Marshall Dirks has retired from Proven Winners North America after 27 years with the company.
With Marshall’s departure, Brian Oster, currently the senior marketing director for Proven Winners North America, will assume Marshall’s responsibilities.
Marshall joined the company in 2000. Prior to joining Proven Winners, Marshall was a product manager for Ball Horticultural Company for seven years.
“I am incredibly grateful for the people I’ve worked with and the friendships I’ve made along the way” said Marshall. “It’s been a privilege to be part of this team and to tell the story of a brand that I truly believe in. However, after working hard and being on the road for almost 35 years, I’ve reached a time where I want to focus on my many other passions, such as supporting charitable work and those in need—as well as spending more time with my family.”
“We are extremely happy for Marshall and his family”, said Mark Broxon, CEO of Proven Winners. He has so many other interests and passions that he wants to pursue, and we are proud that he is moving to this next phase of his life. He has been a huge part of our success over the years”.
Irrigation Association gets three new board of directors members
The Irrigation Association announced three new members for its board of directors:
- Tyler Fields, senior director — Global Water Delivery, Valmont Industries Inc. (Tifton, Ga.)
- Jonathan Lauer, CIC, CLIA, CEO, Pro Outdoor, (Chesterfield, Mo.)
- A.J. van de Ven, president and CEO, Calsense (Carlsbad, Calif.)
New directors began their terms at the conclusion of the 2025 Irrigation Show and Education Week and joined the other members who are continuing their terms from previous years. The IA board is made up of 15 elected leaders in the irrigation industry.
The IA welcomes these new leaders to the board and the association. Their contributions are essential to the IA’s work to elevate the impact and value of the industry and create an environment where irrigation businesses can thrive and grow, according to the association.
“We’re pleased to welcome these new directors to the Irrigation Association board,” said IA CEO Natasha Rankin. “Each brings experience that strengthens how the IA connects irrigation professionals and businesses to the real value they deliver — helping growers, communities and customers use water more effectively, grounded in responsible water stewardship. Their willingness to serve reflects a shared commitment to the future of irrigation and reinforces the board’s collective leadership as a credible, unifying voice for the industry.”
The IA board of directors is tasked with establishing the association’s strategic direction, policies and programs. Directors are nominated and elected each year by members of the association and represent the diversity of member types and market segments.
To learn more about the IA board of directors and view the complete roster, visit the IA’s board webpage.
Performance Nutrition welcomes new Northeast turf and ornamental sales manager
Performance Nutrition welcomes Andrew Yablonski as its new Northeast turf and ornamental sales manager.
With more than 20 years of experience in the turf, agronomy and green industry, Yablonski brings a strong technical background, deep regional relationships and a practical approach to supporting high-performance turf programs, according to the company.
“Performance Nutrition stood out to me because of its focus on innovation, education and real agronomic solutions,” said Yablonski. “It’s a team that values technical credibility and strong customer relationships, and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Yablonski’s background includes turf and ornamental management, agronomic programs, fertilizers, biostimulants, soil health, erosion control and sports field construction across the Northeast. He has also worked closely with high-end golf courses, supporting demanding performance standards across greens, tees and fairways.
A graduate of Delaware Valley University, Yablonski holds a Bachelor of Science in agronomy and environmental science, specializing in turf management. He is known for bridging sound agronomic science with practical, results-driven execution and has led more than 100 educational and training events for industry professionals, according to Performance Nutrition.
“Andrew brings a strong combination of technical knowledge and relationship-focused execution,” said John Flynn, general manager of Performance Nutrition. “He understands the challenges turf managers face and knows how to connect proven technologies to real-world results.”
With Yablonski on board, Performance Nutrition continues to strengthen its turf and ornamental team.
The Greenery appoints Darren Davis as Savannah, Ga., branch manager
The Greenery is pleased to announce that Darren Davis has been appointed branch manager of the company’s Savannah operations. Bringing more than 17 years of landscape industry experience and decades of proven leadership, Davis steps into this role with a deep commitment to operational excellence, team development and community impact, according to the company.
Davis’s career with The Greenery reflects a steady progression grounded in hands-on experience and servant leadership. Beginning as a crew member, he advanced through multiple roles of increasing responsibility, overseeing major properties and leading full-service branches on Hilton Head Island. Along the way, Davis has played a key role in developing training programs, streamlining production processes, mentoring emerging leaders and integrating Lean Six Sigma principles into daily operations.
“Darren understands our business from the ground up because he’s worked at every level,” said Lee Edwards, president and CEO of The Greenery. “His ability to build strong teams while driving efficiency and accountability makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead our Savannah branch as we continue to grow in this market.”
In addition to his professional experience, Davis brings a unique depth of leadership shaped by 46 years in ministry. This lifelong commitment to serving others informs his leadership style and his passion for investing in people, according to the company. Outside of work, Davis enjoys reading, golfing and woodworking.
