Professional Grounds Management Society

What Professional Grounds Management Society does

Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit professional membership organization founded in 1911 and headquartered in Forest Hill, Maryland (with operational addresses in Wilmington, Delaware and Mount Royal, New Jersey). It serves individual grounds management professionals responsible for institutional landscapes at colleges and universities, municipalities, parks, recreation facilities, office parks, apartments, hotels, cemeteries, and theme parks, with a stated membership base of more than 1,000 professionals across the United States, Canada, and overseas.

PGMS generates revenue through five primary streams: tiered annual membership dues ($25-$665 depending on category and renewal window), conference registration fees for its Annual Conference ($975-$1,285) and Regional Conference ($325-$650), certification and certificate program fees (CGM, CGT, and the 24-credit School of Grounds Management), Career Center job postings ($30-$50), and bi-monthly newsletter advertising. It monetizes supplier-side engagement through the Partners in Professionalism program with Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, and Bronze tiers, providing brand and marketing access to over 1,250 grounds professionals.

The organization operates through a federated structure of 12+ active US local branches organized into six regions (North East, North Central, North West, South East, South Central, South West), governed by an elected board of directors with regional directors, and supported by a small staff of 9 employees led by Executive Director Julie Sutter, CAE. Its core technology stack is non-proprietary, relying on YourMembership for membership management, Constant Contact for email distribution, and social login integrations, with no in-house software products. Strategic positioning is anchored on a 113-year brand history, registered certification marks (CGM, CGT), and a portfolio of credentialing programs (CGM, CGT, SGM, LEAD) plus the Green Star Awards and an institutional accreditation program.

Name

Professional Grounds Management Society

Legal name

Professional Grounds Management Society

Website

https://pgms.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1911

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PGMS is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit professional membership society, founded in 1911, serving 1,000+ grounds management professionals at institutions such as universities, municipalities, parks, and healthcare facilities across the US, Canada, and overseas. It delivers CGM and CGT certifications, the School of Grounds Management certificate, leadership programs, annual and regional conferences, and Green Star Awards through 12+ local branches.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Professional Association Services

NAICS

Business Associations (813910), Professional Organizations (81392)

SIC

Services-Membership Organizations (8600), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Compliance, Certification & Continuing Education LMS (EDAFAAAD)

akta.pro secondary industry

Self-Performing General Contractors (IMAFAAAI)

Keywords

• Professional certification programs
• Grounds management education
• Membership association services
• Landscape industry events
• Professional development certificates

Headquarters

HQ city

Wilmington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership dues from individual members across multiple categories (Active, Affiliate, Supplier, Educator, Student, Retired, Organization). Dues vary by membership type and renewal period, ranging from $25 (Retired) to $665 (Organization late renewal).
2. Conference Registration Fees: Revenue from Annual Conference and Regional Conference registrations. Annual Conference pricing ranges from $975 (early bird) to $1,285 (onsite). Regional Conference pricing is $325-$350 for members, $375-$400 for non-members.
3. Certifications and Store Products: Fees for CGM and CGT certification programs, School of Grounds Management certificate program, and sale of publications, education materials, and merchandise through the online store.
4. Career Center Postings: Job posting fees for the Career Center: $30 for members and $50 for non-members. Internship postings are free.
5. Newsletter Advertising: Revenue from newsletter advertisement placements in the bi-monthly Grounds Management Forum newsletter.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

PGMS is a professional membership society that sells individual and organizational memberships, professional certifications (CGM and CGT), a 24-credit School of Grounds Management certificate program, a LEAD leadership development program, institutional accreditation, and tickets to its Annual and Regional Conferences for grounds management professionals. The society also operates the Green Star Awards recognition program, an Online Store for publications and merchandise, a Career Center for job postings, and a tiered Partners in Professionalism program that gives industry suppliers marketing access to the membership base.

