MAA Annual Meeting
MAA’ s Annual Meeting, held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, was a well-attended and productive meeting. Tom Brady, MCA, City of Watertown, led an informative session that provided much-needed updates to the latest Massachusetts tree laws and regulations.
In addition to great education, a highlight of the meeting was an announcement about the new Arboriculture Learning Center planned at Millborn Farm. Campaign chairman, Steve Vernon, MCA gave an overview of the unique opportunity and encouraged everyone to support this exciting new initiative to build a legacy for the MAA( see cover page for details).
President Russell Holman, MCA, BCMA, CTSP followed and expressed gratitude to his fellow board members and the management team for their contributions to a successful year.( see Russell’ s remarks page 3).
MAA members are encouraged to volunteer to committee or board service in 2026. The education committee, in particular, is looking for speakers to present, and companies interested in sponsoring MAA events. Please reach out to us with your recommendations at Admin @ MassArbor. org.
Photo at top: MAA Past Presidents @ Annual Meeting. Front row( l-r) Dick Stoner, MCA; Mike Lueders, MCA; Andy Felix, MCA( Ret.); Natascha Batchelor, MCA; Russell Holman, MCA, BCMA, CTSP; Greg Mosman, MCA. Back Row( l-r) George Mellick, MCA( Ret.); Dan Mayer, MCA; Jim Abusamra, MCA( Ret.); Rob Hall, MCA; Matt Foti, MCA( Ret.); Scott McPhee, MCA; Marc Hansen, MCA.
VISTA Award
Wednesday, April 15 Meeting 4:00 p. m. Elks Lodge • Natick, MA
The VISTA award is the most important honor the MAA can bestow upon one of its members. It was created to recognize truly outstanding tree care professionals whose acts and deeds serve as a guide and challenge for all members of the industry.
The award’ s title is an acronym for Vision, Integrity, Service, Talent, and Action – the leadership qualities inherent in all award recipients.
This year’ s Beacon Award will be presented to Dan Mayer, MCA, owner and founder of Mayer Tree Service in Essex, MA.
After graduating from UMass Amherst in 1994, Dan started Mayer Tree- a full-service tree care company specializing in removing hazardous and challenging trees for municipal, state, and federal agencies and private utility companies.
Dan also owns ProBark Biomass and Debris Management, providers of sustainable wood recycling, composting of food waste, and mulch innovation, using advanced technology to ensure environmental stewardship.
In addition to being a past president of MAA, Dan served as the Chairman of the Alumni Board of the Stockbridge School of Agriculture, is a member of The Trustees Advisory Board, and the Essex County Trail Association. Dan is a past president and current Alpha Tau Gamma agricultural fraternity alumni board treasurer.
Please join us in celebrating Dan Mayer and his many achievements, as well as the lasting contributions he has made to our industry at the MAA Dinner Meeting on Wednesday, April 15, at the Elks Lodge in Natick, MA.
MAA NEWS WINTER 2026 7