Board of Directors 2023

NCNLA Board of Directors

Officers

Tim Johnson, II President

Tim Johnson Landscaping Statesville, NC

Ariel Montanez

Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer Pender Nursery Garner, NC

Kevin Cagle Past President

Greenthumb Nursery, LLC

Ether, NC

Directors

Michael Gossett Gossett’s Landscape Nursery Inc. High Point, NC

Eric Mangum Caterpillar Clayton, NC

Dana Massey Plantworks Nursery

Rougemont, NC

Jonathan Schwarz Pender Pines Garden Center

Hampstead, NC

Ed Snyder Greenleaf Services

Linville, NC

Trey Warrick Scottree & Shelby Nursery, Inc. Shelby, NC

Educational Advisors

Jodi Riedel NC State University Raleigh, NC

Justin Snyder Alamance Community College

Graham, NC

NCNLA welcomed three new directors, one new education advisor, and announced two new officers for the 2023 Board of Directors at the annual meeting, held during Green & Growin’ 23.

Three current board members were appointed to new positions: Tim Johnson II as president, Ariel Montanez as vice president, secretary and treasurer, and Kevin Cagle as past president.

Tim is president of Tim Johnson Landscaping Inc. in Statesville, NC. With a Bachelor of Science degree in environmental horticulture from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, his passion for plants and landscaping inspire his standards for fairway-quality turf building. Tim contributes largely to the company’s specialty operations, such as turf management, hardscapes, irrigation, lighting, landscape design and installation.

Ariel has been the general manager of Pender Nursery since July 2013. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in Germany, he served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps before starting in the green industry. He has a business degree from Campbell University and previously served as president of the Johnston County Nursery Marketing Association.

In addition to the newly elected officers, four new individuals have joined the board.

Eric Mangum will complete the final year of the three-year term for Ariel Montanez, who moved into the officer track. Eric is the product and application specialist with Caterpillar in Clayton, NC. He has been with Caterpillar more than 25 years in many different capacities, including as a global buyer; as a territory field representative covering the Dakotas, Minnesota and Iowa; and in several marketing roles. Eric is a native of Harnett County, NC, and received his Bachelor of Science degree in communications from Appalachian State University.

Michael Gossett, who will serve a three-year term, is vice president of Gossett’s Landscape Nursery Inc. in High Point, NC. Michael has been with Gossett’s for seven years and is the third generation in his family to operate the nursery. He graduated from NC State University in 2007 with an associate’s degree in agricultural business and horticulture.

Jonathan Schwarz, also beginning his three-year term, is the owner of Pender Pines Garden Center in Hampstead, NC. He helped start the company in 1996 alongside his parents, Gary and Sharon Schwarz. Jon purchased the company from his parents in 2018 and since has continued to expand the nursery and greenhouse production to more than five acres. He received his Bachelor of Science in horticultural science from NC State University in 2002, with a concentration in landscape design.

Jodi Riedel joined the board as an educational advisor. Serving as senior horticulture lecturer and Agriculture Institute coordinator at NC State, Jodi provides instruction to the Agriculture Institute and four-year students. In addition, she advises students and works to connect them with resources and opportunities in horticulture careers. Jodi is also a co-advisor for the HortPack (the NC State University horticulture team), which competes annually at the National Collegiate Landscape Competition. She taught high school horticulture for 20 years at Wakefield High School in Raleigh, NC, before coming to NC State University in 2021. A published author, she wrote the textbook, Horticulture Today, which is used around the country to teach horticulture at the high school level.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT »

Nursery & Landscape Notes is introducing you to the next generation of green industry professionals by featuring current and recent college students with plans to pursue careers in the field.

Michael McCarthy

Student Profile

Name: Michael McCarthy

Hometown: Willow Spring, NC College: North Carolina State University

Graduation dates: Spring 2022

Major/Area of Study: Associate’s degree in applied sciences, with a major in turfgrass management

Horticulture-Related Places You Have Worked/ Interned: Landgreen Landscaping, Reedy Creek Golf Course, SiteOne.

How did you discover horticulture?

I discovered horticulture and the amazing agriculture industry in high school through my agricultural science teacher, Ms. Moore, who inspired her students to pursue their interest in the field.

What were your most valuable experiences, either in school or from other exposure to the industry, and why?

My most valuable experience was placing first in the country for landscape maintenance operations in the 46th annual National Collegiate Landscape Competition, in which I represented NC State and my professors/peers. Another rewarding opportunity involved serving alongside my best friend as a guest speaker during an NC State class taught by Jodi Riedel, who told us we were the best speakers yet for her class. Being a part of FFA was also a valuable experience and helped mold me into the person I am becoming.

What were your favorite college classes, and why?

I could ramble on for a while about favorite classes—each one was special, and the professors taught with passion and provided me with whatever help I may have needed. One class that stands out in my mind, though, is the Landscape Maintenance class taught by Jodi Riedel. Her guidance opened up opportunities, boosted my confidence and really sparked my interest in this industry—she even helped me get the job I have now in nursery management at SiteOne. Her devotion to her students—and education in general—is remarkable.

What have you been up to since graduation?

I’m currently working in nursery management at SiteOne. I am learning about more plants than I could have imagined. I also landscape on the side with my best friend, Mason Hills, who owns Landgreen Landscaping. In the future, I hope to have more opportunities to speak in front of students and continue to advocate for this industry. www.ncnla.com/CPP

What advice would you give to a student interested in the field?

I would say: Jump in now! This industry continues to grow, and the advancements in horticulture in just the past five years have been extraordinary. The people you’ll meet, the money you’ll make, and the places you’ll go in this industry will be well worth the effort.

Fun question: What is your favorite plant, and why?

My favorite plant has to be the the Hydrangea macrocarpa. While in bloom they can strike anyone’s attention. I also believe that if people gave out hydrangeas instead of roses, the world would be a better place.

Continuing Education requirements are waived for the first renewal. Your renewal will go towards the growth of the CPP Program to expand program offerings, communicate the importance of the designationto consumers and market the program to interested participants.