ANDREW BRAY

Andrew Bray is a driven Government Relations professional and a tireless advocate with over 15 years of legislative, regulatory, campaign and legal experience. Andrew is currently the Vice President of Government Relations at the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP). In this role Andrew leads all legislative and regulatory initiatives at the federal and state level. Andrew routinely engages Congressional offices on Capitol Hill, Regulatory Agencies and industry coalitions to craft policy initiatives that protected the interests and needs of the landscape industry. Prior to joining NALP Andrew also worked in a government relations capacity for the National Pest Management Association, North American Meat Institute and the Grocer Manufacturers Association.

In addition to working in trade associations Andrew honed his policy, advocacy and political skills while working on Capitol Hill in a Congressional Office and while working on multiple Federal, State and local campaigns. Andrew earned his law degree in 2013 and maintains an active license to practice law in Virginia.

Landscape industry public relations veteran Cheryl Steelberg has been creating compelling brand stories for content and integrated marketing for years. Knowing how to engage and connect with readers has been a hallmark of her ability to craft effective and powerful messages that get the attention of busy decision-makers.

An experienced marketing and communications professional, Cheryl leads corporate communications and media relations for the Bruce Wilson &Co. team, in addition to providing strategic leadership in marketing and communications for Wilson clients nationwide.

Cheryl began her career in automotive industry PR, before spending eight years in travel advertising and non-profit sector fundraising. Prior to joining the Wilson team in 2011, she served Director of Public Relations for ValleyCrest Companies, the billion-dollar California-based landscape firm (now BrightView).

She has worked closely with traditional and digital media platforms, and has managed media and promotional events for advocacy groups, higher education and corporate campaigns. A skilled editor and innovative thinker, Cheryl never loses sight of why the brand story is important to a client’s mission, vision and bottom line.

Cheryl is a graduate of California State University in Long Beach and lives in Los Angeles.

Johannes Louwers is a highly accomplished business executive and leader with an impressive background that includes living in Australia, Europe, and Chicago before settling down in Minnesota. He graduated with honors from Illinois State University, where he earned a degree in AgriBusiness.

Johannes has been a part of the Landscape Maintenance industry since 2002 and has developed a wealth of experience and expertise in this field. His dedication to helping teams solve problems and build a strong company culture has made him an invaluable member of the Southview Design team.

When he's not working, Johannes enjoys spending time with his wife, three kids, and dog (when he behaves). He is thrilled to be a part of the Southview team and is dedicated to helping the company achieve even greater success.

For Johannes, a great day is one where he can help his team solve problems and build a strong company culture. His passion for helping others succeed has made him a highly respected leader in the business community, and he continues to inspire and motivate those around him.

HEIDI DILLON

Heidi Dillon is an experienced Regional Sales Manager at DeSantis Landscapes, where she oversees sales and operations in the Salem Branch. With a Bachelor's degree in Horticultural Science from Oregon State University, she has a demonstrated history of success in the environmental services industry. Heidi's skills in negotiation, team motivation, customer service, writing, and time management have been instrumental in her ability to provide exceptional customer service and drive growth for the company.

Heidi is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship and is passionate about helping clients achieve beautiful and sustainable landscapes. Her expertise in horticulture and her dedication to providing the highest level of service to her clients has made her a respected member of the DeSantis Landscapes team.

CHARLIE JOHNSON

Charlie Johnson is a dedicated and experienced landscape professional with a passion for nature. He founded Outdoor Systems Management in 2008 and he has been in the green industry for over 20 years and has built a reputation as an expert in his field, and is a member of several professional associations. He is dedicated to staying up-to-date with the latest trends, techniques, and advancements in the industry.

Charlie is a family man and is married with four children. He is dedicated to his family and enjoys spending time with them. He is an active father and enjoys traveling with his family , and also enjoys playing sports and staying fit. He is an avid golfer and can often be found on the greens of Arizona’s golf courses.

In his free time, Charlie is an active volunteer in his church and the greater community. He is involved in various community programs and initiatives and is known for his philanthropy. He believes in giving back to the community and is committed to making a positive impact.

BRIAN CORBETT

Brian D. Corbett is the Founder and Managing Partner of CCG Advisors, a highly respected investment banking firm based in Atlanta. With over 25 years of experience representing owners of successful, privately-held companies, he has a proven track record in maximizing and monetizing companies through strategic sales, private equity recapitalizations, and ESOPS. Mr. Corbett's expertise has resulted in hundreds of closed transactions, totaling billions of dollars in purchase price across a wide range of industries.

