MAA BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Russell Holman, MCA 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 Bartlett Tree Experts Sheffield, MA
Keith Bernard, MCA Barrett Tree Service East Medford, MA
Steve Vernon, MCA Harrison McPhee, Inc. Millis, MA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR M. Virginia Wood
MEMBERSHIP & CERTIFICATION DIRECTOR Carrie Martin
MANAGEMENT TEAM Peggy Benjamin Amy Davis Hadley McPhee Charissa Sharkey
MASSACHUSETTS ARBORISTS ASSOCIATION, INC. 67 West Street Medfield, MA 02052 phone: 508.653.3320 admin @ MassArbor. org MassArbor. org
President ' s Message
Spring is a season of renewal in arboriculture, and this year feels especially meaningful as we strengthen connections within our communities, our profession, and one another.
Arbor Day of Service, held the last Friday in April, is a powerful example of that connection in action. This year, companies across Massachusetts are stepping up locally— volunteering time, sharing expertise, and demonstrating the value of professional tree care. These efforts not only give back in visible ways, but also educate the public about trees, safety, and proper practices. Thank you to all who have signed up to participate. I encourage every member to identify opportunities in your community where our work can make a difference. This is how we build trust, understanding, and pride in our profession.
We are also making progress at Millborn Farm. In partnership with The Trustees, we are working to create a dedicated space for training, education, and community gathering. While we’ ve made strides, we still need broad support to bring this vision to life. I ask you to consider how you can contribute— through financial support, advocacy, or simply helping spread the word. Together, we are building something that will serve arborists for generations.
ArborEXPO was another highlight this season. Thank you to everyone who stopped by the MAA booth and showed support. As a Show Supporter, MAA values the education, conversations, and shared learning that events like this provide. Investing in our knowledge is one of the most important ways we strengthen both ourselves and our industry.
Finally, I want to emphasize the importance of the Massachusetts Certified Arborist( MCA) exam. If you have not yet taken it, I strongly encourage you to do so. It remains the pinnacle of certification in our state and represents professionalism, accountability, and a commitment to excellence. Imagine the impact if every tree crew in Massachusetts included an MCA actively engaged in the work. Employers, please support your teams in pursuing this designation. And if you have ideas on how MAA can help more candidates succeed, we welcome your input.
Let’ s continue raising the standard of tree care across Massachusetts, New England, and beyond.
Russell Holman, MCA, BCMA, CTSP President
MAA NEWS SPRING 2026 3