Dana Lonn, P.E.

Managing Director, Center for Advanced Turf Technology, Toro Company

Dana Lonn joined The Toro Company in 1974 and has been a valuable resource in Product Engineering, Computer Aided Engineering and Manager of Advanced Engineering. In his current role as Managing Director of the Center for Advanced Turf Technology, Dana is responsible for leading a corporate research and development group working on the next generation of products and how to apply leading technologies to our markets.

The Center for Advanced Turf Technology (CATT) team was established in 1998 to develop innovative solutions to customer problems, as well as environmentally friendly technologies for customers in the professional turf markets, including golf, sports fields, grounds and landscape maintenance. The group’s mission is to work with customers, academic leaders and industry experts to develop solutions that could emerge as breakthrough products. CATT has been influential in the following areas: water management, alternative fuels and labor productivity. Dana has worked on a wide variety of Toro commercial, residential and irrigation products, and holds 10 U.S. patents. 

Dana attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where he earned a bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering, graduating with High Distinction. He continued his studies at the University of Minnesota as an Institute of Technology Corporate Fellow, earning a master’s in Mechanical Engineering, graduating with High Distinction. Dana is active in his profession and the industry as a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers, and the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America.