While CCG Advisors has a broad range of industry experience covering manufacturing, service, and distribution sectors, Brian is widely recognized for his national practice in the commercial landscape industry. His firm has closed more transactions in this sector than any other, with five market entrants acquiring their initial platform from CCG. His expertise and unique relationships have helped to transition the industry from old-guard buyers to new, as evidenced by his outstanding track record.

Brian's intimate understanding of the issues facing family-owned companies enables him to guide his clients through the complex, and oftentimes emotional, process of selling their business. He is known for focusing on helping his clients achieve their personal and financial goals, while also establishing real and enduring client relationships. His commitment to excellence and his proven expertise make him a trusted advisor.

LESLIE HERNDON

Leslie Herndon is a 25+ year industry veteran, beginning with her first job at 15 years old working at a retail garden center, then a wholesale nursery and the Extension Service during college.  Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in Horticulture from NC State University and joined Greenscape Inc. in 2002 as a Floriculture Foreman.  Over 19 years later, Leslie is now President of the company and reports to the CEO. She is responsible for all day-to-day operations of the company and special projects.  Leslie is also active in her state trade association, North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association, and is the 2021 association president.  She enjoys representing the industry as a female leader and has a passion for the flowers and still gets her hands dirty during flower install season!  In her spare time, she is an aerobic fitness instructor, who loves to travel and attend rock concerts and cannot wait to get back to both of those soon.

DEAN DESANTIS

Dean DeSantis is the second generation owner of DeSantis Landscapes, a full service landscape contractor founded in 1974. With its headquarters in Salem, OR and two branch offices in the Portland metro area, DeSantis employs over 120 landscape professionals focusing primarily on commercial maintenance, commercial bid/build and high-end residential design/build. Known for their sustainable focus and strong community ties, Dean is most proud of the workplace culture they’ve been able to create as evidenced by their being named a Top 100 Best Green Workplace in the state of Oregon for 10 consecutive years. Before joining the company fulltime in 2001 Dean served in the Peace Corps in Ecuador, spent 2 years teaching English in Japan and spent another year traveling around the world visiting more than 20 countries. He has 20 year old boy/girl twins who are both currently in college and his wife of 23 years is a 5th grade Waldorf teacher.

CHRIS LEE

Chris Lee is the president of EarthWorks and has over 24 years of green industry experience. He has worked for EarthWorks since 1998 and is a certified apartment supplier, licensed irrigator (LI 18300), and licensed pesticide applicator (#078546).

Chris studied business at the University of Arkansas, and horticulture and landscape design at Tarrant County College. In 2000 Chris completed a Certificate in Financial Planning from Florida State University. He also is a graduate of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business Program and of the Dale Carnegie Leadership Institute. He is also pursuing ongoing education through the Texas A&M Agrilife System.

ROBERT CLINKENBEARD

Robert Clinkenbeard is the Chief Executive Officer of Bruce Wilson & Company, a leading privately-held green industry consultancy that specializes in helping landscape business owners and executives increase their influence and accelerate market growth.

Robert brings more than 20 years of executive leadership and management experience as former CEO and co-founder of ILM, one the largest landscape companies in the American southwest, which he and his partner subsequently sold to Aspen Grove Landscape Companies in 2016.

Robert is the past president of the Arizona Contractors Association and past president of the Arizona Chapter of the Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO). He has served in multiple senior leadership roles within EO, and is a global business coach with The Radix Group. In addition to leading the Wilson branded companies, Robert is a Certified Scaling-Up coach, podcaster, speaker, and author focused on behaviors that improve leadership, legacy and impact.

BRUCE K. WILSON

Bruce Wilson has had a significant impact on the business of landscaping. A 2021 recipient of the National Association of Landscape Professionals Lifetime Achievement Award, Bruce is responsible for shaping careers, being a formidable advocate for continuous learning, forging the next frontier of organizational innovation, and taking companies from start-up to legacies they can be proud of.

A practicing landscaper since high school in Rye, New York, where a part-time job as a tree trimmer led to “Dutch elm disease put me through Cornell”, Bruce has been relentless in his passion, drive and talent, and belief in human potential. After more than 50 years boosting financial performance and strategic priorities, Bruce continues to move the green industry forward, laying the foundation for a new generation of innovators eager to learn how to win today’s race while running tomorrow’s.