NCNLA announces 2025 industry award recipients

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA) recognized industry leaders during Green & Growin’, the association’s annual education conference and trade show. The 2025 industry awards honor professionals and organizations whose leadership, service and innovation are advancing North Carolina’s green industry.

“These recipients represent the strength and future of North Carolina’s green industry,” said Katie Bennett, executive vice president of NCNLA. “Their leadership, service and commitment to excellence continue to move our industry forward.”

Here’s a look at this year’s honorees:

All photos courtesy of NCNLA

The Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award recognizes a young professional demonstrating strong leadership and service in environmental horticulture. Chason Johnson of Johnson Nursery in Willard, NC, received the Bill Wilder Outstanding Young Nursery Professional Award in recognition of his leadership within his family’s business and active involvement in industry associations. By strengthening sales and marketing efforts, improving production planning and supporting Green & Growin’ initiatives, he continues to make a strong impact on both his company and the nursery industry.

The Grower of the Year award recognizes a nursery demonstrating exceptional professionalism in ownership or management and strong industry leadership. Greenthumb Nursery in Seagrove, NC, co-owned by Kevin and Robby Cagle, was named Grower of the Year for its enduring leadership and commitment to advancing North Carolina’s nursery industry. Built on a strong family legacy, the business reflects professionalism, industry engagement and a dedication to supporting both NCNLA and the next generation of green industry professionals.

The Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award honors an outstanding young professional making a meaningful impact in the landscape business. Kate Watts of Myatt Landscaping and Construction in Fuquay-Varina, NC, was presented with the Jerry Ragland Young Landscape Professional Award for her passion for horticulture, commitment to continued learning and meaningful contributions to the landscape industry. Through volunteer service, formal training and professional experience, she has quickly emerged as a talented landscape professional.

The Libby Wilder Award recognizes a female professional who has made significant contributions to the nursery industry. Joanna D’Ancona of Sampson Nursery in Godwin, NC, earned the Libby Wilder Award for her innovative leadership and dedication to strengthening the nursery industry. By streamlining operations, integrating technology, and actively serving in industry leadership roles, she has helped elevate efficiency, communication, and engagement at both the company and association levels.

The Kim Powell Outstanding Contributions to the Horticulture Industry Award recognizes an individual whose contributions have strengthened both the association and the industry through program development and execution. Timothy Warren of the University of Mount Olive in Mount Olive, NC, received the Kim Powell Outstanding Contributions to the Horticulture Industry Award for his lasting impact on agricultural education and professional development. With more than forty years of teaching, mentorship and industry involvement, including the creation of the University of Mount Olive Arboretum, he has influenced generations of students and strengthened the connection between education and the green industry.

The Oakland Award recognizes outstanding service to the nursery and landscape industry. Sandra McCrimmon of McCrimmon Landscaping & Grading, Inc. in Southern Pines, NC, received the Oakland Award in recognition of her unwavering leadership and service to the landscape industry. During times of significant transition, she guided her family’s business with professionalism, financial discipline and compassion, ensuring its continued strength while supporting employees, clients and the industry.

The D.S. Copeland Award recognizes outstanding contribution to the nursery industry by an individual working directly within the nursery sector. Landis Hall of Carroll’s Plant Center Wholesale in Benson, NC, was presented with the D.S. Copeland Award for his enduring service and long-standing involvement within the nursery industry. As a second-generation nurseryman, he has helped advance plant programs, support industry partnerships and contribute countless hours to Green & Growin’, reflecting a deep commitment to the success of North Carolina’s green industry.

New in 2025, the Landscaper of the Year Award recognizes excellence in landscape installation, maintenance or design and honors professionalism and innovation within the field. This award was presented to Daniel John of Landvision Designs in Raleigh, NC, for his professionalism, innovative design-build work and dedication to mentoring emerging professionals. A licensed landscape architect with a strong foundation in horticulture, Daniel is recognized for raising industry standards, fostering educational partnerships and leading with integrity both in the field and in the community.

A more in-depth feature on the 2025 award recipients will appear in the upcoming issue of Nursery & Landscape Notes, scheduled for release in late March.