Kevin Komer, CGCS, earns Excellence in Government Affairs Award from GCSAA

Kevin Komer, CGCS, director of agronomy at The Mountain Course at Spruce Peak and Stowe (Vt.) Country Club, has earned the 2026 Excellence in Government Affairs Award from the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) for his distinguished legacy of state advocacy work in Vermont.

The Excellence in Government Affairs Award recognizes a chapter, superintendent or coalition for outstanding advocacy or compliance efforts in government affairs. Komer, a 34-year GCSAA member, will be formally honored at the 2026 GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando.

“GCSAA congratulates Kevin on his extensive advocacy efforts that undoubtedly enhance and sustain the game of golf in the state of Vermont,” GCSAA CEO Rhett Evans said. “We applaud his focus on environmental stewardship on the golf course and for telling his superintendent story that highlights the positive aspects of an often-misunderstood game and industry.”

On numerous occasions, Komer has provided excellent testimony representing pesticide applicators in the golf industry, specifically on the importance of insecticides, which had come under criticism by some in the state in recent years. In 2024, Vermont house bill 706 sought to ban the use of neonicotinoid products from use in the state, and although it passed, thanks in part to the case made by Komer emphasizing use of best management practices, turf applications were allowed to continue. Neonics have proven to be a safe and effective tool for the control of white grubs and other turf damaging insects.

“When it comes to advocacy and communicating with legislators, you either have a seat at the table or you are on the menu. We must show up at the table – someone must do it, and there’s no reason it can’t be you,” said Kevin Komer, CGCS. “Superintendents must speak up when restrictive legislation is introduced. Putting a face with an industry is so important to foster and create relationships in government.”

Komer has made environmental stewardship a top priority at his club, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the essential resources that sustain Vermont’s golf industry. He emphasizes advocacy and science-based decision-making to create exceptional course conditions while prioritizing environmental protection. Komer maintains acres of pollinator friendly land within the courses he oversees.

“I am honored to be recognized by my peers for my advocacy efforts over the past decade. I strongly believe that golf course superintendents are stewards of the environment and are high-quality land managers,” Komer said. “It is because of my strong belief that being a golf course superintendent is a noble profession that I have been motivated to fight the good fight for the golf industry in the state of Vermont and to protect our industry from regulation that would restrict our abilities to succeed.”

Komer has served as a GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador since January 2015. He is a member and past president of the Vermont Golf Course Superintendents Association. Komer also served on the New England BMPs Steering Committee to develop the state’s BMP guidelines.

To learn more about the Excellence in Government Affairs Award, visit www.gcsaa.org/awards.