ELMSFORD, N.Y. (February 7, 2013) - Longtime Rockland Country Club Superintendent Matt Ceplo was recently recognized by Golf Course Superintendent Association of America's (GCSAA) Board of Directors and named the winner of the 2013 President's Award for Environmental Stewardship. The award was presented to Ceplo on Wednesday, February 6th at the GCSAA's Annual Education Conference in San Diego, Calif.

The GCSAA President's Award for Environmental Stewardship was established in 1991 to recognize "an exceptional environmental contribution to the game of golf; a contribution that further exemplifies the golf course superintendent's image as a steward of the land." This is the third honor in as many years for Ceplo, as he received the MGA's 2012 Arthur P. Weber Environmental Leader in Golf Award and the Global Sports Alliance's 2011 New York Environmental Steward Award.

"GCSAA is fortunate to have member superintendents like Matt who are wonderful environmental stewards at their courses," said GCSAA President Sandy G. Queen, CGCS. "The board is proud to recognize Matt as a passionate leader in this important area, and to congratulate him on his many accomplishments."

Ceplo, a 27-year member of the GCSAA, began working at Rockland Country Club in 1995. Prior to that, he was an assistant superintendent at Ridgewood (N.J.) Country Club and the superintendent at Westchester Hills Golf Club in White Plains, N.Y. 

During his tenure at Rockland, he organized several green initiatives, including one with the Rockland Country Department of Health to alter their public policy for water use. He currently chairs the county's newly formed Water Quality Committee and serves as vice president of the Tri-State (New York, New Jersey, Connecticut) Turf Research Foundation.

Ceplo has also teamed up with fellow members of the Metropolitan Golf Course Superintendents Association (MetGCSA) and the MGA to carry out several environmental initiatives. As a member of the MGCSA board for 18 years (including a year as president in 2008), he was active in helping the chapter organize a set of best management practices for New York golf course superintendents.

“In an area rich with great golf course superintendents, Matt Ceplo stands out as a leader," said Gene Westmoreland, former MGA director of rules and competitions. "He freely gives back to the game as a volunteer and demonstrates how a golf course can thrive as a responsible environmental citizen.”