San Diego Chapter of CLCA Name New Board of Directors

Source: www.TurfMagazine.com

The San Diego Chapter of the California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA) has recently appointed new members to its board of directors.  The new board members are:

  • Lawrence O’Leary, president
  • Patrick Crais, vice president of resources
  • Stacey Sturnot, vice president of events
  • Mimi Cortes, director of legislation
  • Janet Pozzuoli-Vallin, director of education

O’Leary is director of sales and oversees technical sales for Hydro-Scape Products, a leading provider of landscape and irrigation supplies with 18 locations in California and Hawaii. He worked for an irrigation products manufacturer for 24 years. His other experience includes habitat re-development for the endangered desert tortoise mitigating the extensive damage caused by several massive Mojave Desert solar farms. Additionally, he taught for nine years as an adjunct soils instructor at Cuyamaca College promoting a link between soils and point source pollution prevention. He was an early supporter of sustainable landscape practices and is a frequent speaker at regional and international conferences tying together water conservation with well-paying green landscape jobs.

Crais is founder of Blue Watchdog Conservation, Inc., a conservation company that provides property owners with irrigation and outdoor LED lighting services. He received his Masters of Business Administration (MBA) from California State University San Marcos and his Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from the United States Naval Academy. When not at work, Crais is the co-chair of the Conservation Action Committee for the San Diego Region, an adjunct professor at Cuyamaca College for green business management and president of the Rancho Santa Fe Toastmasters. He has received numerous awards and is a frequent speaker at water conservation events.

Sturnot is an enhancements manager with ValleyCrest, the nation’s largest integrated landscape company. Sturnot has a degree in landscape horticulture and has almost 20 years of experience in the landscape industry. She has worked in various positions over the years including irrigation manager, project management/design and business development. Originally from Wisconsin, Sturnot moved to San Diego so she could work with the top people and companies in the landscape industry.

Cortes is director of business development for TVRI, a family-owned San Diego County landscape company. A tireless supporter in the community, Cortes has spent nine years mentoring children through organizations such as CAF and the Make a Wish Foundation. Additionally, she volunteers time serving her hometown of Carlsbad. Although she is new to the landscape industry, Cortes brings a huge amount of enthusiasm to the board.  She looks forward to encouraging new members and businesses to recognize the value and importance of their CLCA membership.