The Georgia Arborist Association is a resource for tree owners and tree professionals.

PRESIDENT

Logan is a Board Certified Master Arborist and is one of the City Arborists for the City of Decatur. He has worked in sales and operations at private tree companies, for the Georgia Forestry commission to help develop tree ordinances and Tree City USA Programs, and with the US Fish and Wildlife Service to establish and maintain endangered species habitat. Logan has a dual Bachelor's in Forestry and in Parks Management. This is Logan's second year as President of the GAA.

VICE PRESIDENT

An Atlanta native, Dave first began his career as a laborer in the private landscaping industry before developing a more specialized interest in arboriculture and natural resource management in urban areas. He currently holds ISA and TRAQ certifications, a bachelors in environmental science and has in the urban forestry field for five years. Dave currently serves as a community forestry specialist for the Georgia Forestry Commission, and is honored to begin serving on GAA's board.

SECRETARY

Joelette has no kids but has been blessed to help care for her four nephews & one niece that she loves dearly. She has one Goddaughter and one Godson. Youth have been a passion of hers, volunteering at churches, after-school programs and athletic facilities. She is a native of Toledo, OH, and has spent most of her time in Toledo and parts of Alabama. Her passion for outdoors was born when she was a young child. When she entered Alabama A&M University, her major was chemistry, but that quickly changed to Forestry Science. Her mother and brother moved Huntsville, AL, while she was in college. Alabama is where she's gotten most of her life and professional lessons that have molded her into the woman she is today. Advocating for Farmers and Ranchers throughout the Southern Region has shown her where her passion lies in this industry. Her dream is to own at least 200 acres of land to use as a research demonstration site for Sustainable Natural Resource practice. In 2023, she switched career paths and began working as Utility Arborist Technician with Georgia Power Company. This career path has been the greatest decision she's made.

TREASURER

Danae’s lifelong love for nature blossomed into a profession after witnessing the Florida Tree Climbing Championship in 2008. Fueled by newfound inspiration, she pursued expertise in tree care, obtaining various certifications in the field. Today, Danae thrives in her dream role, as an At-Height Business Developer at Redwing Rigging Solutions, providing innovative climbing and rigging equipment to small companies and large national accounts. Her work fosters safe and efficient tree care practices across the country, a perfect unity of her love for the outdoors and dedication to safety. Danae’s story is a reminder that when passion meets profession, extraordinary things happen. Her journey in the tree-care industry continues to be one marked by love, learning, and a ceaseless pursuit of excellence.

EXECUTIVE DIECTOR

Jessie joined GAA as executive director in January 2024. She previously worked as the minister of culture for New Urban Forestry (2011-2024). Jessie earned her ABJ from the Grady College at the University of Georgia and also holds BA in Anthropology from UGA. She is an ISA Certified Arborist, #SO-10295A, Tree Risk Assessment Qualified and holds a drone pilot license. In a previous life she was a Braille transcriber. In her spare time, if she’s not reading, she likes to run in the woods, go on mountain bike travel adventures with her husband Jason and son, Koah, and hang upside down on a trapeze at Canopy. Jessie has served on GAA's Board, and she has been heavily involved in the GAA for many years volunteering with the annual Tree Climbing Championship.

PROJECT MANAGER

Helen joined GAA in 2021. She manages GAA's social media and works on various projects and programs throughout the year, including TCC. Previously she worked in corporate communications with The Coca-Cola Company for more than 15 years, in areas ranging from speechwriting to public relations to social media. She's happy to be a part of the tree family now!

MULTILINGUAL OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Maria is a legacy environmental scientist based out of Atlanta, Georgia. They are currently pursuing a degree in environmental spatial analysis and are a student researcher sponsored by the National Science Foundation. Maria has worked with organizations such as Chattahoochee River Keepers, Trees Atlanta, Georgia Climate Project, Color my Outdoors, and other Atlanta based green organizations working to advance environmental equity through collaboration on eco centered solutions.

GRANTS REVIEW SPECIALIST

As our Grant Review Specialist, Oya Money-Worthy manages GAA's new Tree Removal Assistance Program, which can offer help to seniors or low-income GA residents with the removal of dead or damaged hazardous trees. Oya (he/him) has over 10 years' experience as an environmental scientist in GA and has a deep commitment to environmental equity and thoughtful land stewardship.

