Positec Group, the parent company of Kress Commercial, has promoted two industry veterans to top leadership positions as the company looks for continued growth. David “DJ” Johnson, with more than 20 years at Positec, has been promoted to president and CEO of Positec Americas; and Todd Zimmerman, with six years as vice president of product development at Positec, has been promoted to senior vice president, Kress dealer sales, operations and product. Combined, Johnson and Zimmerman bring more than six decades of category expertise — and nearly three decades at Positec — to the company.
In more than 20 years with the brand, Johnson has served as vice president, president Europe and, most recently, EVP Positec Americas. Johnson was integral to the introduction of the Worx consumer brand as well as the 2022 launch of Kress Commercial, Positec’s first line of outdoor power equipment designed for landscape and lawn care professionals. Throughout his tenure, he has seen the adoption of electric equipment for homeowners as well as large-scale adoption of electric outdoor power equipment with lawn care professionals, turf managers and golf course superintendents. Prior to joining Positec, Johnson served two decades in category-specific leadership roles.
“DJ is a cornerstone of Positec’s success over the past 20 years and brings deep knowledge to the position of president and CEO,” said Don Gao, founder and global CEO of Positec Group. “His adeptness to effectively set strategy and guide teams will be pivotal as Positec’s brands continue strong growth.”
With nearly three decades of category experience and product expertise, Zimmerman joined Positec as vice president of product development in 2019. With strong credentials in power tools, battery equipment and automation, he was essential in the development of the Kress Commercial 8-minute CyberSystem, Kress’ autonomous mowers and proprietary RTK navigation network. In addition to product development, Zimmerman helped unveil Kress Commercial to dealer networks and landscape company owners as a viable solution for professionals to grow their businesses through switching from gas to battery-powered equipment. As vice president of product development, Zimmerman also introduced new battery-powered and autonomous solutions through Positec’s Worx brand, including the introduction of Landroid and Landroid Vision.
“Todd’s product expertise and passion for the brand makes him the ideal candidate for senior vice president. Not only does he provide unparalleled insight to the development of best-in-class products, but he also excels in providing best-in-class service to our dealer network and end-users,” said Gao.
Davey Tree promotes new vice president and general manager
The Davey Tree Expert Co. recently promoted Geoff Cowan to vice president and general manager, U.S. Residential/Commercial (R/C) services.
“Geoff has a long-standing history with R/C and brings deep experience to this role,” said Pat Covey, chairman, president and CEO at Davey. “His leadership makes him an ideal choice to oversee U.S. R/C operations, and I’m confident he will continue to drive success and deliver value across our nationwide team.”
Cowan joined Davey in 1983 as a tree care trainee in the West Cleveland R/C office. He has held several positions in the R/C service line, such as district manager, market manager and operations manager. Most recently, Cowan was promoted to vice president, Western operations, R/C services in January of 2025.
Cowan is a former member of the Davey President’s Council, which is a rotating team of managers who meet semiannually for management development and to share ideas to improve the company.
Cowan graduated in 1987 from the Davey Institute of Tree Sciences (D.I.T.S.), which is Davey’s flagship training program in biological sciences, safety, tree and plant care and management techniques. He is an International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Certified Arborist and a multi-year recipient of Davey’s Outstanding Manager award.
Lebanon Seaboard CEO wins RISE’s highest honor
Kathy Bishop, president and CEO of Lebanon Seaboard Corp., has been awarded the 2025 E. Allen James Leadership Award by RISE (Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment) at the organization’s annual meeting in August.
The award is RISE’s highest honor, celebrating individuals whose leadership and volunteer service reflect the vision and dedication of the association’s first president, E. Allen James.
“Kathy Bishop has been a top contributor to our industry for decades,” said Neil Cleveland, chairman of RISE, during the award presentation. “Her leadership has shaped everything from fertilizer committee work to defining biostimulants at the federal level. She embodies clarity, integrity and an ‘industry first/members first’ mindset that has strengthened RISE and the broader specialty pesticide and fertilizer community.”
Bishop joined Lebanon Seaboard in 1987 and became CEO in 1995. She has guided the company through strategic planning and acquisitions while serving the industry through leadership roles on the RISE Governing Board, the joint RISE–CropLife America Emerging Chemistry Issues Task Force and multiple policy initiatives.
RISE is the national trade association representing manufacturers, formulators, distributors and other leaders in the specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry. RISE advocates for science-based policies that support innovation and ensure access to tools that protect public health, food, property and green spaces, according to the association.
NALP appoints new faces to its Foundation Board of Directors
The National Association of Landscape Professionals revealed its Foundation Board of Directors slate for 2025-2026. The term begins in October.
