Dr. Adam Dale is an Associate Professor and the Associate Chair for Extension in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. He did his PhD at NC State University, where he studied the effects of urbanization on scale insects and urban trees. His current research and Extension programs are centered around insect ecology and management on plants in urban landscapes, including trees, shrubs, palms, and lawns.

Dr. Stephanie Adams, Texas A&M University, Ph.D. is a Board Certified Master Arborist accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture. She is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Tree and Landscape Plant Health within the department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University. With 24 years of experience in the tree care and green industry, Stephanie’s extension and research efforts focus on the multifaceted roles of urban and rural trees, the ecosystem services they provide, and the dynamics of tree and landscape plant health in the face of a changing climate.

Dr. Brantley, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, is the Northeast Research Scientist with the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. She taught forestry and related courses at Penn State Mont Alto for 22 years prior to joining Bartlett in 2019. Beth is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification instructor. Her interests include beech leaf disease, conifers, veteran trees and wood decay.

Eddie Harris, FDACS, has a B.S. in Animal Science- Beef Production. He was a County Agent in Emanuel County Georgia for 6 years. He ran a farm in Georgia for 18 years. He has been an Inspector for FDACS for 17 years.

Michelle Poirier, FDACS, has a B.S. in General Chemistry and a B.S. in Environmental Management in Agriculture and Natural Resources from the University of Florida. She was a pesticide applicator for the UF/IFAS Plant Science Research and Education Unit in Citra, FL for two years and has been an Inspector for FDACS for two years.

Bill Burley, Heli-Ax LLC, is a renowned tree climber and operations expert. He has an astonishing 30-year history in the tree industry. Bill currently serves as the owner of Heli-Ax, the only U.S based helicopter removal specialty company. Bill is also a trainer for Noble Oak Safety & Training, and a member of the Teufelberger Ambassador team. His list of qualifications includes ISA Certified Arborist/ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist/OSHA 30/EHAP, Aerial Rescue, First Aid, BLS, and CPR instructor/Qualified Line Clearance Arborist/Certified Tree Care Safety Professional are just a few to a very long list of credentials. Bill has worked internationally in tree work, as well as in the safety and training sector. Beyond his impressive list of qualifications, Bill is highly passionate about proper tree care and holds his pruning practices to a high standard. His 30 years of industry experience comes with a wealth of knowledge related to trees and their needs.

Colin Kelly, DWC Outdoors, has been practicing arboriculture professionally since 2002 in the Central Florida area. The company he started with was fully supportive of continuing education and allowed him to attend his first Trees Florida Conference in 2003 where he was exposed to climbing classes and his first glimpse at a tree climbing competition. From there he began participating as a contestant. This led to two Florida Tree Climbing Competition championships and strengthened his love of the industry's people and culture. After becoming a Certified Tree Worker, ISA Certified Arborist, and achieving several qualifications, opportunities to give back were presented. His involvement with the Florida Chapter has included training and volunteering. He has assisted Dr. Ed Gillman as the in-tree tech at several events and has been an instructor for Intro to Climbing. He has volunteered at several Florida Tree Climbing Championships, served on the Climber Committee, and is currently the Climber Representative on the Education Committee, as well as an At-Large on the Board of Directors. His involvement in the industry does not stop with the Chapter, he has also been a judge at several "Legends" competitions.

Bill Burley, Heli-Ax, LLC, is a renowned tree climber and operations expert. He has an astonishing 30-year history in the tree industry. Bill currently serves as the owner of Heli-Ax, the only U.S based helicopter removal specialty company. Bill is also a trainer for Noble Oak Safety & Training, and a member of the Teufelberger Ambassador team. His list of qualifications includes ISA Certified Arborist/ISA Certified Tree Climber Specialist/OSHA 30/EHAP, Aerial Rescue, First Aid, BLS, and CPR instructor/Qualified Line Clearance Arborist/Certified Tree Care Safety Professional are just a few to a very long list of credentials. Bill has worked internationally in tree work, as well as in the safety and training sector. Beyond his impressive list of qualifications, Bill is highly passionate about proper tree care and holds his pruning practices to a high standard. His 30 years of industry experience comes with a wealth of knowledge related to trees and their needs.

Colin Kelly, DWC Outdoors, has been practicing arboriculture professionally since 2002 in the Central Florida area. The company he started with was fully supportive of continuing education and allowed him to attend his first Trees Florida Conference in 2003 where he was exposed to climbing classes and his first glimpse at a tree climbing competition. From there he began participating as a contestant. This led to two Florida Tree Climbing Competition championships and strengthened his love of the industry's people and culture. After becoming a Certified Tree Worker, ISA Certified Arborist, and achieving several qualifications, opportunities to give back were presented. His involvement with the Florida Chapter has included training and volunteering. He has assisted Dr. Ed Gilman as the in-tree tech at several events and has been an instructor for Intro to Climbing. He has volunteered at several Florida Tree Climbing Competitions, served on the Climber Committee, and is currently the Climber Representative on the Education Committee, as well as an At-Large on the Board of Directors. His involvement in the industry does not stop with the Chapter, he has also been a judge at several "Legends" competitions.