I’m Monica Arevalo Sanchez, a bilingual forestry engineer from Bogotá, Colombia. I earned my bachelor’s degree in forestry engineering with a focus on managing natural resources, and I’m proud to be an ISA Certified Arborist, ISA Utility Specialist, and TRAQ qualified professional. I currently work as a Utility Arborist with Georgia Power, where I get to combine my love for trees with my commitment to safety and sustainability. Every day, I strive to find the perfect balance between protecting nature and supporting reliable utility service. I’m fluent in both Spanish and English, and I truly enjoy connecting with people from different backgrounds. Collaboration, clear communication, and a love for the environment are at the heart of everything I do.

David has served as Husqvarna Territory Manager since July 2003. He is an ISA Certified Arborist and is TRAQ certified. He is the president of Georgia Tree Masters, and also president of Arbor Pro Consulting.

Christie started her green industry career as a Landscaper and while getting her degree in Environmental Horticulture. She has also trained as a Horticultural Therapist and ran the Tree Health care division of Gunnison Tree Specialists. Christie decided to open her own consulting business where she could focus on becoming a better advocate for both the property owners and the trees.

Kay Evanovich is currently the City of Decatur Georgia Arborist and has held an International Society of Arboriculture Certification (ISA) as an Arborist for 20 years. Kay holds a Tree Risk Assessment Qualification from the ISA. Kay has taken numerous courses of study in environmental issues and tree/forest health thru the University of Georgia, Center for Continuing Education and the Warnell school of Forestry beginning in 1999. As a municipal and consulting Arborist Kay has been performing tree health assessments and tree valuations and reviewing plans and permits for the general public since 2005. Currently Kay is on GAA's Board and teaches the Certified Arborists training course for the GAA. Kay is an avid soccer fan and enjoys watching games with family and friends.

Alex is a certified arborist, TRAQ qualified, and the owner of Arbor Kí Tree Solutions, which provides PHC support services to companies within the tree-care industry. Alex began his career in his early teens, working for retirees and master gardeners, which developed his interest in the green industry. After completing his degree in Horticulture from the University of Georgia, he pursued further education in the industry, focusing on arboriculture. Since discovering PHC, he has been committed to fostering a positive public view and promoting the adoption of preventative tree care.

Mandy is the organizational and systematic mastermind behind T2 Group, the parent company of Top Tier Trees, Top Tier Green Waste and Top Tier Stump Grinding. She met David, husband and business partner, in business school and encouraged the development of their shared dream of owning a business. She loves leading all the nuances of growing and building the company-- customer service, sales, marketing, team development and financial management. When she’s not focused on business, Mandy enjoys spending time with her children, rare occasions with David outside of work, going to hot yoga classes and planning a party or two.e

Elise is a forest entomologist and sustainability professional focusing on integrating native pollinator conservation into forest management and expanding municipal sustainability initiatives like waste diversion, urban forestry, and native habitat restoration. Her research centers on how forest management practices affect native bee populations. She is also an experienced environmental educator, teaching, developing curricula, and training other educators in forestry, ecology, and sustainability topics for over a decade as an ATEEG Certified Environmental Educator and Project Learning Tree Facilitator. When not working, Elise enjoys traveling and spending time outdoors with her wife, Jazz, and their dog, Delta.

As the Urban Forester at the City of Sandy Springs, I am passionate about integrating forestry and conservation strategies into city planning. With a background in environmental science and as a certified arborist, I specialize in land-use policy, environmental impact assessments, and habitat restoration. I lead cross-departmental collaborations to weave green infrastructure into urban landscapes, fostering resilience and long-term environmental benefits. I also engage communities through public outreach and education, encouraging civic participation in urban forestry initiatives. Additionally, I represent municipal interests in professional organizations, building strategic partnerships and advancing sustainable urban development.

I have dedicated over half of my life to the tree care industry. My journey began at the young age of 19, when he stepped into the world of arboriculture. As the CEO of Arborforce Tree Services and Greenforce Recycling Corp, i leads with a vision of sustainable practices and community impact. My companies provide essential tree care services, ensuring the health and longevity of urban forests. Whether it’s pruning, removals, or recycling ,my team tackles each task with precision and care. Being an ISA certified arborist combines scientific knowledge with practical expertise. I understands the delicate balance between aesthetics, safety, and ecological well-being. My bilingual abilities allow me to connect with a diverse customer , bridging language gaps and fostering trust.

Evan has been a Certified Arborist for 10 months, and a member of GAA for two years. He has three children -- ages 7, 6 and 3. He runs a small tree-care business in south Georgia specializing in tree climbing.