Product overview

The Professional Grounds Management Society (PGMS) operates as an individual membership society offering a portfolio of professional development and certification products for grounds management professionals. The core offerings include the Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) and Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) certification programs, the School of Grounds Management (SGM) Certificate Program, the LEAD leadership development program, and the Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation program. PGMS also organizes the Annual Conference (co-located with ELEVATE from 2026) and Regional Conferences, hosts six annual webinars, publishes the bi-monthly Grounds Management Forum newsletter, and manages the Green Star Awards program. Additional services include a Career Center, Online Store, and tiered Partners in Professionalism membership for industry suppliers. The organization is structured around 12 local branches across the United States.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Certified Grounds Manager (CGM) Certification Program Flagship certification recognizing grounds management professionals who demonstrate expertise, leadership, and commitment to the profession; validates expertise for career advancement. Recognized by top employers for hiring grounds managers.
• Certified Grounds Technician (CGT) Certification Program Professional certification for grounds technicians enabling career advancement and recognition of technical competencies in grounds management.
• School of Grounds Management (SGM) Certificate Program A 24-credit hour certificate program offered through PGMS conferences and webinars, covering four core competency areas: Human Resource Management, Business and Financial Management, and Technical Management (Horticulture and Non-Horticulture). Must be completed within four years of enrollment.
• LEAD (Leadership Education Program) A 10-month professional development program for current and emerging leaders in grounds management covering leadership competencies including emotional intelligence, team building, conflict resolution, and workplace culture. Delivered via expert-led virtual sessions.
• Landscape Management and Operations Accreditation Program Institutional accreditation program evaluating campus landscape management systems against best management practices in Environmental Stewardship, Economic Performance, and Social Responsibilities; awards one- to four-star ratings to accredited institutions.
• PGMS Annual Conference PGMS's premier annual event featuring education sessions, networking, Green Star Awards ceremony, and access to the Equip Expo trade show. The 2026 Annual Conference 'Transform' is co-located with NALP's ELEVATE in Tampa, Florida.
• PGMS Regional Conference Annual regional conference held in various locations featuring education sessions, facility tours, and networking opportunities for grounds professionals. The 2026 Regional Conference is scheduled for August 3-4 in Philadelphia.
• PGMS Membership Program Individual and organizational membership society with categories including Active, Affiliate, Organization, Supplier, Educator, Branch Local Supplier, Student, Emeritus, and Partners in Professionalism. Benefits include conference discounts, newsletters, awards, scholarships, education manuals, and local branch access.
• Partners in Professionalism Program Enhanced marketing and engagement program for supplier members with tiered levels (Diamond, Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) providing access to over 1,250 grounds professionals and sponsorship opportunities such as the GROW Forum on AI in Grounds Management.
• Green Star Awards Program Annual national awards program bringing recognition to grounds management programs maintained with a high degree of excellence. Recognizes innovation, stewardship, and professionalism in managed landscapes via Grand Awards and other categories.
• PGMS Online Store E-commerce platform offering Green Star Awards applications, certification fees, career postings, newsletter advertisements, publications, and merchandise for members and the grounds management community.
• PGMS Career Center Online job bank featuring career postings ($30 for members, $50 for non-members), free internship postings, and resume posting for PGMS members and job seekers in grounds management.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 industry professionals served across US, Canada, and overseas
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 April 2026PGMS has partnered with NALP to co-locate the 2026 Annual Conference 'Transform' with ELEVATE, NALP's premier landscape industry event. This partnership delivers enhanced education, expanded networking, and valuable cross-industry insights. The event takes place November 8-11, 2026 in Tampa, Florida.
• Equip ExpocoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPGMS co-sponsors the Equip Expo, the largest trade show of its kind in conjunction with the PGMS Annual Conference held annually in Louisville, Kentucky. Equip Expo provides access to equipment demonstrations and industry suppliers.
• Stanley Black & DeckerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Equipment manufacturer providing enhanced marketing benefits and industry engagement opportunities through PGMS membership.
• STIHL USAminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Outdoor power equipment manufacturer engaging with PGMS grounds professional members.
• John DeereminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Heavy equipment manufacturer supporting PGMS member engagement and marketing initiatives.
• Hunter IndustriesminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Irrigation equipment manufacturer with enhanced engagement including sponsorship of the PGMS GROW Forum on AI in Grounds Management.
• Proven WinnersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Plant material supplier engaging with PGMS members through marketing and educational content.
• BartlettminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Tree care and horticulture company engaging with PGMS professional members.
• Rainbow EcoscienceminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Specialty products supplier for grounds management industry.
• HusqvarnaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Outdoor power equipment manufacturer engaging with PGMS membership base.
• Country Casual TeakminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Commercial outdoor furniture and fixtures supplier.
• Tree DiaperminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Tree care products supplier serving grounds management professionals.
• ColorblendsminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Flowering bulb supplier for commercial landscaping applications.
• EarthplanterminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartner in Professionalism - Commercial planting solutions provider.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA): GCSAA is the professional association for golf course superintendents and grounds managers, offering certifications, education, and an annual conference. It is directly comparable in mission (certification, continuing education, networking for grounds professionals) but focuses specifically on golf course turf, whereas PGMS focuses on institutional grounds.
• National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP): NALP is the largest US trade association for the landscape industry, serving contractors and professionals across all green industry segments. PGMS and NALP partnered for the 2026 Annual Conference co-location with ELEVATE, indicating direct overlap in audience and mission. NALP is a broader-portfolio peer operating at significantly greater scale than PGMS's institutional grounds niche.

Broad incumbents

• AmericanHort: AmericanHort is the national association for the horticulture industry, covering growers, retailers, and landscape professionals. It is comparable as a horticulture/green industry membership body but operates at significantly broader scope than PGMS.

Emerging players

• Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA): TCIA is the trade association for the tree care industry, offering credentialing (ISA, CTSP) and member services. It is comparable as a credentialing and professional society serving a green industry segment with overlapping supplier partners.
• Irrigation Association: The Irrigation Association is a membership body for irrigation professionals offering certification (CIC, CGIA) and industry education. It overlaps with PGMS's institutional grounds segment where irrigation is a core competency, and shares supplier partners like Hunter Industries.
• Snow & Ice Management Association (SIMA): SIMA is a membership association serving snow and ice management professionals with education, certification, and networking. It is comparable in mission (professional society model for grounds-related services) but serves a seasonal/winter niche.
• Sports Field Managers Association of America (SFMA): SFMA serves sports field grounds managers with certification (CSFM), education, and an annual conference. It is comparable in certification-driven membership model and grounds focus, but serves a narrower sports-only segment.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/PGMSheadquarters
• Facebookfacebook.com/ProfessionalGroundsManagementSociety
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/professional-grounds-management-society
• Instagraminstagram.com/PGMS_Official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Subsidiaries12 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Professional Grounds Management Society