By admission, Chad Mark doesn't enjoy life in the spotlight. He's more comfortable directing his crew and improving conditions and playability at Kirtland Country Club. From that perspective, 2014 has been a year that Mark has spent a large portion of the year outside his comfort zone.
Winner of the 2013 TurfNet Superintendent of the Year Award, presented by Syngenta, Mark has been the center of attention at the club in Willoughby, Ohio since general manager and chief operating officer Mark Petzing slipped in what turned out to be the last entry during last year's award nomination period.
Mark was the man of the hour during the recent TurfNet member golf trip to Kohler, Wisconsin, but recently, accolades heaped upon Mark extended off the golf course and all the way to the Ohio Statehouse in Columbus.
State Sen. John Eklund, who represents Ohio's 18th district that includes Willoughby, wanted to show his support of Mark's abilities, and in March read a resolution to his colleagues in Columbus. The result was the full Senate unanimously voting to honor Mark for winning the Superintendent of the Year award and saluting him as "one of Ohio's finest citizens."
How's that for a spotlight?
"The entire (Superintendent of the Year) experience has been overwhelming," said a humbled Mark. "I am completely out of my comfort zone when it comes to receiving this type of recognition. Our membership is made up of outstanding people and they make Kirtland the special place that it is. I cannot describe how appreciative I am to our membership and staff, Turfnet, and Syngenta for a truly wonderful experience."
Kirtland president Brian Zollar presented Mark with a framed copy of the resolution during the club's annual meeting Nov. 12.
"This is a Resolution of the Ohio Senate, adopted by unanimous vote of the Senate," Zollar told Mark and others during the annual meeting. "Resolutions are used to recognize, and to express the Senate's respect and admiration for great Ohioans and their singular achievements, events and accomplishments. By any standard, Chad Mark, and his award, clearly qualify for this honor."
Said Petzing: "This is a testament to why this is such a great club. The membership and our team work hand in hand. It's that symbiotic relationship that makes us so successful."