MTF Executive Director - Thomas M. Smith
Education
M.S., Turfgrass Management, 1985
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
B.S., Turfgrass Management 1979
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Professional Experience
Executive Director – Michigan Turfgrass Foundation - 2003 to present
President - Grass Roots, Inc., Okemos, MI -1982 to present
Turfgrass Extension Aide - Michigan State University Cooperative Extension, 1978-1982.
Teaching Experience
Adjunct Faculty, Michigan State University, 1999 to present - Developed Turf and Landscape Business Management class; Instructor, MSU Evening College; Instructor, Lansing Community College, 1988 and 1994 to 2002.
Publications
Authored or Co-authored the following Michigan State University Cooperative Extension Service Bulletins
- Site Preparation for Lawn Establishment
- Seeding a Lawn
- Sodding a Lawn
- Grasses for Lawns in Michigan
- Mowing a Lawn
- Watering a Lawn
- Lawn Renovation
- Moss, Algae, and Slime Molds
- Lawns in Shade
Honors and Certifications
Michigan Certified Nurseryman
Golf Course Superintendents Association of America Scholarship
Michigan State University, Burton C. Bradshaw Outstanding Turfgrass Student Award: 1978
Affiliations/Community Service
FFA Foundation Board 2002 – present, Exec. Board 2005
FFA Association Advisory Board 2004
MSU College of Agriculture Dean’s Advisory Board 2002-present
MSU College of Agriculture Stakeholder’s Advisory Board 2002- present
Capitol Area Landscape Nurseryman’s Association
Michigan Certified Nurseryman Representative, 1996-2000
Education Advisor, 1992-1996
President, 1989-90
Vice President, 1988
Secretary/Treasurer, 1987
Wildflower Association of Michigan Board of Directors, 1989-1997
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation, Board of Directors
President, 2001
Vice-President, 2000
Treasurer, 1996-1999
Recording Secretary, 1993-1996
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Research Committee, 1990
Michigan Turfgrass Foundation Conference Planning Committee, 1988, 1989, 1991, 1992
Michigan Nursery and Landscape Association
Executive Committee 2001
Research Committee, 2001 - 2003
Landscape Management Advisory Committee, 1991- 2001 (Chairman, 1999-2001)
Trees for Tomorrow, 1994-1996
Green Thumb Project Advisory Member (To develop a no pesticide approach to
lawn care for the Great Lakes Basin)
Nature Conservancy Partner - Prioritization of Landscapes for
Conservation Purposes in Michigan
NatureScape Committee - MacDonald Middle School, East Lansing
Hiawatha Elementary School Landscape Committee, Okemos
Chippewa Middle School, James Barch Memorial Courtyard
Junior Achievement Consultant, 1998-2001