MAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Russell Holman , MCA , CTSP , BCMA Eversource Hyde Park , MA
VICE PRESIDENT Max Ford-Diamond , MCA Boston Parks & Recreation Boston , MA
SECRETARY / TREASURER Brandon Maltby , MCA Maltby & Co . Stoughton , MA
PAST PRESIDENT Kevin Cleveland , MCA Tree Tech , Inc . Foxboro , MA
MCA REPRESENTATIVE Matt Fisk , MCA Fisk Tree Service Seekonk , MA
DIRECTORS Kieran D . Yaple , MCA Race Mountain Tree Service Sheffield , MA
Keith Bernard , MCA Barrett Tree Service East Medford , MA
Steve Vernon , MCA Harrison McPhee , Inc . Millis , MA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR M . Virginia Wood
DIRECTOR OF MEMBERSHIP & CERTIFICATION Carrie Martin
MANAGEMENT TEAM Peggy Benjamin Charissa Sharkey Merrilee Guarini
MASSACHUSETTS ARBORISTS ASSOCIATION , INC . 67 West Street Medfield , MA 02052 phone : 508.653.3320 info @ MassArbor . org MassArbor . org
President ' s Message
As Spring approaches , I hope everyone is preparing to embrace the season ’ s renewal . At my home the witch-hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana ) is already in bloom , their delicate , golden flowers signaling the start of spring . I am eagerly anticipating the full parade of blossoms that will soon brighten the landscape .
Earlier this month , I had the pleasure of attending the quarterly meeting with fellow members of the Green Industry Alliance ( GIA ). These gathering are always a wonderful opportunity to connect and share legislative insights and strategies within our community of allied industries .
At the University of Massachusetts Community Tree Conference on March 4 , the MAA proudly presented the Gordon & Frances King Scholarship to Keely Zuber . Additionally , in collaboration with the Massachusetts Tree Warden ’ s and Foresters ’ Association ( MTWFA ), we co-awarded a scholarship to June Moulis , recognizing her as an outstanding arboriculture student . Congratulations , to both Keely and June on their well-deserved honors . We are excited to see the contributions they will make to our field in the years ahead .
Looking forward , the MAA will be hosting a booth at ArborEXPO , and we are eager to connect with all our members on March 27 & 28 in Springfield . It ’ s a fantastic chance to engage with the broader arboriculture community , exchange ideas , and showcase the work we are doing together .
On Saturday , April 5 , Brian Kane will lead a research initiative at Millborn Farm , exploring how arborist with varying levels of experience and credentials approach tree risk assessments . This study aims to identity potential difference in their observations and conclusions . Notably , no prior experience with tree risk assessment is required to participate , making it accessible and valuable opportunity for professionals and newcomers alike . I encourage as many of you as possible to join , your participation will enrich the research and strengthen our collective understanding .
Spring also brings Arbor Day of Service , a highlight of our community outreach efforts . We will hold a group celebration at Millborn Farm in Sherborn on Friday April 25 . Beyond this event , numerous projects are taking place across Massachusetts , offering plenty of ways to get involved . Whether you join us at Millborn Farm or undertake your own initiative , I invite you to stand with me in showcasing the opportunities within our industry . Though education , community engagement , and charitable efforts , we can demonstrate the profound impact of arboriculture not just on the environment , but on the people and places we serve .
Here is to a vibrant spring filled with growth , collaboration , and celebration !
MAA President Russell Holman , MCA , BCMA , CTSP MAA President
MAA NEWS SPRING 2025 3