Jonathan Smith, Founder and Executive Director

For over two decades, Jonathan has been involved with sustainability in golf, from field support to planning, working for golf and for government. For 15 years he has been bringing a positive vision, progressive strategic direction, an ethos of collaboration and a genuine passion... leading the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf to be a dynamic, credible, influential and trusted organization, helping usher golf to the forefront of the sustainability movement.  

Kelli Jerome, Executive Director

Bringing experience from years in product management and strategic relations at Microsoft headquarters during the early years of the digital age, Kelli is now turned toward another important frontier, sustainability and climate action. Overseeing GEO Certification Ltd, and managing the effective and agile implementation of GEO Foundation's work to meet the strategic vision of the foundation and stakeholders around the world.

Sam Thomas, Director of Golf Development

Sam is focused on GEO's role in supporting and advocating sustainability in golf development, in both established and emerging markets, working with architects, developers, governments, and tourism bodies. From oversight of the programme for sustainable development and dissemination of best practice and standards, Sam's dedication and focus set a pace at GEO. He is a chartered member of the UK Landscape Institute with an MSc in Golf Course Architecture.

Roddy Williams, Director, Professional Golf Engagement and Communications

Roddy brings a wealth of experience from two decades working in a variety of senior digital, content and communications roles with the European Tour and Ryder Cup during which he oversaw an award-winning digital content team and led the editorial coverage of the last 10 Ryder Cups.

Moira Fraser, Business Administrator and Community Engagement

Bringing years of experience in previous administrative roles, Moira oversees the daily business administration of the GEO office as well as providing support for the team and the ever-growing sustainable golf community.  She also contributes to our continually improving processes, solutions and services and will be the helpful voice on the phone or email for anyone who gets in touch.

Rosie Isaac, Reporting and Localisation Coordinator

Rosie's role at GEO is all things OnCourse. She co-ordinates translation, guidance and the analyzing of data for OnCourse Reports. Her attention to detail and organizational skills help with the running of the programme whilst keeping an eye on how it can develop. 

Carole Kerrey, Manager, Certification, Data and Reporting (for subsidiary GEO Certification Ltd.)

Carole earned two degrees at the University of Nebraska as well as a Masters of Science degree at the University of Michigan. She has seven years of experience working in Sustainable Certification including maintenance of certification standards, evaluation of assessment processes and procedures and stakeholder engagement and brings the expertise to help further develop and assure GEO Certification Ltd's work and build out GEO Foundation's data and reporting services.

Tyler Annan, Project Manager, Golf Development

Since graduating with an honours degree in Sustainable Environmental Management, Tyler has worked on major infrastructure projects throughout the UK in a project management role and writing/reviewing EIAs. At GEO, he combines his passions of golf and sustainability to help new golf developments reach their sustainability potential.

Mac Jerome, Project Manager, Sustainable Tournaments

Rony Epelbaum, Project Manager, Research and Innovation

Following university, Rony completed internships at a PGA Tour event in La Quinta, California and at the Major League Baseball International offices in Sydney, Australia. Back in California, he continued his involvement in international sport by working at multiple Olympic Games (Rio 2016, PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020). He moved across the pond in 2020 to combine his interest in sport and the natural world by continuing his graduate education in Sustainable Development at the University of St Andrews.

Guy Stirling, Project Manager, Materials and Digital

Guy joined the organization as a graduate in 2019. He has an M.A. in Sustainable Development from the University of Edinburgh. His passion for branding and design shines through in his work whether it’s for social media graphics, marketing brochures or updating the sustainable.golf website with fresh content.

Chris Asensio, Carbon Specialist

Chris is our carbon specialist - scoping, developing and delivering the tools built specifically for clubs, tournaments, associations and players.  He also informs the low carbon guidance and action plans we provide to partners and programme participants. Chris has over 20 years’ experience in the energy, consultancy and climate action fields, providing energy efficiency, carbon management, sustainability and renewables advice to a wide range of large and small scale clients in the private, public and third sectors.