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Ellen Davis Receives Prestigious Perry O. Dye Service Award from GCBAA
LINCOLN, Neb. (May 29, 2025) – The Golf Course Builders Association of America (GCBAA) is proud to announce Ellen Davis as the recipient of the 2025 Perry O. Dye Service Award, honoring her extraordinary service, leadership, and commitment to the Association, Foundation, and the golf industry.
The Perry O. Dye Service Award is presented periodically to individuals who unselfishly contribute “above and beyond the call of duty” to strengthen the GCBAA and its mission. The award is named in honor of the late Perry O. Dye, whose leadership and financial stewardship helped guide the Association through its formative years.
Ellen Davis joined GCBAA in 1994 and has been a vital force within the organization for over three decades. Her dedication spans across both the Association and its Foundation. She served on the GCBAA Board of Directors from 2006 to 2018, holding Executive Board roles including Secretary (2008–2018) and Vice President (2018). In 2018, she transitioned to the GCBAA Foundation Board and in 2021 took the reins as President.
Ellen’s passion for giving back is evident in her tireless advocacy for the Association and the Foundation’s Sticks For Kids program. Whether continuously volunteering behind the scenes or emceeing the Foundation’s Sticks For Kids Auction, Ellen’s energy and enthusiasm have made a lasting impact. She is widely recognized as having the heart of the Association and Foundation at the core of everything she does.
In her professional life, Ellen serves as Manager of SportZmix Solutions, a division of Faulks Brothers Construction Inc. In 2023, she played a key leadership role in the acquisition of Kempker Greens Mix Blending, a move that further strengthened the company’s position as a leader in custom soil blending for golf courses and sports fields. Ellen described the acquisition as a chance to “build upon both of our strong businesses, recognized brands, quality services, and continue to be the leading custom soil blending company.”
Under her guidance, SportZmix Solutions and Waupaca Sand & Solutions—both divisions of the Faulks family of companies—have upheld their mission to deliver the highest-quality materials while helping clients exceed their project goals. Her strategic leadership and commitment to customer relationships mirror the very principles the Perry O. Dye Service Award seeks to honor.
Ellen’s legacy is also marked by her advocacy for inclusion in the industry. In 2020, she was a featured panelist in the "Ladies Leading Turf" discussion at the GCSAA Conference & Trade Show in Orlando, Florida, further cementing her role as a trailblazer for women in the golf construction and maintenance industries. Additionally, Ellen was recognized by Golf Inc. in 2021 as one of the '10 Gurus of Golf Course Construction,' acknowledging the unsung heroes who influence golf construction through their expertise and innovations on both the design side and the shovel side of the business.
“Ellen Davis exemplifies the values that Perry O. Dye held dear—selflessness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service,” said Justin Apel, GCBAA Executive Director. “Her decades of leadership and her passion for growing the game through the Foundation have helped shape the direction and culture of our organization. Under her guidance, SportZmix Solutions/Waupaca Sand & Solutions became a GCBAA Charter Member in 2015—further reflecting her belief in supporting the Association at every level. This award is a small token of our deep appreciation for all she has given. On a personal note, Ellen has been one of my mentors and friends throughout my time with the Association and has been a true leader and role model for me and for our staff. We are better because of her.”
GCBAA President Jon O’Donnell added, “Ellen has always led with humility, purpose, and a genuine care for everyone in this industry. Her influence stretches well beyond boardrooms and business—she’s been a steady hand, a mentor, and a true champion of the GCBAA mission. There is no one more deserving of this recognition.”
Please join us in celebrating Ellen Davis, a true humble leader and steward of the industry whose roots run deep in both the golf course construction industry and the GCBAA family.
This is the eighth time the Perry O. Dye Service Award has been granted. Previous recipients include Perry Dye in 2005, Jim Kirchdorfer, Sr. (2006), Rick Elyea (2010), Steve Christman (2013), Tommy Sasser (2015), Dennis Wagner (2018), and O’Brien McGarey (2021).
Davis will be honored with the Perry O. Dye Service Award at the 2025 GCBAA Summer Meeting to be held in Boston, Massachusetts on August 13, 2025, during the GCBAA Award & Auction Dinner at The Westin Copley Place. For those interested in attending the award presentation, details will be available this month by visiting www.gcbaa.org, or contact the GCBAA executive office at (402) 476-4444.
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