Michael P. Kenna

 Director
Green Section Research

Dr. Michael P. Kenna has been the Director of USGA Green Section Research since February, 1990. His position with the United States Golf Association was created out of a need to extend greater administrative support to their growing turfgrass and environmental research program that distributes more than $1.5 million in grants annually. Dr. Kenna travels extensively to visit turfgrass and environmental research sites, speak at conferences about the USGA's research programs, and serves on advisory boards and research foundations.

Dr. Kenna received his B.S. degree in Ornamental Horticulture from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. While at Oklahoma State University, he received his M.S. degree in Agronomy and Ph.D. degree in Crop Science. His graduate studies involved turf and forage grass breeding, quantitative genetics, plant physiology and turfgrass management. In 1985, Dr. Kenna joined the faculty at Oklahoma State University as assistant professor, responsible for turfgrass research activities and a statewide extension program. He was selected for the Young Scientist position on the USGA Research Committee in 1988, and was invited to remain on the committee as a permanent member after his one-year term had expired. His academic background and familiarity with the workings of the Research Committee made him well suited for his current position with the USGA.