TCIA to appoint new president, CEO in March

The board of directors of the Tree Care Industry Association (TCIA) announced David White, CAE, will join the association as its new president and CEO. The change of leadership follows the recently announced retirement of TCIA President and CEO Mark Garvin, who has been with TCIA for more than 21 years. Following a rigorous search process, White was chosen to lead TCIA. He will provide strategic vision and oversight into operational execution of the association.

“David’s selection is the culmination of a comprehensive search to help TCIA carry forward the association’s vision,” said Peter Sortwell, chair of TCIA’s board of directors. “We look forward to a successful transition and a continuation of the significant momentum we’ve established.”

White is currently the executive director of the Northeast Public Power Association, a nonprofit trade association that represents consumer-owned utilities in New England. He previously served as the director of external affairs and strategy for the Massachusetts Dental Society. White has a bachelor’s degree in political science from Northeastern University and an MBA and Juris Doctor degree from Suffolk University.

“I am honored and humbled by the opportunity to lead such an important green industry organization as TCIA into the future,” White said. “As TCIA celebrates its 80th year as a trade association, the organization has established a proud legacy. I intend to build upon the foundation that the board, Mark Garvin and the TCIA staff have created. As I am rapidly learning, TCIA supports a truly outstanding collection of professional members. I look forward to working with my new team to serve them.”

White will join TCIA on March 19. He will also take the opportunity to attend the association’s Winter Management Conference in February to meet with members. Garvin plans to retire in April after 21 years at TCIA and 11 years as president and CEO. He joined TCIA in 1996 as the editor of Tree Care Industry Magazine.

“David is the best choice from a very large group of highly qualified candidates,” said Andy Felix, incoming board chair of TCIA. “He’s a certified association executive with the education and association background we were looking for. Even more important, the board believes he is the right person to advance TCIA’s strategic plan for the members and the industry.”