For Immediate Release
Contact: Jim MacKenzie (610) 742-8788
Kirkwood, Pa. - Octoraro president Jim MacKenzie announced several recent staff changes at the nursery.
Diane Boyd promoted to General Manager
"Di now officially holds the title that in reality she’s held for many years, said MacKenzie. "For 22 years she’s been the heart and soul of Octoraro and we would not be celebrating 30 years without her energy and influence. We all wear many hats here, but none wear them with as much grace as Di."
Paul Solomon, Propagation Manager
MacKenzie introduced Paul Solomon, who holds a BS in Horticulture from Penn State University. Paul's career began as a member of the horticulture team for Disney World’s Epcot Center. After moving back to PA, he served as a Penn State Horticulture and Mushroom Extension agent, spent seven years as a golf course superintendent, and twenty years running his own landscape and nursery business.
"For the last ten years, he has been a key contract grower for Octoraro," said MacKenzie. This extensive background will serve him well as he now joins our team as Propagation Manager."
Paul and his wife Sharon enjoy spending time with their four children, spouses and now their 1st granddaughter.
Larry Joyce, Facilities Management, IPM
"Larry is a great addition to our team," said MacKenzie. "He brings over 30 years of experience in the green industry. His work history includes nursery and greenhouse, design-build contracting and sales. He is coming full circle where he began his career with J. Franklin Steyer’s Nursery where we now lease the greenhouses on that original nursery property. Horticulture runs in the family as his son Pat is the Nursery Manager at Longwood Gardens."
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