Audubon International recently named Mark O'Mell as its director of Signature Sanctuary Certification.
O'Mell (right) has more than two decades of turf management and golf course maintenance experience. Most recently he was golf course superintendent at Piñon Hills Golf Course in Farmington, New Mexico. A graduate of the turf program at Michigan State University, O'Mell has also held superintendent or assistant superintendent positions at courses in Michigan, Panama and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Audubon International's Signature Sanctuary Certification is for new or renovating golf courses, resorts and communities. The program involves comprehensive environmental planning with architects, owners, managers and key stakeholders to ensure sustainable design, construction and long-term management of each property. Its Bronze, Silver and Gold levels include all open space, landscaped areas, and maintenance facilities; Platinum level certification also includes clubhouses, lounges and lodging.
"He knows the golf course operations and maintenance business inside and out, and literally from the ground up," Audubon International CEO Christine Kane said of O'Mell. "His expertise and leadership will help ensure the program's continued growth as we add new members, especially at the elite Platinum level."
As director, O'Mell will work with each Signature Sanctuary member's development team before, during and after construction to ensure the property meets and maintains all sustainability requirements. He will also serve as primary point of contact for any inquiries from current, former and prospective members of the Signature Sanctuary Certification and coordinate with appropriate staff members on the development of program materials as well as marketing, growth, recruitment, and communications strategies.
"Working with Audubon International is the culmination of a career as a superintendent who worked with nature rather than against it," O'Mell said. "I look forward to working with current and future Signature Sanctuary members to become the best possible environmental stewards they can be."
