During Heck’s 18-year tenure the association has grown to 2,700 members, numerous key programs were realized, and many milestones were reached. These include the implementation of the facility environmental certification program and the development of hundreds of technical resources and educational programs for members, as well as helping to triple the growth of SFMA’s annual conference and exhibition. Heck was also pivotal in moving the association from Council Bluffs, Iowa to its current headquarters in Lawrence, Kan, in 2004. Her most recent accomplishment is overseeing the rebranding of the association to SFMA earlier this year.
Heck is pursuing other opportunities in the non-profit world and a nationwide search is underway to identify replacement candidates for the CEO position.
“I have truly valued my time with SFMA and will miss the interaction with all of our wonderful members,” says Heck, who was involved in the creation and fulfillment of six strategic plans. “I’m very proud of the work our staff, together with the Board, have accomplished during the last 18 years.”
SFMA President James Bergdoll, CSFM, spoke on behalf of the Board. “We are incredibly grateful to Kim for her professionalism in leading our association and cannot thank her enough for her commitment to the organization and the sports field industry. While Kim will be dearly missed, we have an exciting future ahead and look forward to naming a new CEO to lead us in the next chapter of our journey.”
Heck’s successor will join the association at an exciting time in its evolution. In January 2022, a complete rebrand was announced to give SFMA a modern identity that aligns with its membership makeup and further positions the association as a champion for all workers in the sports field industry. The effort included an updated logo, tagline, website and vision for the future.
Since 1981, SFMA has provided members education, information and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. Today, more than 2,700 members across 32 local chapters oversee the fields at professional sports stadiums, universities, colleges, schools and parks and recreation facilities.
