Treeways Leadership

Buddy Rogers has thirty-nine years of experience working in the energy industry. He has a proven track record in organizational dynamics, team building, operations management, resource management, asset plan development, and resource utilization. Buddy also has experience working with the international Transmission Operations Maintenance benchmarking study which consists of twelve different utilities throughout the world. He has both domestic and international acquisition experience and has led many corporate and departmental teams overseeing everything from operational execution issues, organization design and implementation issues to corporate strategic directives such as branding and employee engagement.

Buddy holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from North Carolina State University, 1983 and a Master of Business Administration from Queens University of Charlotte McColl School of Business, 2009. Winner of the 2009 David C. Stephens Spirit of Entrepreneurship Award and also holds a Professional Certifications Engineer in Training Certification NC.

As Vice President of Human Resources for Treeways, Terry oversees the Human Resources department for the Treeways Platform. The platform consists of Treeways, Cut Above Vegetation Services, Treesmiths, and Hazlett.

Terry has a solid foundation in Human Resources. With over 20 years of experience in Human Resources, he has led organizations in various industries including telecommunications, engineering, and construction. He has worked at AT&T, Cingular Wireless, Panasonic, Moretrench, Ferreira Construction, and New Enterprise Stone & Lime. At these companies, he held numerous senior level roles including Vice President of Human Resources and CHRO.

Terry holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Human Resources from Saint Elizabeth University in New Jersey.

Terry reports directly to Johnny Priest, CEO.

As Vice President of Business Development & Sales, Jimmy Norred is responsible for supporting both our operational businesses by helping develop our strategy and business plan to achieve growth opportunities and maintain a high level of customer satisfaction. He comes to Treeways with over 36 years of operational and business development experience along with customer relations within the utility industry. Jimmy’s latest position was with USIC, LLC as Director of National Accounts where he was responsible for providing oversight, planning and reporting for key customer accounts. Jimmy played an integral part of USIC’s growth during his tenure.  

As President of Treesmiths, Ray Nybeck oversees the Field operations in Eastern Pennsylvania and Ohio. Ray joined the Utility Vegetation Management industry shortly after high school and has more than 25 years of experience. He leveraged a strong work ethic and hands-on attitude to rise from groundsman and worked his way through the leadership ranks, holding positions of Foreman, General Foreman, Supervisor and most recently, Regional Manager.

Ray’s philosophy is to lead by example, which garnered widespread respect throughout the workforce. Customers also appreciate that Ray is constantly in the Field coaching and mentoring the workers to ensure the safest environment.

Ray was previously employed for Asplundh and Independent Tree Service. Ray also holds various credentials including licensed applicator and class A CDL.

As Senior Risk Director, Wendy oversees all aspects of the property casualty insurance program and claims administration for the Treeways Group and portfolio companies.

She is a versatile and results-oriented risk management professional with a proven track record of implementing cost effective, innovative, and comprehensive management programs for private companies and public entities.

Prior to accepting her role at Treeways, Wendy began her career in utility vegetation management in the field of safety. As a leader of safety during the span of her career, she worked her way through the ranks, earning a promotion to Director of Safety & Compliance. Additionally, her managerial experience and strong work ethic aided in leading a 501c3 non-profit as the executive director.

Wendy holds to the idea that perseverance builds character, and most things of value are obtained through hard work. She is a dynamic force in the workplace and esteems her peers as they contribute to her lifelong love of learning.

As Director of Safety for Treeways, Billy oversees all aspects of safety, compliance & training for the Treeways Group and its portfolio companies.

Billy began his career in Utility Vegetation Management in the spring of 2005 as a ground worker and has nearly 20 years of experience. As he progressed through the ranks, Billy has held various management positions in both operations management & safety. Most of his career was spent with a Treeways company having been employed by both JAFLO & Treesmiths.

Billy holds various certifications including ISA Certified Arborist, CTSP, Certified Commercial Pesticide Applicator, OSHA 30, and CPR/First Aid Instructor. Billy believes strongly in the teamwork dynamic and is proud of the strong, professional team members he has around him.

Samuel Espinoza is a value-creation–driven finance executive with deep experience transforming industrial and manufacturing businesses under private equity ownership. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer of Treeways Holdings, where he partners directly with the CEO and PE sponsor to execute a multi-year growth thesis, build a metrics-driven operating model, and position the platform for scale.

Before Treeways, Samuel served as North America Finance Director for the Flexitallic Group, overseeing five business units across four countries. He executed two acquisitions in one year, led due diligence and synergy planning, integrated operations across finance, HR, sales, and IT, and supported the due diligence of the PE sponsor. Samuel has repeatedly repositioned underperforming assets, improved gross margin through pricing and product mix optimization, and led ERP implementations that enabled scalable infrastructure.

Earlier roles at Flexitallic included Finance Director & Controller positions in both the U.S. flagship business and Custom Rubber Products, where he improved margin performance, lowered breakeven costs in a down-cycle, optimized working capital, and enhanced operational controls. He began his career in the assurance practice of Ernst & Young, supporting multinational clients with GAAP, IFRS, SOX, and SEC compliance.

Samuel holds a Master of Science in Accountancy and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Houston.

Jonathan Jimenez is the Director of Proposals and Business Support at Treeways, where he leads the bid proposal process and drives key operational support initiatives across the organization. A licensed CPA with a strong background in operational finance and systems implementation, he has built effective processes and best-practice structures that improve efficiency and support organizational growth.

Jonathan is known for bridging the gap between field operations and administrative support, collaborating closely with teams to enhance workflows, strengthen visibility, and ensure smooth execution. His experience includes supporting high-growth, private-equity-backed companies and contributing to meaningful improvements in performance and scalability.

He holds a BS in Accounting from the University of Texas at San Antonio and is a licensed CPA in the state of Texas.