John Parker, Arboricultural Association, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Arboricultural Association since July 2021 and previously held the role of Technical Director at the Association from August 2019. John is UK & Ireland President of the International Society of Arboriculture, a member of the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF), International Steering Group, and a UK representative on the European Arboricultural Council. He has a degree in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and is a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Forester. John is a Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, the Institute of Chartered Forestry, the Royal Society of Biology and the Linnaean Society. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and has delivered a TED Talk entitled Why trees are better than people (available on YouTube). Since spring 2020 John has chaired the Arboricultural Association webinar series, covering a huge range of topics to a global audience. In 2018 he was awarded the title of Young European Urban Forester of the Year, in 2022 he was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in Horticulture by Pro Landscaper Magazine and in 2024 he appeared on the ENDS Power List of the 100 most influential environmental professionals in the UK. From 2020 until 2022 he was a Trustee of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, the national UK tree collection. John is interested in public engagement, green equity and promoting the benefits of trees, with particular consideration for their social and cultural value. He is the founder of the Stonehouse Community Arboretum and a Trustee of the Doverow Hill Trust.

Matthew Gauldin, University of Georgia, is a current graduate student at the University of Georgia pursuing a Master of Landscape Architecture as well as a Master of Science in Forestry and Natural Resources. His research focuses on the relationship between homeowners' insurance and urban canopy as well as ecologically minded development and design. He received his Bachelor of Science in Geography: Urban and Regional Planning from Brigham Young University in Utah and has professional experience in several facets of the construction industry including civil engineering, landscaping, and residential solar design.

Eric Hoyer, Natural Resource Planning Services, Inc., has been in the forestry and arboricultural field for 49 years. His experience includes consulting in both traditional forestry as well as various aspects of arboriculture. Eric has a B.S. in Forestry from the University of Maine and an MBA from the University of South Florida. Eric is a Certified Arborist, Certified Forester, a Registered Consulting Arborist, and is Tree Risk Assessment and Wildfire Risk Reduction Qualified. He holds an Ornamental and Pest Control License as well as a Natural Areas Management Pest Control Operator's License. Eric has been with Natural Resource Planning Services, Inc. for 30 years.

Jordan Upcavage, Independent Tree Service Inc., is a respected leader in the arboriculture industry, with over 20 years of hands-on experience leading teams of arborists and managing an arboriculture business. He currently serves as the Vice President of Independent Tree Service Inc., a family-owned tree care company that has proudly served the Greater Tampa Bay Area for over 46 years. Jordan earned his B.S. in Environmental Horticulture from the University of Florida in 2009 and is an ISA Certified Arborist with both TRAQ and the Florida Chapter ISA Prescription Pruning Qualification credentials. A dedicated advocate for the industry, Jordan is in his sixth year on the Florida Chapter ISA Board of Directors, currently serving as Vice President. He is a frequent speaker at industry events and seminars, and he is honored to return for a third time to speak at this year’s Trees Florida Conference. Outside of work, Jordan is a devoted father and husband, an avid saltwater angler, and a proud member of the company’s softball team, the Tree Sluggers, where he plays third base. He enjoys traveling, exploring the outdoors, and spending quality time with his family.

Erin Demers, Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA), has a background in education and is currently the Manager of Workforce Recruitment & Retention with the Tree Care Industry Association. In her role, Erin supports tree care companies and educational organizations with registering Arborist Apprenticeship programs, facilitates Student Career Day and the Women in Tree Care network, and oversees the Arborist Safety Training Institute. Erin supports workforce development in the tree care industry in an effort to recruit new workers and provide resources to positively impact training and retention.

Dr. Andrew Koeser, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is an assistant Professor of Landscape Management at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County. Prior to this position and his last stint in graduate school, Andrew worked at International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) Headquarters in Champaign, IL, working his way up to Science and Research Manager in his five years with the organization. Andrew is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter ISA Board of Directors, Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees.

Danae Jackson, Redwing Rigging Solutions, is a dedicated arborist and advocate for inclusion in the tree care industry, with a passion for supporting individuals with disabilities. As the event organizer for the Legend of the Geezers, she supports community and mentorship within the profession. Through Redwing Rigging Solutions, she combines expertise with innovation, promoting industry’s best practices with climbing and rigging gear.

