NCNLA exec steps down

North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) executive director Ross Williams has announced his retirement from NCNLA and plans to step down from his position, effective December 2014.

Williams has served NCNLA as the Executive Director since 2009. In this role, he represents more than 1,000 green industry businesses including nurseries, landscapers, garden centers, and allied suppliers.

During his tenure, Williams has provided leadership in promoting the North Carolina nursery and landscape industry, NCNLA member benefits and certifications, a new plant introduction program, plastics recycling, and building green industry partnerships. He obtained over $700,000 in grant funding to promote N.C. grown plants and the benefits of landscaping. Marketing campaigns funded through these projects increased awareness of N.C. nurseries, the economic, environmental, and quality of life benefits of landscaping, and expanded advertising to promote NCNLA’s two trade shows, the Green & Growin’ Show and Summer Green Road Show.

Before becoming NCNLA executive director, Williams served as assistant director for marketing for the N.C. Dept. of Agriculture & Consumer Services. As NCDA&CS assistant director, he headed up agricultural commodity promotions for horticultural crops including the nursery and greenhouse industry. Prior to the NCDA&CS, Williams worked as a county horticultural extension agent for NC State University after receiving BS and MS degrees from NCSU.

"I wish Ross all the best in his retirement," NCNLA president Michael Dickey said. "He has served our board of directors and membership with dedication and enthusiasm. His thoughtful considerations of issues that affect the nursery and landscape industry will be missed. He has truly earned some time away from schedules, meetings and deadlines."

Upon announcing his retirement, Williams said, “my time with NCNLA has been the most rewarding time of my career. The nursery and landscape industry has always been special to me. We are blessed with a very dedicated, unselfish group of folks that are committed to helping this industry and each other. The future holds many opportunities for NCNLA to continue our mission to benefit members’ economic, professional and personal growth.”

NCNLA has formed a search committee to find a replacement. Interested candidates should apply by September 22 through the NCNLA website at www.NCNLA.com or contact NCNLAsearch@ncnla.com.