About
The Charlotte Arborists Association is a non-profit dedicated to helping local arborists and tree lovers connect in the pursuit of safe and effective tree care. 100% of all proceeds we raise go directly back into the organization. We meet on the 2nd Tuesday of every other month (odd months). If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us or join us at a meeting.
CAA Board
The Charlotte Arborists Association board is elected yearly by our members. Anyone with a love of trees is welcome to join the organization and any member is welcome to run for office.
The Board meets every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Mahlon Adams Pavilion. If there's a meeting that night we meet 1 hour prior to the general meeting
2019 Board
President - David Whitley
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David began his career in Arboriculture in Charlotte in the early 1990’s. He became an ISA Certified Arborist in 1999 and has worked every position from groundsman to expert witness. David recently returned to Charlotte and joined the Heartwood team bringing 25 years of experience. David is an ISA Certified Arborist, ISA TRAQ qualified Arborist, and a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional.
His favorite tree is the Live Oak (Quercus virginiana).
Vice President - Shawn Welch
Shawn Welch is a NC native. He has been a Certified Arborist since February 2012. He went to CPCC and obtained his Associates in Science, majoring in horticulture technology. After working for large tree care companies in the city, he and his business partner established Southern Rooted Tree Care in 2017. Allowing opportunities to travel and train with Arborists all over the world. He also began competing in climbing competitions, excelling quickly. He is the two time defending NC tree climbing champion. In his free time he enjoys outdoor activities with his wife Rebecca and two dogs Jenny and Forrest. Listening to Kenny g rip on a saxophone solo, long walks on the beach, sunsets, and frozen strawberry margaritas are a couple favs too!
Treasurer - Alex Rabb
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Alex began doing tree work in 2012 after graduating from App State, with a degree in parks and recreation. He worked for Bartlett for two years and then moved Arborguard. He grew up in south Charlotte in the Matthews area. Some of his greatest work related enjoyments are installing lightning protection systems, installing cabling systems and ornamental shrub pruning. His favorite tree is the Live oak, favorite chain saw is a 192, and favorite wood Eastern Red Cedar.
Secretary - Brandon Hogan
Brandon is a tree-hugger and currently good standing with the ISA…
He’s a Certified Arborist, Municipal Specialist and is TRAQ Qualified. Brandon moved to Charlotte 10 years ago for work and stayed for the weather. Maryland was and always will be home. Monkey Puzzle is his favorite tree.
Board Member - Dustin Urbanovsky
Dustin Urbanovsky is a certified arborist, certified tree climber, tree risk assessment qualified and has his CTSP. He has been an arborist for 10 years now at Heartwood Tree. He has been involved in the competition circuit for 8 years and have been the southern chapter champion 2 times and best international finish was 34th. He enjoys spending time with his son on boy scout camping trips and going 4 wheeling In his jeep with his wife.
Board Member - Ron Thurner
Ron Thurner is an ISA certified arborist, TCIA certified for Aerial Rescue, AUFA Urban Forestry certified, and a production tree climber. He has been in the arboricultural industry for over 4 years under the guidance of various Board Certified Master Arborists. In his free time, Ron also competes and volunteers in tree climbing competitions across the country. Aside from his passion for arboriculture, Ron also enjoys spending time with his wife and dogs, hiking, camping, and exploring new places on his OneWheel.
Board Member - Gary Thacker
ISA Certified Arborist
Certified Tree Care Safety Professional
Board Member - Matt Bothe
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Matt is a Certified Arborist/TRAQ, Certified Treecare Safety Professional, and NCNLA Certified Plant Professional working for Heartwood Tree Service. He has been helping Charlotte's canopy since 2015. He moved to Charlotte from upstate NY, and stayed because he fell in love with Charlotte's beautiful trees.
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Board Member - Juan Lopez
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History of the CAA:

Coming Soon!
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