Cindy Schwab, The Davey Tree Expert Company, is an Operations Talent Manager at Davey Tree, focusing on developing people and culture. With a career spanning over two decades in the Green Industry, Cindy brings a wealth of experience, having excelled in various roles such as fieldwork, sales arborist responsibilities, and management of both field and office teams. Cindy earned her bachelor’s degree in Uban Forestry and Parks & Recreation from UW-Stevens Point, followed by an M.B.A. from National Lewis University. She further enhanced her skill set with a Certificate in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Ohio State University. Cindy is an ISA Certified Arborist and a Society of Human Resource Management Senior Certified Professional and Certified Diversity Executive (CDE). She serves on the City of Chicago Urban Forestry Council and the TREE Fund Board of Directors. Additionally, Cindy has participated in the Tour des Trees, cycling to raise funds for tree research for over a decade.

Katy Deitz, University of Florida, is a PhD student at the University of Florida in the department of Plant Pathology, under the advisement of Dr. Matt Smith. She earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma and MS in Forest Resources and Conservation, under the advisement of Dr. Jason Smith. She is also the principal author of the Field Guide to Wood Decay Fungi on Florida Trees.

Dr. Andrew Koeser, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is an assistant Professor of Landscape Management at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County. Prior to this position and his last stint in graduate school, Andrew worked at ISA Headquarters in Champaign, IL, working his way up to Science and Research Manager in his five years with the organization. Andrew is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter ISA Board of Directors, Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees.

Dr. Adam Dale, University of Florida, is an Associate Professor and the Associate Chair for Extension in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. He did his PhD at NC State University, where he studied the effects of urbanization on scale insects and urban trees. His current research and Extension programs are centered around insect ecology and management on plants in urban landscapes, including trees, shrubs, palms, and lawns.

Dr. Stephanie Adams, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, is a Board Certified Master Arborist accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture. She is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Tree and Landscape Plant Health within the department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University. With 24 years of experience in the tree care and green industry, Stephanie’s extension and research efforts focus on the multifaceted roles of urban and rural trees, the ecosystem services they provide, and the dynamics of tree and landscape plant health in the face of a changing climate.

Alyssa Vinson, UF/IFAS, is an avid lover of all things outdoors, spending her time in gardens, on trails and in the water. She is currently a PhD student at the University of Florida and is a certified arborist through the International Society of Arboriculture. She currently serves the community of Southwest Florida in her role as Urban Forestry Extension agent in Hillsborough County. With an emphasis on resilient and sustainable landscape practices, urban forestry, and natural resources conservation her work spans ecology, horticulture, urban forestry and community development to deliver research-based education to the communities of southwest Florida.

Katy Deitz, is a PhD student at the University of Florida in the Department of Plant Pathology, under the advisement of Dr. Matt Smith. She earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma and MS in Forest Resources and Conservation, under the advisement of Dr. Jason Smith. She is also the principal author of the Field Guide to Wood Decay Fungi on Florida Trees.

Christy C. V. Suhendy (Suzie), is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Environmental Horticulture at the University of Florida. Her research focuses on the intersection of urban forestry and public health, with particular emphasis on how green spaces affect human health and wellbeing. She is currently leading research examining the relationship between urban trees and stress reduction in Florida communities. Her current work utilizes the 3-30-300 rule framework to understand how different aspects of urban greenery influence psychological outcomes. Christy's research is supported by the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education Agency and the University of Florida's Center for Land Use Efficiency. She is passionate about creating more livable, sustainable cities where urban forests contribute meaningfully to residents' mental health and quality of life.

Taylor Sherer is a master's student at the University of Florida studying arboriculture in the Environmental Horticulture department. I received my bachelor's in Biological and Plant & Environmental Science from Clemson University in 2023. My research background began with assessing physiological responses to temperature in cotton and soybeans. Later in my undergraduate career, I switched to studying the evolutionary patterns of color and thermoregulation in wildflowers. My passion for plant science has carried through to my graduate studies, where I am learning how to address issues faced by trees in the urban landscape.

Lillian Grace Dinkins is a PhD candidate at the University of Florida studying urban forestry and urban greenspace in Florida. Lillian is a graduate of Tuskegee University, AL where she majored in Environmental, Natural Resources, and Plant Sciences with a concentration in Forestry, Wildlife, and Fisheries. Additional academic achievements include a variety of internships, fellowships, and scholarships – to include a 2023 John P. White Scholarship. Lillian is a long-time student and advocate for urban forestry. Her initial background is environmental science with a focus in wildlife and forestry. Lillian takes a special curiosity in understanding people and their connection to nature and the human dimensions of urban forestry. Her current research focuses on enhancing equity, accessibility, and sustainability of urban forest resources. Future research will shed light on overcoming barriers to achieve long-term success with the expansion of tree canopy through community tree giveaways – to include enhancing tree canopy in disadvantage communities.

