OGCSA 2018 BOARD OF DIRECTORS CANDIDATES 

OFFICER CANDIDATES:

PRESIDENT: Gabe Hughes

My name is Gabe Hughes and I am running for the position of President with the Oregon chapter GCSAA.  April marked the beginning of my 13th year with The Reserve Vineyards and Golf Club in Aloha.  I am currently Golf Course Superintendent, a position I have held the past three years.

My passion for this industry began during my sophomore year in high school, when I worked nights moving impact irrigation heads at the local golf course in Sutherlin.  After three summers, I attended Oregon State University, where I received my bachelor’s degree in June of 2004.  I previously served as Chairman of the Assistants Committee from 2012-2013.  During this time, I had the opportunity to meet and interact with numerous different individuals form all different areas of our industry.  I would like to continue giving back to the industry that has given so much to me.  As President I will work to be a resource and advocate for fellow Superintendents, and help to ensure continued success for our industry in this state.

Of course, none of this would be possible without the love and backing of my family.   My wife, Katie, and our two boys Jack (5) and Henry (2), who support and stand by me through the typical crazy schedule of a superintendent.  Thank you for your consideration.

VICE-PRESIDENT: Shane Hadwick

I’ve been the superintendent at Orchard Hills Golf & Country Club, just west of the Columbia River Gorge in Washougal WA, for the past 7 years.  I started my employment at OHCC in 2005 and spent many of those years as an assistant.  I began my journey in the Pacific Northwest in 2003, moving to Vancouver from my home state of Nebraska.   I’ve gained a lifetime of turf knowledge from my family as a 4th generation superintendent, and I feel that there’s nothing more rewarding than providing members/customers a well-groomed course to play the game which we all love.

I would be honored to serve as Vice President of the OGCSA board.  It’s an opportunity to give back and serve the industry that’s been such a huge part of my life.  I believe that local GCSAA chapters are a valuable asset to all of us in the industry and that the OGCSA is second to none.  With that I’d like to thank Alexis and everyone who has served on the board in the past and those who will serve us in the future.

Thanks for your consideration

DIRECTOR CANDIDATES: 

Rory Allison:

Rory Allison is a native Oregonian who began working on golf courses 20 years ago in McMinnville, OR.  He has been the Superintendent at River Ridge Golf Complex in Eugene for the last year and loves being back in Oregon after 15 years in Hawaii.  Rory was a Director for OGCSA last year and is the current Chapter Delegate for GCSAA.  He is also getting acquainted as the new Grassroots Ambassador for his district.

Jeff Crabtree:

I have been working on golf courses for 27 years, and have been a Golf Course Superintendent since 2007.  I have worked throughout Oregon, but in 2012 I had the opportunity to return to the Willamette Valley as Golf Course Superintendent at Oak Knoll Golf Course in Independence.  It has been nice being closer to family and has given me the chance to be more involved in the OGCSA.  Eight months ago I was asked if I would be interested in finishing the term of a departing Director on the OGCSA Board.  I gladly accepted and have enjoyed getting to know my colleagues and representing our industry in the community.  I would like to thank the OGCSA Board for the opportunity and I hope you allow me to serve another term.

Brant Hathorn:

Over the past 28 years I have worked at 6 different golf courses in Oregon, which has led me to my current position for the last 12 years as Superintendent at Bandon Crossings Golf Course.  My wife, Alyssa, and I are both Oregon coast natives and have two young daughters Brynne and Mckenna.  Aside from being on the golf course, I enjoy spending time with the family, coaching kid’s sports, and riding bikes.

I had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors of the OGCSA from 2008 to 2014. During that time, I had the opportunity to represent the OGCSA at the national delegates meeting in Kansas.  Being able to view the OGCSA from a national level really showed me what a great organization we are a part of.  Serving our members was a valuable experience that I would like to be a part of again.

Danny Vandecoevering:

I am the golf course superintendent at Charbonneau golf club and a proud product of Oregon State and the OGCSA. I grew up in Mt. Angel, Oregon and got my start in the golf industry working for the Reding family at Evergreen Golf Course when I was 14.  While in college I spent time working for OGCSA members Ryan Wyckoff, Bill Swancutt, and Brian Koffler.  Following graduation, I spent three years working as the assistant to OSU alum, Ryan Gordon, at TPC Snoqualmie Ridge before accepting my current position at Charbonneau. I am also a member of the GCSAA Grassroots Ambassador program and enjoy the opportunity to grow my network and be a positive ambassador of the golfing industry to the general public.

The OGCSA’s contributions, both direct and indirect, to my growth, development, and success have made my career.  I would like the opportunity to express my gratitude and give back to the OGCSA and its members via a term of service as a director.

Roger Vandehey:

I am Roger Vandehey, Superintendent at Middlefield GC.

I grew up in the golf business and got the bug to be a GC Superintendent while working during high school at The Bayou GC owned by my Father. I went through the Turf Management Program at Linn-Benton CC.   I was an assistant at Woodburn Senior Estates then off for my first stint at Elkhorn Valley GC.  I was at the start of Sandpines Golf Resort, working with my brother Russ.  From there I was 4 years at Springfield CC.  I was asked to return to Elkhorn and build the back 9.  Several years later the owners sold the course.  Good then bad times followed so I decided to move on.   I have been at Middlefield GC for a little over a year and enjoy the Course and the town.

I feel it is time I gave back and would appreciate the opportunity to serve the OGCSA

AFFILIATE DIRECTOR:

Mark Willcut:

I have worked in the irrigation / golf industry for approximately 28 years spending the first part of my career (22 years) in the Pacific NW in wholesale distribution at United Pipe & Supply. I held various roles during my tenure at this company including Golf Sales, Regional Sales Manager, Pump Division Sales Manager, and Golf Sales Manager. After a brief time away I joined the Rain Bird Golf Team in February 2013.

Years of Irrigation Experience: 28, Certified Golf Auditor – CGIA, Years with Rain Bird Golf: 5+,  Territory: Oregon, SW Washington, N. California, OGCSA Board member 2017

Personal:  I enjoy all types of hunting and fishing. I also like to travel and spend time with my wife and family of (3) kids and (8) grandkids.

I’ve enjoyed serving in  the organization as board member this last year and look forward to learning more about how I can help you make the most of your OGCSA membership in 2018 if reelected.