The Golf Course Builders Association of America has named Ellen Davis as the recipient of the 2025 Perry O. Dye Service Award.
Davis, manager of SportZmix Solutions, was recognized for her service, leadership, and commitment to the association, GCBAA Foundation and the golf industry overall.
The award is named for the late Perry O. Dye, whose leadership and financial stewardship helped guide the Association through its formative years, and is presented to those who contribute "above and beyond the call of duty to strengthen the GCBAA and its mission." The son of Pete and Alice Dye, Perry O. Dye passed away in 2021 at age 61.
Davis served on the GCBAA board of directors from 2006 to 2018, holding executive board roles including secretary (2008–18) and vice president (2018). In 2018, she transitioned to the GCBAA Foundation board and in 2021 served as president. Her passion for service to the association manifested through her work with the foundation’s Sticks For Kids program and auction and volunteering behind the scenes.
SportZmix Solutions is a division of Faulks Brothers Construction Inc.
"Ellen Davis exemplifies the values that Perry O. Dye held dear—selflessness, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to service," said Justin Apel, GCBAA executive director. "Her decades of leadership and her passion for growing the game through the foundation have helped shape the direction and culture of our organization."
In 2023, Davis played a key role in the acquisition of Kempker Greens Mix Blending to solidify the company's position in custom soil blending for golf courses and sports fields. She described the acquisition as a chance to "build upon both of our strong businesses, recognized brands, quality services and continue to be the leading custom soil blending company."
Under her guidance, SportZmix Solutions and Waupaca Sand and Solutions have worked to deliver the highest-quality materials while helping clients exceed their project goals. Her strategic leadership and commitment to customer relationships dovetail with the principles the association seeks to honor through the Perry O. Dye Service Award.
In 2020, she helped promote the role of women in the turf industry as a panelist in the "Ladies Leading Turf" meeting at the GCSAA Conference and Trade Show in Orlando. The following year, she was recognized by Golf Inc. as one of the 10 Gurus of Golf Course Construction, acknowledging the unsung heroes who influence golf construction through their expertise and innovations on both the design side and the shovel side of the business.
"Ellen has always led with humility, purpose, and a genuine care for everyone in this industry," said Jon O’Donnell, GCBAA president. "Ellen has always led with humility, purpose, and a genuine care for everyone in this industry. Her influen". Her influence stretches well beyond boardrooms and business—she’s been a steady hand, a mentor, and a true champion of the GCBAA mission. There is no one more deserving of this recognition."
Previous recipients include Perry Dye (2005); Jim Kirchdorfer Sr. (2006); Rick Elyea (2010); Steve Christman (2013); Tommy Sasser (2015); Dennis Wagner (2018); and O’Brien McGarey (2021).
Davis will be presented with the award in August at the 2025 GCBAA Summer Meeting in Boston.