The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) selected Barry Troutman, Ph.D., as its new technical adviser. Troutman, a 38-year veteran of the industry, most recently served as director and vice president of technical services for ValleyCrest. Previously, he worked in technical and training capacities with Massey Services and ChemLawn. Troutman also worked with the Professional Lawn Care Association of America, an NALP legacy association.
Heaviland Landscape Management in San Diego added new members to its leadership and sales team. John Gerhard joined the company in a business development role. He brings more than 20 years of sales, sales management and marketing experience, Heaviland said. He holds a degree in business administration from Ursinus College, where he ran track and cross country. Sharlin Kissinger was hired as a regional account manager. As a teenager, Kissinger got her first taste of the landscape industry, working in customer service and production roles for her father’s nursery. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, she holds experience in both retail nurseries and commercial landscape management.
LandCare added two new members to its executive leadership team. Chris Frank joined the company as vice president of human resources. Frank previously led the human resources department for Veridiam, a San Diego-based manufacturer of medical, nuclear and aerospace supplies. Neil Carter took on the leadership of the company’s east division. Carter is an industry veteran who has owned a landscape business, served as a top executive for Brickman and, most recently, worked as an independent consultant.
Takeuchi-US appointed Todd Francis to western regional business manager. New to the company, Francis brings 20 years of experience, including work on the retail and wholesale side of the construction equipment business.
Swingle Lawn, Tree & Landscape Care promoted Nick Gonzalez to supervisor of enhancement services at the Denver branch and Jacob Heil to supervisor of protection services at the Firestone, Colo., branch. Gonzalez joined Swingle just under 10 years ago. He’s competed in multiple International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) climbing competitions, including a sixth place overall finish at the 2014 Rocky Mountain Chapter ISA Tree Climbing Competition. Heil joined the company in 2013. Beginning his career with Nitro Green, he has six years of industry experience. Heil earned a business marketing degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 2011.
