Sports Field Management Association Names Paula Sliefert as New CEO
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
June 4, 2025
Sports Field Management Association Names Paula Sliefert as New CEO
(LAWRENCE, Kan.) -- Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) -- the non-profit, professional association for the 2,700 men and women who manage sports fields worldwide, has selected Paula Sliefert as CEO, a role where she will lead the association's growth initiatives and execute its strategic plan.
Paula Sliefert brings a wealth of experience in marketing, leadership, and strategic development within the sports field industry. She has held senior marketing roles where she built key industry relationships and crafted strategies to expand market share across diverse sectors including professional and collegiate sports, educational institutions, and government agencies at all levels. Sliefert holds a bachelor's degree from Simpson College and a master's degree from Bowling Green State University.
"Paula comes to us with not only deep expertise in the industry but also a strong passion for member service and an unwavering respect for the work that sports field managers do every day," said Adam Thoms, President of SFMA. "We're confident that under her leadership, SFMA will continue to thrive and evolve to meet the needs of our growing community."
Sliefert was also recently named the 2024 recipient of the Harry Gill Award, SFMA's highest honor, recognizing her dedication and long-standing contributions to the profession. In her new role, Sliefert will focus on member engagement, organizational growth, and enhancing SFMA's influence within the industry and beyond.
"I am honored to serve as CEO of the Sports Field Management Association," said Paula Sliefert. "This is an incredible opportunity to champion the dedicated professionals who make safe, high-performing sports fields possible every day. I look forward to working alongside the board, staff, and members to elevate our industry and drive impactful change."
SFMA members will have the opportunity to meet Paula and hear more about her vision for the association during the 2026 SFMA Conference and Exhibition, taking place in Fort Worth, TX, from January 19-22.
About SFMA
SFMA is the non-profit, professional association for men and women who manage sports fields worldwide. Since 1981, it has provided education, information and practical knowledge in the art and science of sports field management. More than 2,700 members across 32 local chapters oversee facilities at schools, colleges and universities, parks and recreational facilities, and professional sports stadiums. Sports include football, baseball, soccer, lacrosse, softball, rugby and horse racing.