Dr. Stephanie Adams, Ph.D., Texas A&M University, is a Board Certified Master Arborist accredited by the International Society of Arboriculture. She is an Assistant Professor and Extension Specialist in Tree and Landscape Plant Health within the department of Plant Pathology & Microbiology at Texas A&M University. With 24 years of experience in the tree care and green industry, Stephanie’s extension and research efforts focus on the multifaceted roles of urban and rural trees, the ecosystem services they provide, and the dynamics of tree and landscape plant health in the face of a changing climate.

Dr. Andrew Koeser, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is an assistant Professor of Landscape Management at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County. Prior to this position and his last stint in graduate school, Andrew worked at ISA Headquarters in Champaign, IL, working his way up to Science and Research Manager in his five years with the organization. Andrew is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter ISA Board of Directors, Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees.

Dr. Adam Dale, University of Florida, is an Associate Professor and the Associate Chair for Extension in the Entomology and Nematology Department at the University of Florida. He did his PhD at NC State University, where he studied the effects of urbanization on scale insects and urban trees. His current research and Extension programs are centered around insect ecology and management on plants in urban landscapes, including trees, shrubs, palms, and lawns.

Katy Deitz, University of Florida, is a PhD student at the University of Florida in the department of Plant Pathology, under the advisement of Dr. Matt Smith. She earned her BA in Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Oklahoma and MS in Forest Resources and Conservation, under the advisement of Dr. Jason Smith. She is also the principal author of the Field Guide to Wood Decay Fungi on Florida Trees.

Kristoffer has dedicated over 30 years to advancing tree care, safety training, and urban forest preservation. With experience as a municipal, commercial, and residential arborist, he shares insights and stories from a lifetime in the field. As a Certified Treecare Safety Professional, Certified Tree Climber, TCIA Accreditation Auditor, and Red Cross CPR/First Aid Instructor, Kristoffer is committed to the safety and growth of arborists and their communities. He plays a pivotal role in assessing and accrediting tree care companies, driving them toward excellence and adherence to industry standards. His passion for sustainable practices and fostering collaboration makes him a respected leader and advocate in arboriculture.

Dr. Beth Brantley, Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories, is the Northeast Research Scientist with the Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. She taught forestry and related courses at Penn State Mont Alto for 22 years prior to joining Bartlett in 2019. Beth is an ISA Board Certified Master Arborist and a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification instructor. Her interests include beech leaf disease, conifers, veteran trees and wood decay.

Lori Ballard, Florida Chapter ISA, is the new Executive Director of the Florida Chapter ISA. She has been involved with the Chapter since 2013 as a member of the Board of Directors including President in 2017. She was the chair of seven committees including the Education, Prescription Pruning Qualification, and Trees Florida 2022 Committee, as well as a member of the Grants, Publications, and Certifications Committees. She has over 16 years of experience in the field of arborist services including tree and landscape inventories and assessments, permitting and code compliance, tree preservation, appraised value of trees and landscapes and tree risk assessment. She was the recipient of the President’s Award in 2014 and 2021 and the Excellence in Education Award in 2021. Lori is an ISA Certified Arborist, Florida Nursery, Growers and Landscape Association Certified Horticulture Professional and has the ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and the Florida ISA Prescription Pruning Qualification.

John Parker, Arboricultural Association, has been Chief Executive Officer of the Arboricultural Association since July 2021 and previously held the role of Technical Director at the Association from August 2019. John is UK & Ireland President of the International Society of Arboriculture, a member of the European Forum on Urban Forestry (EFUF) International Steering Group and a UK representative on the European Arboricultural Council. He has a degree in Arboriculture & Urban Forestry and is a Chartered Environmentalist and Chartered Forester. John is a Fellow of the Arboricultural Association, the Institute of Chartered Forestry, the Royal Society of Biology and the Linnaean Society. He frequently presents at national and international conferences and has delivered a TED Talk entitled "Why trees are better than people" (available on YouTube). Since spring 2020 John has chaired the Arboricultural Association webinar series, covering a huge range of topics to a global audience. In 2018 he was awarded the title of Young European Urban Forester of the Year, in 2022 he was named one of the 25 Most Influential People in Horticulture by Pro Landscaper Magazine and in 2024 he appeared on the ENDS Power List of the 100 most influential environmental professionals in the UK. From 2020 until 2022 he was a Trustee of the Friends of Westonbirt Arboretum, the national UK tree collection. John is interested in public engagement, green equity and promoting the benefits of trees, with particular consideration for their social and cultural value. He is the founder of the Stonehouse Community Arboretum and a Trustee of the Doverow Hill Trust.

Dr. Andrew Koeser, University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, is an assistant Professor of Landscape Management at the University of Florida Gulf Coast Research and Education Center in Hillsborough County. Prior to this position and his last stint in graduate school, Andrew worked at ISA Headquarters in Champaign, IL, working his way up to Science and Research Manager in his five years with the organization. Andrew is the Immediate Past President of the Florida Chapter ISA Board of Directors, Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees.