Your Trusted Tree Care Partner

PRESIDENT/CEO

Andy LaVelle, a graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (Ornamental Horticulture, 1992) and St. Mary’s College (Executive MBA, 2011) is an ISA certified arborist with 29 years of experience in the commercial landscape and tree care industries. While at a previous company, Andy successfully led teams to build commercial tree care operations up and down the West Coast. Andy prides himself on not only his ability to spot talent, but also how to successfully integrate talented individuals into a team environment. Building and organizing things, organizations included, are Andy’s passions. Away from work, Andy enjoys building furniture, leading backpacking trips into the Sierras and playing water polo.

EXECUTIVE VP

Neil is perhaps the most renowned arborist in the Bay Area, having worked with nearly all the major commercial property management companies over the past 30+ years. A graduate of Writtle University College Horticulture Program in the UK, accredited in Horticulture at the University of Pennsylvania and a member of the Royal Horticultural Society, Neil’s passion for arboriculture is apparent to all who work with him. When posed with challenges related to his clients’ trees, Neil’s energetic and direct approach helps get to the core of the solution efficiently and effectively – his clients love that about him. Away from work, Neil enjoys beekeeping and is a voracious reader of history.

EXECUTIVE VP

Matt is best known amongst his peers and clients for building strong relationships through trust and flexibility. A graduate of Western Carolina University in Biology with 20 years of industry experience, Matt has the technical knowhow to solve his clients’ arboricultural challenges and goes above and beyond to ensure their goals are met. Though Matt works with clients from all commercial real estate categories, he has made a name for himself concentrating on apartment REITs, helping many large apartment owners and their communities manage their trees. Matt loves the outdoors, spending time with his family and is and avid fisherman.

VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

After graduating from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Forestry 24 years ago, Doug began his career in the green industry as an inspector at Western Environmental Consultants for PG&E Vegetation Management Division. Since then, Doug has spent the last two decades working for national and regional arboriculture firms. Doug’s peers and clients agree: his hardworking, friendly, and very communicative nature sets him apart from many of his contemporaries. His clients have come to rely on his professional and attentive approach. Doug is also very active with the Building Owners and Managers Association’s East Bay chapter, where he was awarded member of the year in 2018. In his spare time, he enjoys camping, hiking, fishing, downhill skiing and attending A’s and Warrior games and live music concerts of some of his favorite bands.

VP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo with a BS in Forestry and an industry veteran with over 25 years of experience, Kris is a highly customer focused arborist who loves to help others succeed. In fact, Kris is known amongst his peers for his teamwork and ability to collaborate on challenging projects. Because he is so concerned with meeting his clients’ needs, Kris has built strong relationships that have followed him throughout his career. Like many at Arbor MD, Kris enjoys the outdoors and can often be found deep sea fishing in the Monterey Bay, many times with others from Arbor MD.

VP FIELD OPERATIONS

George is deeply and universally respected for his experience in and knowledge of the commercial tree care industry. With 23 years in the field and 10 years in management, George has built the technical prowess to take on very difficult and complex operations. Similarly, his leadership skills with Arbor MD’s field staff are unparalleled – many of the employees have followed him throughout their careers. Clients can feel confident in the fact that Arbor MD has George and his teams of experts to take care of their trees. Outside of work, George enjoys spending time with his family, fishing and going to Kansas City Chiefs games.

OPERATIONS MANAGER

José Cortez, a U.S. Army veteran, graduated from City College of San Francisco with an Associate's degree in Construction Management and is a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional. Currently, he serves as the Operations Manager at our Bay Area locations, excelling at solving problems to streamline daily operations. In his free time, José enjoys hunting, fishing, and grilling with family and friends.

OPERATIONS MANAGER, NORTH BAY

Marc Dunia became an ISA-certified arborist in 1997. A strong proponent of education, he spends much of his time consulting and educating his clients. He loves spending time with his family at the coast and investigating weather and environmental changes.

OPERATIONS MANAGER, SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

With over 20 years of experience in the tree care industry, George Espino also serves as a trainer for the Hispanic Arborist Association, specializing in CPR and aerial rescue instruction. He is the Operations Manager for Arbor MD Tree Care’s Southern California region. Outside of work, George enjoys camping and riding his motorcycle.

PHC OPERATIONS MANAGER

Passionate about tree care, Iram Sandoval has 18 years of experience as a plant health care production manager. He is always eager to lead by example and solve any issues regarding tree health. Outside of work, Iram enjoys going to the lake, spending time with his family, and cherishing the company of his two cats and two dogs.

ESTIMATOR

Maya is a recent graduate of UC Davis with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a minor in communications. She currently works as an Estimator with our Sacramento Team. Outside of work, Maya enjoys traveling with loved ones and creating art.

GENERAL MANAGER, PACIFIC NORTHWEST

Kevin Chisholm graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Finance. He has over 20 years of experience in the landscape industry and is an ISA-certified arborist with a TRAQ designation who loves being outdoors and connecting with people. When he isn't tending to timber, he enjoys attending live events and watching Formula 1.

REGIONAL SALES MANAGER, NORTH BAY

Sarah Dunia has been in the green industry as a sales consultant and manager since 2007. She loves her clients and co-workers, building relationships based on trust and mutual benefit. She is passionate about trees, landscaping, nature, music, and family.

GENERAL MANAGER, SACRAMENTO/CENTRAL VALLEY

Peter Green brings 35 years of experience in the tree care industry to his role as Sacramento/Central Valley General Manager at Arbor MD. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Botany, is TRAQ Certified, and is a Board Certified Master Arborist. When he’s not helping clients with their trees, Peter enjoys racing dirt bikes, mountain biking, and capturing nature through photography.  

ACCOUNT MANAGER & TREE MAPPING SPECIALIST

Nick Griswold is an Account Manager with 5 years of experience in the tree care industry, and he continues to build on his expertise every day. Nick graduated from the University of California, Davis, with a degree in Native American Studies and an emphasis on environmental conservation. Working at Arbor MD has been an incredible opportunity to expand on his fields of interest as well as dive into more nuanced topics relating to conservation and tree care.

ACCOUNT MANAGER, SACRAMENTO AREA

Jenn Hoppel is an ISA Certified Arborist with ISA Tree Risk Assessment Qualification, bringing 15 years of experience in the commercial tree care industry specializing in portfolio management. As the team leader for the Sacramento Area, she values being part of Arbor MD for its company-wide culture of continual growth, professionalism, and encouragement of work-life balance. Outside of work, Jenn enjoys spending time hiking, cooking, and practicing yoga with her husband and two sons.

ARBORIST

Tanner is a certified arborist with nine years of experience in the tree care industry, holding a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. He specializes in tree assessments and offers tailored solutions that prioritize the health of trees while meeting the needs of property owners. In his personal time, Tanner enjoys hunting, spending time with his family, and playing Dungeons & Dragons.

ESTIMATOR

Kyle Kalian is a graduate of Washington State University, where he earned his degree in Landscape Architecture. As an Estimator, Kyle brings a deep appreciation for the natural environment and a passion for quality service. Outside of work, he enjoys golfing, hunting, and cheering on his alma mater.

ESTIMATOR

Noam Marcus graduated from UC Davis School of Agriculture with a major in Managerial Economics. He currently works as an Arborist Assistant and Estimator for Arbor MD. In his free time, Noam enjoys long walks on the beach and creating art.

ESTIMATOR & ACCOUNT MANAGER

Kevin Mullin studied Parks and Recreation Management at Northern Arizona University, holds a California Qualified Applicator Certificate, and is an ISA Certified Arborist. As an Estimator and Account Manager, he enjoys using his experience in landscape maintenance to help clients keep their properties looking beautiful. In his free time, Kevin enjoys being in nature with his three sons, biking, fishing, and golfing.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Christa Perez is an ISA Certified Arborist with more than a decade of experience in Aboriculture. She is also credentialed in TRAQ (Tree Risk Assessment Qualification) and holds a MA in Speech Communications. As an account manager, she enjoys helping provide Arbor MD's clients with exceptional customer service. In her free time she cherishes time with her two french bull dogs, nature trails, and spending time with family.

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Lauren Woolner, a graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, specializes in molecular farming and functional genomics, making her well-equipped for the technical challenges of arboriculture. She assists clients by creating tree care plans and budgets, ensuring their needs are met while considering any constraints. In her free time, Lauren enjoys horseback riding and camping.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE REPRESENTATIVE

Ysabelle Garcia is an Accounts Receivable Representative with over five years of experience in accounting and administration. She enjoys working closely with clients and maintaining accurate records to ensure seamless invoicing. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her husband and two sons, exploring local farmers markets, and cheering on the San Francisco Giants.  

CONTROLLER

Brenda Perez brings with her 20 years of accounting and administrative experience. As the Controller of Arbor MD, she enjoys the diversity of her role, not only reviewing financials but also helping others when needed in the administrative field. In her free time, Brenda enjoys hiking, swimming, and traveling.

OFFICE MANAGER

As the Office Manager, Joanna Wead plays a pivotal role in Arbor MD's daily operations, overseeing legal documents, marketing strategies, and the coordination of special projects. Her attention to detail and strong organizational skills guarantee smooth office management. Outside of work, Joanna finds joy in yoga, dancing, gardening, and adventures with her young son.

HR COORDINATOR

Wendy Zamora has over 20 years of experience in customer service and earned a certificate in Human Resource Management from Sonoma State University in 2023. She currently serves as the HR Coordinator for Arbor MD, where the authentic camaraderie among the team is her highlight. Wendy enjoys any activity that brings family and friends together.