Committees

Get Involved!

MNLA has a number of active committees (listed at the bottom of this page) which implement the programs and services of the association. If you’re interested in joining an MNLA committee, click on the committee title below under Committee Information and reach out to the primary contact.

Give your Time

Apply to serve on a committee or task force: Although we have limited space on committees, we accept applications year-round and will contact you when space becomes available!

  • Check out the committees below to contact a committee chair to find out more about the current MNLA committees and their roles.
  • We also have leadership positions available—contact Rena Sumner if interested.
  • Volunteer for a task team. These groups exist to complete a very specific and outlined task. They have a beginning, middle and end date. So if you’re pressed for time, but want to lend your time to a specific cause this might be the place for you.
  • Go talk to local students about why you chose a green industry career. The MNLA Foundation has a plethora of resources that can help you; from presentations to career fair display kits.

Give your Talents

Write an article or contribute photos to the MNLA monthly magazine—Pro Grow News! If you enjoy writing or photography contact Rena Sumner to participate in this opportunity.

Give your Treasure

No time to participate, but want to ensure a strong future for the association? Consider a gift to the MNLA Foundation and/or being a scholarship sponsor & mentor.


Committee Information

Overall education program strategy and decision-making; develop new and valuable learning in conjunction with the MCH Board.

The Education & Research Committee organizes the educational courses that MNLA offers, such as the Summer Conference, Winter Forum and online webinar series. They find new topics and instructors for educational courses. They help to set up meeting rooms at hotels and other facilities for these courses, when help is needed.

Contact

MNLA Director Deborah Trickett, MCH The Captured GardenDeborah Trickett, MCH — Board Liaison
The Captured Garden
781.329.9698

Make MNLA a critical information hub in areas such as business trends, marketing expertise and consumer insight; increase the value of MNLA's member communication resources; and spur greater social media activity among MNLA members. Tools currently available to this committee website, all social media platforms and Zoom. Tangible programs are eblasts, newsletters, Pro Grow News magazine.

Contact

MNLA Director Justin Mortensen Farm Credit EastJustin Mortensen — Chair
Farm Credit East
508.946.4455

The Finance Committee monitors the MNLA portfolio of investments, and advises the Board during the annual budget process.

Contacts

Steve Corrigan, MCH — Chair on finance committeeSteve Corrigan, MCH — Chair
Mountain View Landscapes & Lawncare, Inc.
413.536.7555


Chuck Baker, MCH — Vice Chair, Strictly PruningChuck Baker, MCH — Vice Chair
Strictly Pruning
508.429.7189

Deliberate and recommend policy positions; set and implement strategy; and represent the collective interests of MNLA members in legislative and regulatory affairs.

The Government Relations Committee coordinates the government affairs program of the association with the appointed MNLA Lobbyist, organizes attendance at Mass Ag Day, and spearheads the MNLA Environmental Leadership Award each year.

Contact

MNLA Past President Peter Mezitt, MCHPeter Mezitt, MCH — Chair
Weston Nurseries, Inc.
(508) 435-3414

The History Committee is charged with developing a historical narrative through research, interviews and written articles about significant individuals or events in the nursery or landscape industry. It is also responsible for preserving, cataloging and archiving historical materials.

Contacts

Philip Boucher, MCH — Chair fro history committeePhilip Boucher, MCH — Chair
Elysian Garden Designs
508.695.9630


Skott Rebello, MCH — Vice Chair, Harborside P.S.Skott Rebello, MCH — Vice Chair
Harborside P.S.
508.994.9208

This Board’s purpose is to seek educational opportunities to strengthen the knowledge and professionalism of MCHs, and to reach out to the consumer regarding the MCH Program and the value of working with a MA certified horticulturist. They also proctor the exam 2x year; and facilitate the Plant Geek Day educational event.

Contacts

Corinne Jean, MCH — Chair, Wisteria & Rose, Inc.Corinne Jean, MCH — Chair
Wisteria & Rose, Inc.
617.522.3843

Hands-on outreach to members and prospective members via phone calls and in-person visits.

The Membership Committee serves as the association ambassadors for new members. This committee also assists in finding new member services and affinity programs to bring added value to members. This committee assists in the planning and implementation of the MNLA Annual Directory and marketing to professionals within our industry the value of membership in conjunction with all of the Association’s Committees.

Contact

David Ahronian, MCH — Chair, Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc.David Ahronian, MCH — Chair
Ahronian Landscape & Design, Inc.
508.429.3844

Partner programs

Plant Something MA

consumers planting something

Plant Something MA is a project of MNLA which includes professional environmental horticulturists—people who grow, care for, design and install plantings and landscapes in your community.

Growing Wild

Growing WIld: native plants in massachusetts

Growing Wild helps reverse the loss of biological diversity, foster and protect endangered species and add to the natural beauty of our Commonwealth—right in your own backyard.

Not an MNLA member?

annual meeting of the Massachusetts nursery and landscape association

There are many reasons to join MNLA.

MNLA provides access to green industry speakers on the cutting-edge and up-to-date information. Our dynamic community is made up of folks from all walks of life. Colleagues share advice and insights. Passion for the betterment of our community drives member participation in MNLA. Individual contribution is valued. Get involved! Join a committee or volunteer at an event. Make our industry—and your business—better!

annual meeting of the Massachusetts nursery and landscape association