Committees

TNLA Committees spearhead project visions, strategize for TNLA Success, offer support and counsel, track progress, manage project/event scope, and mediate conflicts. Their work integrates diverse industry viewpoints into TNLA initiatives, ensuring comprehensive planning and execution.

Education

The TNLA Education Committee is comprised of TNLA members with diverse expertise across various Texas based industry segments, such as Nursery Grower, Retail, Supplier, Irrigation, and Landscape. Meeting regularly on an annual basis, this committee oversees the educational offerings, both digital and in-person, for the association. Their responsibilities include keeping the staff updated on the latest trends and topics within the Green Industry and offering insights on expert speakers to enrich the association's members' knowledge base.
​COMMITTEE MEMBERS
  • ​Luis Andrade, Irrigation Station
  • Jared Barnes Ph.D, Stephen F. Austin State University
  • Rebecca Dubiski, Landscape Art
  • Kirt Faulkner TCNP, TCWSP, KBW Supply
  • Greg Fox, Clean Scapes
  • Dr. Charlie Hall, Texas A&M University
  • Chris Hobbs, Austin Wood Recycling
  • James Plyler, Native Texas Nursery

Certification

The TNLA Certification Committee consists of industry experts holding TNLA Certification. Their main duties involve updating examination tests and study resources, enhancing assessment validation, collaborating with staff to manage program administration, and suggesting adjustments to prerequisites and recertification criteria as necessary.
​COMMITTEE MEMBERS
  • Giuseppe Baldi TCLP, TCWSP, TCNP, Lawns of Dallas
  • Michael Brown, TCLP, TCWSP, The Grass Is Greener... Landscape, Inc.
  • Gerald Burgner, Texas A&M University
  • Michael Carter TMCNP, Calloway’s Nursery
  • Kris Darmer TCLP, Yellow Stone Landscape
  • Kirt Faulkner TCNP, TCWSP, KBW Supply
  • Heather Fleeger TCNP, Altman Plants
  • McKenna Jenkins TMCNP, Alldredge Gardens
  • Ryan Laird TCLP, San Jacinto Environmental Supplies
  • Greer Pittman TCNP, Southwest Wholesale Nursery

EXPO Gardens

EXPO Gardens originally Parks and Patios, Tarrant County College offers a way for schools and
students to get involved in crafting an enchanting landscape at EXPO, showcasing the harmony
between innovation and natures beauty. Exhibitors can contribute product & allows them a way
to showcase their products.
​COMMITTEE MEMBERS
  • Joseph Johnson, Texas A&M University/AgriLife Extension
  • Rachel Shelton, Absolute Equipment Sales
  • Heather Fleeger, Altman Plants
  • Herman Vess, Retired
  • Tim Little, Heritage Landscape Supply Group
  • Derek Whisenand, Whiz-Q Stone

Political Action Committee

​The TNLA Political Action Committee (PAC) Committee guides the strategic direction and activities of TNLA’s PAC. It works to ensure that the PAC is effectively advocating for pro-business policies that support the Texas Green Industry. The committee offers support and counsel, tracks the progress of PAC initiatives, manages event scope, and helps mediate conflicts when necessary. By integrating diverse industry perspectives, the PAC Committee ensures that political advocacy aligns with the broader goals of TNLA, driving positive legislative outcomes for the industry.
COMMITTE MEMBERS
​Steve Taber TMCNP, Southwest Wholesale Nursery- Chairman
Amy Graham, TNLA – Treasurer
Mark Baxmann TMCNP, Houston Garden Centers- Trustee
Steve Bayouth, Bruce Miller Nursery- Trustee
Ricky Becnel, Saxon Becnel & Sons Citrus Nursery Of Texas, LLC- Trustee
Kurt Gruhlkey TMCNP, Creekside Nursery
James Harden Sr. TMCNP, Mortellaro’s Nursery- Trustee
Mark Harris, Harris Landscape, Inc- Trustee
Todd Kinney TMCNP, LBW Supply- Trustee
Billy Krause, Krause Infrastructure LLC- Trustee
Mark Rise, TT Ranch Group- Trustee
Timothy Runte TMCNP, Calloway’s Nursery- Trustee
Jonathan Saperstein, Everde Growers- Trustee
Johnette Taylor, Roundtree Landscaping, Inc- Trustee