About the FVMA and our team
The Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA) was founded in early 1999 by Andy Lewis and Tracy Maxwell. Recognizing a need for accessible training and continuing education credits for herbicide applicators, Lewis and Maxwell sought to fill a gap in the industry. This need was underscored by the discontinuation of an annual training event previously sponsored by Walter Dykes of Florida Power Corporation in Bartow, Florida. Dykes' event, primarily serving FPC personnel, had provided valuable training opportunities but was slated to cease operation due to changes in his responsibilities. Lewis and Maxwell, after discussing the potential for an expanded and improved program, met with Dykes to discuss their vision. With his blessing and support, they agreed to continue the annual meeting, marking the genesis of the Florida Vegetation Management Association.
"Our mission would be two-fold"...
The Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA) is dedicated to providing comprehensive training and educational resources to the vegetation management industry. Our core mission is twofold:
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Empowering Applicators: We offer practical, field-skills training for applicators, enabling them to earn necessary continuing education credits to meet state licensing requirements.
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Supporting Supervisors & Managers: We provide an educational forum for supervisors and managers to stay informed about evolving regulations, new chemical technologies, innovative vegetation management programs, and other industry developments that can enhance their existing programs.
Our initial vision focused on delivering information about the implementation and management of comprehensive vegetation maintenance programs, including hands-on training for field applicators. We strategically planned our meetings to occur before spray season, equipping field applicators with practical skills and knowledge directly applicable to their work. To minimize financial impact on employers, this applicator-focused training was condensed into a single day.
As our organization evolved, we expanded our programming to include a second day dedicated to the needs of supervisors and managers. This day addresses more technical and managerial topics, providing valuable insights and updates. We also recognize the importance of our sponsors and provide them with opportunities to showcase developments in their respective fields and interact directly with meeting participants.
Our inaugural annual meeting in Gainesville established the foundation for our current format. The first day featured a combination of field demonstrations in the morning and educational presentations in the afternoon, followed by an informal evening social for sponsors and managers. The second day is dedicated to presentations geared towards supervisors and managers, as well as product updates from our valued sponsors.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Nicole Long
President Elect
Nicole Long is a Senior Consulting Utility Forester at ACRT, bringing over a decade of experience to the company since joining in 2017. A dedicated and knowledgeable professional, Ms. Long holds both ISA Certified Utility Arborist and UA Utility Arborist certifications. Her commitment to safety is evident in her previous role as an ACRT Area Safety Representative (ASR). Ms. Long is also actively involved in the industry, serving on the Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA) Board of Directors.
Wayne Poole
(Past President)
Certified arborist and utility specialist and hold commercial applicator license State of Florida with 35 years’ experience in utility line clearance and vegetation Management. Currently Manager for Burfords tree LLC region 344 in Florida. Past experience Davy tree expert and Asplundh tree expert Arborist for Ocala electric utilities, Vegetation management specialist for progress energy, and Divisional forester for Duke Energy and a proud member of FVMA from Day 1
Linda Yarrish
Treasurer
Linda has served as the Secretary, President-Elect, President, Past President and Treasurer on the board.
She is the Section Leader of the Canal/Levee & Aquatic Plant Management Unit at the South Florida Water Management District in the Vegetation Management Section. She has worked at the District for 35 years. Linda is the Lead Emergency Debris Removal Officer at the District and trains a team of monitors and documentation emergency staff including contractors .
Linda received a scholarship in Music at Broward College for playing the bassoon. She was part of the BCC Youth Symphony. Linda then received her BS in Environmental Sciences at Florida International. University and an MBA at Florida Atlantic University.
Linda enjoys this Association. It is a great group!! She also enjoys all of the people she gets to meet at the conference.
Andrew Seibel
(President)
Andrew Seibel is a Senior Arborist with Florida Power and Light, where he directs vegetation management under distribution power lines in Miami-Dade County. His 18+ years of experience in vegetation management also includes work with the Florida Turnpike, where he oversaw contracts for herbicide application and natural area maintenance, as well as landscape installation and maintenance. An ISA Certified Arborist with a TRAQ qualification and a Commercial Applicators License, Mr. Seibel holds a B.S. in Environmental Studies from Florida State University. His expertise is focused primarily on the unique vegetation challenges of South Florida. A long-time member of the Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA), he joined the Board of Directors in 2019.
Steve Fairtrace
(Past President)
Steve has been employed by the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) since 1993, where he is responsible for the planning and implementation of hazardous and exotic vegetation removal, bank stabilization and right of way revegatation projects for more than 2500 miles of the District canals and levees. Additionally, during significant weather events Steve also serves as one of two, emergency debris removal officers for the Districts’ Emergency Operation Center. Prior to SFWMD Steve worked as an assistant golf course/landscape superintendent at a private country club in South Florida and as an area supervisor for a nationally recognized landscape management company. Steve is an active member of the Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association (FNGLA), where he currently serves on the landscape certification committee. Steve received an A.S. degree in Landscape Operations form Lake City Community College (1988), B.S. degree in Landscape Design and Management from Florida A & M University (1991) and an MBA from Columbia Southern University (2012). Steve is also a FNGLA certified Landscape Designer (FDLD) and maintains a FDACS pesticide certification in the categories of right of way and ornamental and turf.
