The Emerging Leader Award is presented in partnership with 
The Emerging Leader Award recognizes an individual who serves the industry as a superintendent with less than five years’ experience, student, associate member, or assistant, who displays continuous growth in service and leadership.
Nominations for the 2026 Emerging Leader Award are now closed.
Questions? Contact Jackie Groll, manager, executive operations, by email at jgroll@gcsaa.org, by phone at 785-832-4410, or by mail to GCSAA, 1421 Research Park Dr., Lawrence, KS 66049-3859.
An individual may be nominated by a chapter of GCSAA or any member of GCSAA, including self-nominations. Evidence of substantiation must accompany the nomination. Nominees for the Emerging Leader Award must currently serve the industry as a member of GCSAA within the following membership categories: superintendent with less than five years’ experience, student, associate, or assistant. A Nominee must be a member in good standing, engaged in their local chapter and/or at the national level, or at the community level, as an advocate for the profession.
The Emerging Leader Award will be selected by the GCSAA Nominating Committee.
The Emerging Leader Award winner receives:
Chad Allen
Richie Kremer
Brandon Razo
Travis Cook