KENT, OH—The Davey Tree Expert Co. has promoted Joseph Paul to CFO and secretary. David Adante, Davey’s former executive vice president, CFO and secretary, officially retired March 22, after more than 33 years at the company.

“Joe has extensive experience, impressive people skills, and a comprehensive vision for the future,” says Karl Warnke, Davey’s chairman, president and CEO. “An effective and dedicated CFO is critical to our company, and we are pleased that Joe has accepted this challenge.”

Paul, who has more than 25 years of financial experience, served most recently as vice president and treasurer at Davey. He began his Davey career in 2005 as treasurer, and his previous work experience includes Deloitte & Touche and AccessPoint Openings, LLC. He received his master’s of business administration degree in finance and two undergraduate degrees in both accounting and finance from The University of Akron. Paul is a certified public accountant and is affiliated with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, Financial Executives International and the Risk Management Society (RIMS).

A long-time employee owner of Davey, Adante announced his upcoming retirement last fall. He began his Davey career in 1979 as an internal auditor, working up to CFO. His most recent accolade was the CFO “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Crain’s Cleveland Business, which he received last fall.

Warnke paid tribute to Adante’s many years of dedication and financial expertise: “In his 33 years at Davey Tree, David has worked with three Chief Executive Officers and numerous executive changes. During that tenure, Davey Tree’s revenues have increased from $60 million in 1979 to over $700 million today. Our stock has split five times and the number of employees working at Davey has seen a fivefold increase. Dave has been a major factor in our success.”