Member Spotlight on Richard Covert

Richard Covert shares his time and expertise with our association in his position as Vice President, and he is the Grounds System Manager at Baptist Health. We sat down with Richard for a Q&A on his career, the association, and some surprising facts.

ATA Vice President Richard Covert

Q: What was your first job?

A: Peavey Electronics. I built electric guitars and sound boards.

Q: What do you do in your free time?

A: Anything outdoors

Q: Tell us about your family?

A: I’ve been married for 23 years, and I have two sons, ages 17 and 13.

Q: Who would you choose to switch places with for one day?

A: Keanu Reeves

Q: If you could go on vacation anywhere in the world, where would you go?

A: Kathmandu, Nepal

Q: What is one item you cannot live without?

A: Definitely my Bible. It’s been around the world with me.

Q: What’s an interesting fact about you that most people don’t know?

A: I have met most all of the hair bands from the 1980’s.

Q: Who has been the most influential person in your career?

A: Greg Clark of Baptist Health. I would not be where I am without him.

Q: Why did you get involved with ATA?

A: I’m a service-oriented person. I love this industry and the fact that I can surround myself with professors and turfgrass professionals from all over Arkansas — I couldn’t pass that up.

Q: How has your involvement with ATA influenced your career?

A: Having the privilege to not only be on the Board but also serve as the VP is definitely something to be proud of.

Manicured outdoor space at Baptist Health, where Richard is Grounds System Manager

Q: As VP, how will you keep ATA relevant to members?

A: We will strive to be more hands-on in the coming years. By this we mean more workshops and other learning opportunities. We have already started a turfgrass magazine to better communicate with our members.

Q: What will you focus on as VP in future years?

A: Our focus should always be on being a source for education for our industry and how best to deliver that.

Q: What skills do you think ATA can help our members cultivate?

A: Recent feedback from trade show attendees suggests a number of different things that are relevant to them. One is hands-on training — whether it’s small engine repair or how to landscape an account they just got. Future leaning opportunities will have handson and financial classes so our members can charge the right amount and also be competitive.

ATA thanks Richard for his contribution to the association as VP.

You can reach him at: richard.covert@baptist-health.org