Vermeer named Jason Andringa the president and CEO, effective Nov. 1. Previously, he served as president and COO, in addition to various other roles. Before joining Vermeer in 2005, he was a staff engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Andringa graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Calvin College and also has a master’s degree in aeronautics and astronautics from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a master’s in administration from the University of Southern California. Mary Andringa, former CEO, will remain chair of the board.
AmericanHort welcomed Jill Calabro, Ph.D., as research and science programs director. Calabro will bring strategic direction and oversight to research funding and initiatives by the Horticultural Research Institute and apply scientific perspective to managing and resolving ongoing and emerging plant health, trade and environmental challenges, the company said. Calabro received her doctorate in plant pathology from Oregon State University, working on powdery mildew of sweet cherry, and her M.S. degree, also in plant pathology, from the University of Minnesota. For the past eight years, she worked on product development and technical services in support of the nursery and greenhouse, turf and aquatic plant management markets for Nufarm.
Ruppert Landscape’s Raleigh, N.C., branch hired Joseph Phillips as area manager, named Kevin Wetzonis area manager and promoted Stephanie Carrillo to business developer. As area managers, Phillips and Wetzonis will be responsible for the sale, renewal and production of the branch’s landscape management work; the training and development of their personnel; and ensuring quality customer service and customer retention, the company said. Phillips, a graduate of the Ohio State University, has more than 35 years of industry experience and is a Certified Landscape Technician, Certified Snow Professional, Certified Landscape Professional and ISA-certified arborist. Wetzonis, a Certified Landscape Technician, has been with the company for 12 years, most recently serving as enhancement manager. Carrillo will be responsible for understanding and identifying opportunities in the market; local networking and relationship building with targeted potential customers; involvement in trade organizations; and maintaining long-term client relationships. Previously, she served as Ruppert’s branch administrator and contract administrator at the North Carolina landscape construction branch. Carrillo graduated from the North Carolina State University in 2011.
The Davey Tree Expert Co. promoted Auxilio Tovar to district manager of the Chicago territory of The Care of Trees, a Davey company. Tovar started with The Care of Trees in 2002 as a groundman and has held a variety of positions with the company, including production manager in the Crystal Lake office and assistant district manager of the Chicago office. “Chilo’s 13 years of experience are rooted in Davey’s field operations, so, in terms of quality service, clients will benefit from his keen understanding of the responsibilities of the various field positions,” said Bill Whitmire, vice president, north central operations, residential/commercial services.
