Michael P. Kenna

Director Green Section Research

Dr. Michael P. Kenna has been the director of USGA Green Section Research since February 1990. He oversees the USGA’s turfgrass and environmental research activities, including soliciting and evaluating research proposals, grant making, and development of cooperative funding with government and commercial sources. Dr. Kenna travels extensively to visit turfgrass and environmental research sites and to speak at conferences about the USGA's research programs. He also serves on advisory boards and at research foundations. He has worked closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture on water and energy conservation research that relates to golf courses. Dr. Kenna has also served as editor on several books concerning turfgrass biotechnology, environmental issues, and water conservation and reuse.

Dr. Kenna received his Bachelor of Science degree in ornamental horticulture from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. While at Oklahoma State University, he received his Master of Science degree in agronomy and a doctorate 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 an assistant professor responsible for turfgrass research activities and a statewide extension program. He received the 2003 Distinguished Alumnus award from the College of Agriculture at California State Polytechnic University, and the 2016 Turfgrass Producers International Distinguished Service Award.