Officers include:
- President – Paul Fraynd, LIC, Sun Valley Landscaping
- President-Elect – Christianna Denelsbeck, Landscape Workshop
- Secretary/Treasurer – Terell Weg, MSNW Group
- Immediate Past President – Joe Ketter, SiteOne Landscape Supply
Directors include:
- Eric Bjorling, Stihl
- Steve Bromell, Pro Cutters Lawnscapes
- Marcus Duck, Michigan State University
- Jim Funai, Ph.D., Cuyahoga Community College
- Jon Gohl, The Aspire Software Company
- Angela Hieronimus, Senske Family of Companies
- Mark Hopkins, LandCare
- Roscoe Klausing, LIC, Klausing Group
- Luke Melograno, Mariani Landscape
- Taylor Milliken, Milosi
- Shayne Newman, LIC, YardScapes Landscape Professionals
- Brigitte Orrick, The Davey Tree Expert Company
- Anita Palmer, Sperber Landscape Companies
- Cole Weller, Weller Brothers Landscaping
- Britt Wood, CEO, NALP
- Executive Director, Jenn Myers
Ruppert Landscape makes four key leadership changes
Ruppert Landscape recently made four key changes to the company’s leadership team.
Dennis Hensley
Dennis Hensley was promoted to regional vice president in the company’s South Division.
In this new role, he will provide leadership and strategic oversight for all landscape maintenance and installation operations in South Carolina. His responsibilities include mentoring and supporting branch managers, driving operational excellence, ensuring high-quality service delivery and helping grow and develop the next generation of leadership within the company, according to Ruppert Landscape.
“Dennis has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to our people and our customers,” said Jim Tuzzolino, South Division president. “He brings a wealth of knowledge, experience and integrity to everything he does. I’m confident that his leadership will strengthen our operations in the region and help us continue delivering outstanding results.”
Dennis brings more than 35 years of landscape industry experience and holds a bachelor’s degree in ornamental horticulture from Clemson University. He joined Ruppert Landscape in 2022 as region manager, overseeing landscape installation branches in both North and South Carolina.
“I’m honored to take on this new role and continue supporting our talented teams in South Carolina,” said Hensley. “We have a strong foundation, and I’m excited to help lead our continued growth while upholding the values that make Ruppert a special place to work.”
Rusty Ritchie
Rusty Ritchie has recently been hired as branch manager in the company’s Durham, North Carolina landscape maintenance branch.
In this role, Ritchie will be responsible for the overall management of branch operations, including employee development, customer service, budgeting and strategic planning.
“Rusty brings a well-rounded background in the landscape industry and a proven track record of leadership, sales and business ownership,” said Drew Dummann, region manager. “His experience and energy are a great match for the Durham team, and we’re excited to have him on board.”
Rusty holds a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture from the University of Georgia and has more than 20 years of experience in the green industry, including the last seven years in a sales role focused on landscape installation services. Earlier in his career, he owned and operated his own landscape company, giving him valuable insight into both the operational and customer service aspects of the business.
“Joining Ruppert has been an exciting opportunity, and I’ve been impressed by the team’s passion and professionalism,” said Ritchie. “I’m looking forward to contributing to the branch’s continued success and building strong relationships with our clients.”
Sean Davitt and Casey Cook
Ruppert Landscape also announced the promotion of Sean Davitt to region manager and Casey Cook to branch manager in the company’s Maryland landscape installation branch.
As region manager, Davitt will oversee the company’s Maryland Landscape Installation, Pennsylvania Landscape Installation and State College Maintenance branches. He holds a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business from West Virginia University and is a graduate of the Associated Builders and Contractors’ Leadership Development Program and the Grinnell Leadership Jumpstart Program. He joined Ruppert 15 years ago and has held positions including estimator, project manager, production manager, operations manager and, most recently, branch manager.
“Sean is a people-focused leader who invests deeply in developing talent and fostering team growth,” said Mike Felts, division vice president. “I look forward to seeing the continued growth and success his leadership will inspire.”
As branch manager, Cook will oversee all project management, customer service, employee development and business development initiatives in the company’s Maryland Landscape Installation branch. A graduate of the Associated Builders and Contractors Leadership Development Program at the Platinum level, he joined the company in 2016 as a field manager and advanced through the roles of production manager, operations manager and assistant branch manager.
“Casey’s professionalism, attention to detail and ability to inspire his team have been instrumental in the branch’s success,” said Davitt. “His leadership, vision and proven track record will continue to drive our team to new heights.”
