Honoring the Leaders of Tomorrow: 2025 Women in the Green Industry Awards

Celebrating Excellence in the Green Industry

Green Industry Pros, a premier resource for landscape professionals, has unveiled the winners of the 2025 Women in the Green Industry awards. This prestigious recognition highlights the contributions of women who are trailblazers in the green sector, focusing on leadership, commitment to sustainability, and professional development.

The winners were selected based on a rigorous evaluation led by the Green Industry Pros team, assessing criteria like exceptional leadership and impactful achievements that serve as a model for future leaders. Each awardee exemplifies dedication to green practices and the ongoing growth of the industry.

Jonathan Kozlowski, the editor-in-chief of Green Industry Pros, expressed pride in recognizing these outstanding women. He noted, "Reviewing the incredible number of submissions this year was tough. Every nomination represented the qualities of true leaders and innovators. We are proud to support and celebrate their progress."

Award Winners

The winners were categorized into three groups: Up-and-Comers, Unsung Heroes, and Seasoned Pros. Each category features remarkable individuals leading the charge in the green industry.

Up-and-Comers

1. Melody Barrios - Operations & Finance Manager, Avanza Landscaping
2. Cynthia Perez McDonald - Lead Field Technician, California H2orticulture Services
3. Brady Holko - Lab Technician, Davey Tree Expert Company
4. Lindsey Brunson - Director of Operations, DreamLawn
5. Emily Fretz - Maintenance Manager, Drost Landscape
6. Courtney Krstich - Co-Founder & Head of Growth, EarthaPro
7. Melanie Eckhardt - President & Co-Founder, Jamison Lawn Care LLC
8. Hailey Bruckner - Landscape Architect and Owner, Landscape Connection
9. Amber Ellis - Up and Comer, Lord's Landscaping
10. Ashley Morgans - COO, Morgans Irrigation LLC
11. Hailye Vaughn - Scheduler/Production Manager, Nutri-Green Professional Services
12. Rachel Fousch - Brand Manager, Fence, Rail & Deck, Oldcastle APG
13. Rylie Hannis - Estimator/Sales Professional, Outdoor Splendor
14. Krystall Lee - Business Development & Growth Manager, Pizzo and Associates Ltd.
15. Tessa Walls - Student, Purple Walrus Lawn Company
16. Emily Ahlstedt - Director, Horticulture & Maintenance, Recover Green Roofs

Unsung Heroes

1. Kim Spencer - Account Management & Seasonal Color Manager, Benchmark Landscape Construction
2. Lauren Ritch - General Manager, Raleigh & Charlotte N.C., Canopy Lawn Care
3. Lee Knepp - Owner, Conserva Irrigation
4. Emily Mumford - Assistant District Manager, South St. Paul Office, Davey Tree Expert Company
5. Savanah Grondy - Horticulture Crew Leader/Snow Team Leader, Great Outdoors
6. Lori Samples - Advertising Manager, Midwest Equipment and Supply, Inc.
7. Cisco Gates - Production Manager, Oldcastle APG
8. Cassi Hallam - Chief Marketing Officer, System Pavers
9. Kimberly Morrison - Senior Crew Leader, Trees, Inc.

Seasoned Pros

1. Nicole Longnecker - Owner, Buds & Blades Landscape Company
2. Ana Burns - Senior Area Manager, Davey Tree Expert Company
3. Kayla Lujan - VP of Sales & Marketing, Down To Earth Landscape & Irrigation
4. Devon Delong - Landscape Designer and Owner, Landscape Connection
5. Lisa Fiore - CEO, LandscapeHub
6. Jeri Kneiry - VP of Finance, Lawn & Garden Southeast
7. Melissa Holley - VP, Lawn Solutions
8. Kelly Slater - CEO, Pleasant Landscapes, Incorporated
9. Linda Adams - Owner & President, Quality Lawn & Landscape
10. Dacia Trombetta - Business Operations Manager, RedTree Landscape Systems
11. Rebekah Johnson - Landscape Architect, Saline Landscape Company
12. Jessica Milligan - CEO, Strathmore

Conclusion

These honorees are not just figures within their companies; they are vital to the sustainability and growth of the green industry. The recognition of their achievements plays a crucial role in encouraging future generations of women to pursue careers in this important field.

To learn more about the winners and their stories, visit Green Industry Pros.

About Green Industry Pros

Green Industry Pros delivers critical insights into products, trends, and technologies impacting landscape contractors and maintenance professionals. This digital news platform addresses various topics from lawn maintenance to power equipment, ensuring its audience stays informed and engaged.

About IRONMARKETS

Formerly AC Business Media, IRONMARKETS is a leading platform specializing in business-to-business media across various sectors, including sustainability and construction. With a robust portfolio, it connects advertisers to audiences through innovative content and comprehensive analytics, supporting engagement and growth within these markets.