Thomas Shay, Principal, Woodard & Curran; Director at Large Matt Riggs, Vice President of Sales – Americas, TenCate Grass; and Immediate Past Chairman Shaun Garrity, National Sales Manager, The Motz Group.

Remaining Board of Directors include Scott Marks, CSTI, Managing Member, Southeast Turf LLC; Michael Mercadante, Regional Sales Manager, Sportsfield Specialties Inc.; George Neagle, CSTI, President, SYNLawn; Ed Norton, Partner, HNP, LLC; Peter Oksanen, National Sales Manager, Schmitz Foam Products; Chip Richardson, CSTI, President, Sweetwater Construction; Larry Ridgeway, President and CEO, PrecisionJet.

“We are delighted to welcome our new and returning Board members,” said Melanie Taylor, STC President and CEO. “This team of leaders puts the STC in a strong position to lead, educate and advocate for synthetic turf.”

“As we embark on this journey, expect continued dedication to advancing our industry and creating opportunities for buyers, end-users and communities,” said Chairman Michael Gentile.