DLF’s Matt Duncan Elected To SFMA Board of Directors
DLF North America is proud to congratulate Matt Duncan, Professional Turf Account Manager, on his recent election to the Sports Field Management Association (SFMA) Board of Directors as Vice President – Commercial. Duncan is the only Commercial VP on the national board and brings more than three decades of hands‑on experience, industry leadership, and relationship‑driven service to the role.
Duncan has been a member of SFMA since 2004 and earned his Certified Sports Field Manager (CSFM) designation in 2010. Over the years, he has contributed extensively to the organization through service on the Environmental Committee and as co‑chair of the Scholarship and Commercial Advisory Council. He was elected to the national board in 2025 and, this year, elevated to the Vice President – Commercial seat for a two‑year term.
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Duncan’s sports turf journey began in 1995 with the Williamsport Cubs of the New York–Penn League. His entry into the industry followed a life‑threatening battle with viral encephalitis during college – an illness that required him to relearn walking, speaking, and eating. While recovering, he visited a friend caring for a local baseball field. The friend asked him to lend a hand, and the work reignited his motivation and sense of purpose. The team’s general manager later promoted him to Head Groundskeeper because of his passion and work ethic.
Over the next two decades, Duncan’s career spanned minor league baseball and professional football. He served as Head Groundskeeper for the Mahoning Valley Scrappers during their stadium opening (1998–2003) and later for the Akron Aeros (now the Akron RubberDucks) from 2003–2010. During that time, he also joined the Cleveland Browns Grounds Crew, where he continued to serve through 2020. His impact on sports turf spans not only professional venues but also his own family, as his son, Connor, tended the same Scrappers field decades later.
Duncan joined DLF in February 2020 after years as a distributor representative and turf consultant across Ohio. His long-standing relationships and credibility in the professional sports turf world have significantly elevated DLF’s visibility in NFL, MLB, MLS, NCAA, and MiLB facilities across the country.
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With a deep belief that the turf profession is rooted in people, Duncan has made mentorship a central part of his work. He introduces young turf managers to industry contacts, encouraging them to explore new tools and ideas, and guiding them toward educational and professional development resources.
SFMA continues to strengthen its educational programs, expand networking opportunities, and enhance value for both practitioners and commercial members. The association’s recent annual conference in Fort Worth marked its second‑highest attendance ever, momentum Duncan is committed to accelerating in the years ahead.
"SFMA has shaped me – not just as a turf manager, but as a person and a leader. I’ve had countless mentors who pushed me, supported me, and believed in me, and I strive every day to pay that forward. Serving on the board is an honor, and I’m committed to helping SFMA continue delivering exceptional value to both turf managers and commercial partners.” — Matt Duncan, CSFM