Lenora Chase
Secretary
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Buck Lowery
(Electric 1)
Hughie Cucurullo is an experienced project manager specializing in aquatic vegetation control, with over 15 years of experience managing environmental and land maintenance projects. He has successfully led multiple teams in controlling invasive and nuisance vegetation for a variety of organizations, overseeing large-scale mitigation and conservation efforts across Florida. His certifications include a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) pesticide applicator license for aquatic, right-of-way, and natural areas, as well as USA Marine airboat training. He currently serves as Vice President of the South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society (SFAPMS).
Tamron Fernandez
(Electric 2)
Tamron Fernandez Graduated Missouri Southern State University with a B.S. in Business Management and holds an A.A.S. in Horticulture. Tamron has worked as a Trimmer, General Foreman, and Operational Supervisor in the line clearance tree trimming industry, and is currently the Manager of Distribution Vegetation Management in Florida for Duke Energy. Tamron is an ISA Certified Arborist and Utility Arborist as well as a state licensed pesticide applicator.
James Oliver (FDOT)
James has been employed by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) since 2013. He served over nine years in District 3, Midway Operations Center as a maintenance project manager. During his time there, he managed numerous landscape installation projects, landscape maintenance contracts, tree removal and pruning contracts, as well as various roadway maintenance contracts. Currently, James works in FDOT Central Office where he serves as the Maintenance Rating Program (MRP) & Roadside Manager for the Office of Maintenance. His duties include MRP Manager, Vegetation Manager, Wildflower Program Manager, Traffic Services Manager, among others.
James holds a B.S. degree in Landscape Design & Management from Florida A&M University and has over 20 years of experience in the landscape industry. Prior to FDOT, he spent 13 years as a professional landscape designer in the private sector. Before being a landscape designer, he was employed for over 10 years with the Florida Department of Financial Services.
Billy Moye
(Applicator)
Billy has been in the vegetation industry for over 15 years. He started his career as vegetation and right of way manager for one of the nation’s largest investor owned utilities. He currently is a general manager for a large herbicide application company. He has served on the board of directors for several NWTF Chapters and is currently the President Elect for the FVMA. Billy has a degree in Natural Resource Conservation with a minor in Forestry from the University of Florida.
Carl Della Torre
Manufacturer/Distributor
Carl Della Torre is the Director of Eastern Aquatic Sales at Orion Solutions. He brings a strong academic background to his role, holding a Bachelor's degree in Wildlife and Fisheries from the Warnell School at the University of Georgia, and a Master's degree in Agronomy with a focus in Weed Science from the University of Florida. Following his graduate studies, Mr. Della Torre served as a Senior Scientist at the University of Florida, collaborating with the US Army Corps of Engineers. In this capacity, he conducted and oversaw research projects across the eastern U.S. within the Integrated Vegetation Management (IVM) industry. His research focused on the application of both established and emerging chemical technologies to upland and aquatic native and exotic plant species. Mr. Della Torre is actively involved in the industry and has been associated with numerous regional and national professional societies.
Josh Campbell (Natural Resources - Uplands)
Hughie Cucurullo is an experienced Project Manager at Aquatic Vegetation Control, with over 15 years of experience managing environmental and land maintenance projects. Throughout his career, he has successfully led multiple teams in controlling invasive and nuisance vegetation for a variety of organizations. His expertise includes overseeing large-scale mitigation and conservation efforts across Florida. Mr. Cucurullo holds a FDACS pesticide applicator license for aquatic, right-of-way, and natural area applications, and has received USA Marine airboat training. He currently serves as Vice President of SFAPMS.
Richard Evans
(Contractor/Supplier)
Rich joined the Lewis Tree Service Team in March 2016 after 15 years in the military. After training in the Tamp area, Rich was promoted to the Division manager position of the Chicago Area in 2017. In January 2021, Rich became the Division Manager of the Southeast Division of Lewis Tree service with responsibility for North and Central Florida. Rich joined the Florida Vegetation Management Association in April, 2021.
Cody Wolfe (Aquatics)
Dr. Cody Wolfe, Clear Waters, Inc.
Cody Wolfe is the VP of Operations for Clear Waters, Inc. and actively works in the field as a manager and applicator. Cody began to work for Clear Waters, Inc. while in high school and first got his FDACS Commercial Pesticide license in 2005. Cody graduated from the University of Florida in 2012, and completed his Doctorate in 2015 with a field of study in Chemistry and Applied Physiology and Kinesiology. Beginning in 2016, he has been overseeing Clear Waters, Inc. operations throughout the state of Florida. Clear Waters, Inc.’s main focus in on lake management in HOA and golf course communities as well as utility right of way maintenance throughout the state of Florida.
