North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association appoints new executive director

The North Carolina Nursery & Landscape Association (NCNLA), has announced the selection of Corey Connors as its new executive director. Connors will fill the vacancy created by Ross Williams’ retirement on Dec.1, 2014. The selection was made after a national search and selection process by NCNLA.

Connors served as director of legislative relations for the American Nursery & Landscape Association from 2007 – 2010. In that capacity, he worked closely with state nursery and landscape associations across the country including the NCNLA. He provided leadership for many important regulatory and legislative issues through the ANLA Lighthouse Program. Since 2011 he has served as senior director of government relations for the Society of American Florists. His primary responsibilities at SAF have included advocacy and outreach, coalition development, and strategic planning. He created and managed the coalition to develop and support legislation addressing ACA compliance issues for highly seasonal employers and chaired the national Main Street Business Coalition. Connors received his Master of Arts degree from George Washington University and Bachelor of Arts from Clarion University.

“I am thrilled and honored to have the opportunity to work with North Carolina’s nursery and landscape industry again," Connors said. "I look forward to working with our dedicated volunteer leaders and staff to tell this industry’s great story: the products and services that NCNLA members provide offer far more value than meets the eye. They are essential investments that provide cost-effective, meaningful solutions to the consumer.”

The North Carolina Nursery and Landscape Association (NCNLA) represents growers, landscapers, retail garden centers, suppliers, horticulture students and educators. NCNLA’s ultimate goal is to benefit its members’ economic, professional and personal growth. More information about NCNLA can be found at www.ncnla.com.