The International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Foundation named Kent Miller its foundation chair. Miller is the president of Caretaker Landscape & Tree Management. The 25-year-old foundation—which has an 18-person board and operates a $1 million budget—provides $150,000 in scholarships annually. It also runs an accreditation program with various colleges and works on initiatives, such as the Global Workforce Initiative, to promote facility management as a career choice.
Ruppert Landscape named Greg Franklin director of fleet and facilities. Franklin, who brings 19 years of experience ranging from operations to logistics, most recently served as senior distribution center manager for the Kellogg Co. in Hagerstown, Md. He has a bachelor’s of business administration from Radford University.
Takeuchi-US hired Scott Mobley as southwest regional business manager. Mobley brings nearly 20 years of experience in the construction equipment industry and related businesses.
The company also promoted David Steger to global training manager. He’s worked for Takeuchi since 2004 and most recently held the position of national product manager.
Kawasaki Motors named Nelson Wilner executive director of the company’s engines division. Wilner joins the division with more than 20 years in the marine and recreational vehicle industries and the building products industry, previously working with Bennett Marine and Mase Generators. He holds an MBA with a specialty in international business from Nova Southeastern University and a bachelor’s in marketing from Nova Southeastern University/University of Florida.
Spring-Green Lawn Care welcomed a new franchise owner, Jon Thurman. Thurman started Trimworks Lawn Care and Irrigation in Springfield, Mo., in 1997. He started in the industry as a way to pay for college, earning a bachelor’s in business administration, but his business ended up more successful than he anticipated. He will continue to run that business as he takes over the existing Spring-Green location in Springfield.
The Davey Tree Expert Co. promoted Gregory Ina to vice president and general manager of research, recruiting and human resource development. Previously, he served as vice president and general manager of The Davey Institute, the company’s research, development and innovation division, and a corporate office of Davey Tree. Ina holds a bachelor’s and master’s from Kent State University, specializing in geographic information systems. He began his career 21 years ago in the Davey Resource Group as a geographic information systems intern.
The company also promoted Kathy Doody to director of recruiting and employee development. After joining Davey in 1993 as a tax manager, Doody was promoted to manager of human resources administration. Prior to joining Davey, she spent more than 10 years in accounting and employee development. She holds a master’s from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, a master’s in education from Bowling Green State University and a bachelor’s in English from Westminster College.
Arborjet hired seven new employees, an expansion that will “help meet the needs of the company’s growing customer base in plant health and tree care,” the company said.
Mark Griffith joined the company as product marketing manager for the tree and ornamental division. He previously served as a marketing strategist for a Boston-based agency and holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising.
Sean Facey was promoted to technical product manager at Arborjet. Facey formerly served as strategic accounts and support services manager.
Kristin Nikodemski was promoted from product marketing manager to marketing manager for the horticultural products division.
Doug McPherson was elevated to the role of technical specialist and will manage product development and Environmental Protection Association programs.
Zachary Purinton joined the company as inside technical sales specialist. Prior to joining Arborjet, he worked as a territory sales representative for a golf course supply company, Atlantic Golf & Turf. He’s also a graduate of the University of Massachusetts, Amherst with a bachelor’s in plant, soil and insect sciences.
Lauren Doran joined Arborjet as a marketing communication specialist. She holds a bachelor’s in communication from the University of Connecticut.
Logan Behringer was hired as a customer service associate.
