CLCA Executive Director Stepping Down June 9

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Sharon McGuire, executive director of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA), is retiring June 9, 2013, to spend more time with her family and her grandson. McGuire started with the Association in 1980 and was appointed executive director in 1986, Executive Director Larry Rohlfes will serve as interim executive director, effective June 9 until a replacement for McGuire is found.

During McGuire’s tenure, CLCA has significantly increased its governmental affairs presence, expanded member benefits, which include human resources and legal hotlines for members, educational resources and legal contracts online. CLCA’s communications have expanded to include multiple publications, a website and a strong Internet presence.

McGuire helped start the Landscape Educational Advancement Foundation, dedicated to raising funds for industry educational scholarships, and the Landscape Industry Show.

Under her administration, the need for reducing outdoor water usage was realized, leading to the creation of CLCA’s Water Management Certification Program, which is now a WaterSense-labeled program. She also served as chair of the Association Executives Committee with the Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) from 2008 – 2010. In 2010 PLANET named her Executive Director of the Year by PLANET in 2010, and she entered the Green Industry Hall of Fame the same year.