NALP names Carol Keeling as interim CEO

FAIRFAX, Va. –The National Association of Landscape Professionals announced Thursday that its board of directors has named Carol Keeling as interim CEO.

Keeling succeeds Sabeena Hickman, who served as CEO of the association for more than a decade before announcing her resignation earlier this month to pursue other opportunities. Keeling will begin her new role effective immediately. She will also continue to serve as vice president of finance and administration, a role she has held since she joined NALP in 2007.

“We are extremely fortunate to have someone with as much leadership and industry experience as Carol at the helm during this transition period,” said Jeff Buhler, NALP president. “In her nearly 12 years with the association, Carol has skillfully and strategically overseen the financial, human resources and information technology areas of NALP. Our board has the utmost confidence in her abilities to keep NALP on track for the future and ensure a smooth transition of leadership while a thorough, national search for a permanent chief executive is conducted.”

Buhler said Keeling helped manage the post-financial merger of the Associated Landscape Contractors of America and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America to become the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET). She also helped later navigate the association’s rebranding and name change from PLANET to NALP, and she implemented two fiscal year changes.

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve the professional landscape industry in this expanded capacity,” Keeling said. “I am looking forward to working with our talented staff and dedicated board to continue to carry out on the association’s mission of serving our members and ensuring the long-term growth and stability of NALP. The association has a strong future ahead.”

Prior to joining NALP, Keeling spent more than a decade as an accounting and tax consultant in northern Virginia. She has also held corporate accounting positions with Rockresorts in Boca Raton, Florida, and Mariott International in Bethesda, Maryland and previously worked as a certified public accountant for several firms in the Pittsburgh area.