Hugh Cucurullo
(At Large #1)
Hughie Cucurullo is an experienced project manager specializing in aquatic vegetation control, with over 15 years of experience managing environmental and land maintenance projects. He has successfully led multiple teams in controlling invasive and nuisance vegetation for a variety of organizations, overseeing large-scale mitigation and conservation efforts across Florida. His certifications include a Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) pesticide applicator license for aquatic, right-of-way, and natural areas, as well as USA Marine airboat training. He currently serves as Vice President of the South Florida Aquatic Plant Management Society (SFAPMS).
Jess Mason (At Large #2)
Jess Mason's career in vegetation management began in 1989 in Central Florida. For the first 16 years, he worked as a tree contractor, developing and implementing vegetation management programs for various utilities, municipalities, and government agencies across the state. Joining ACRT in 2006, Jess continues to serve the industry as their Southeastern Operations Manager. A Certified ISA Arborist and Utility Specialist for over 21 years, he manages approximately 45 contract arborists supporting utility programs throughout Florida. Jess also serves as the Southeastern Representative for the UAA, contributing UVM-related articles and collaborating with other regional representatives on their bi-monthly publications.
Joseph Rubin
(At Large #3)
Joseph is the East Coast Director of Operations for AERI. He began his career in utility line clearance in 1991, progressing through increasingly responsible roles at companies such as Asplundh Tree and Lewis Tree. His experience includes positions as General Foreperson, Safety Supervisor, Compliance Supervisor, Regional Manager, and Vice President of Operations for the Mid-Atlantic region. A Certified Arborist since 2010 and a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional, Joseph holds a Bachelor's degree in Business, a Master of Business Administration, and a minor in Project Management. He also possesses over 12 other industry certifications, including a Florida Herbicide and Pesticide license with specialties in Right-of-Way, Aquatics, and Natural Areas. Currently, Joseph is pursuing a degree in Cybersecurity.
Thomas Krezewinski
(At-Large #4)
Coming Soon
David Hawley
(At Large #5)
David Hawley is a highly accomplished safety professional with over 28 years of experience in the utility line clearance industry. As the Manager of Vegetation Services for NextEra Energy, he oversees transmission vegetation management for Florida Power and Light (FPL), NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET), and NextEra Energy Resources (NEER).
A proud US Marine Corps Veteran, David joined NextEra Energy in 2021 and has held various leadership roles within the vegetation management program. He is a dedicated advocate for safety and has a strong track record of success in implementing and maintaining safe work practices.
David holds numerous certifications, including ISA Certified Arborist, CTSP, OSHA 30/10, S130/190 Wildland Fire, and Florida State Herbicide License. He is also a Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
He is actively involved in industry organizations, serving as Advisory Chair and past President of the Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA) and currently Chairing the Utility Arborist Association's (UAA) Safety Committee.
David is committed to supporting veterans through his involvement in the Veterans in Energy Leadership Forum and as Communications Officer for the Vet Next Employee Resource Group at NextEra Energy. He is an honored husband, proud father, and enjoys spending time with his family, exploring history, and enjoying the Florida coast.
ADVISORY BOARD
David Hawley
David Hawley is a highly accomplished safety professional with over 28 years of experience in the utility line clearance industry. As the Manager of Vegetation Services for NextEra Energy, he oversees transmission vegetation management for Florida Power and Light (FPL), NextEra Energy Transmission (NEET), and NextEra Energy Resources (NEER).
A proud US Marine Corps Veteran, David joined NextEra Energy in 2021 and has held various leadership roles within the vegetation management program. He is a dedicated advocate for safety and has a strong track record of success in implementing and maintaining safe work practices.
David holds numerous certifications, including ISA Certified Arborist, CTSP, OSHA 30/10, S130/190 Wildland Fire, and Florida State Herbicide License. He is also a Six Sigma Yellow Belt.
He is actively involved in industry organizations, serving as Advisory Chair and past President of the Florida Vegetation Management Association (FVMA) and currently Chairing the Utility Arborist Association's (UAA) Safety Committee.
David is committed to supporting veterans through his involvement in the Veterans in Energy Leadership Forum and as Communications Officer for the Vet Next Employee Resource Group at NextEra Energy. He is an honored husband, proud father, and enjoys spending time with his family, exploring history, and enjoying the Florida coast.
Matt VanLeeuwen
Bio coming soon
Ryan Brown
Ryan, a fourth-generation Floridian, has a deep connection to the state's natural resources. His background includes a childhood spent immersed in Florida's diverse ecosystems, followed by academic training at the University of Florida where he earned degrees in Forest Resources & Conservation and Genomics. He has since dedicated his career to public service, working with various state agencies. Currently, Ryan serves as a Vegetation Management Specialist for the South Florida Water Management District. In this role, he contributes to tree management projects spanning the District's 16 counties. He also plays a key role in post-storm debris removal from District canals and assists in securing federal reimbursement for these efforts. Ryan's expertise in vegetation management encompasses a broad range of disciplines, including agriculture, silviculture, ground cover restoration, mechanical reduction, arboriculture, prescribed fire, invasive plant management, and landscape architecture.