Treeways Leadership
As the CEO of Treeways, Johnny brings more than 55 years of experience in the utilities services industry. Johnny started his career at Duke Power, where he spent 30 years working his way up from a line construction technician to Region Manager and ultimately, a Sub-Process Owner.
Johnny played an integral role at several other utilities services companies including, President of Energy Delivery Services, President of Mastec’s Energy Group, and multipole other executive level roles at companies such as Agros Utilities Group and Wilbros. Most recently Johnny was the T&D Group President at PLH Group where he oversaw the integration of eight separate businesses and helped improved the profitability across several business lines and divisions.
Johnny holds a BS in Businesses Management from Limestone College.
Roxanne serves as Chair of the Board of Treeways, where she is responsible for leading all activities for the Board of Directors. She has more than 25 years of experience in the utilities end market and previously served as CEO of PowerTeam Services, a provider of repair, maintenance, replacement, and installation services to natural gas and electric utility companies, backed by Kelso & Company.
Additionally, she was the Global President of Switchgear Business for Cooper Power Systems and held various leadership roles at ABB and Siemens. Roxanne has spent much of her career working with and growing private equity-backed groups.
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.
Jeffrey B. Kappel has been Chief Financial Officer of Treeways since June 2022. He brings 25 plus years’ experience in senior finance and accounting roles. He has spent a significant portion of his career working in project services organizations. Prior to Treeways, Jeff served in senior finance and accounting roles at Tellus Equipment Solutions, BJ Services LLC, Willbros Group Inc, and Shaw Group. In addition, Jeff served as a Sr Manager at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC. Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Louisiana State University and is Certified Public Accountant.
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.
In his role as Vice President of Fleet Operations, Bob oversees fleet maintenance/management processes for the Treeways Group and its portfolio companies.
Bob has worked for the past 40 years in the fleet industry for numerous companies including Verizon, Valley Proteins, Inc., Lewis Tree Service, Iberdrola USA, and Massaro Detroit Diesel Allison. He has held diverse positions ranging from vehicle maintenance to fleet management.
A graduate of Ohio Diesel Technical Institute and Warren National University, Bob has achieved several fleet management/maintenance certifications including, Certified Automotive Fleet Manager (CAFM) from the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA), Certified Transportation Professional (CTP) from the National Private Truck Council (NPTC), Certified Director of Maintenance/Equipment (CDM/E) from the North American Transportation Management Institute (NATMI) and Master Truck Technician from Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
Paul joined the Treeways team in February of 2022 as Vice President of Safety. His is responsible for leveraging and improving the effectiveness of our safety program and systems as we continually identify, assess and mitigate safety risks and threats inherent in our business.
Paul most recently served as Director of Safety for Asplundh Tree and Aspen Grove Landscape Group. In his role, he oversaw all aspects of safety and compliance for more than 2,000 team members and 11 separate operating companies across the Unites States. He was instrumental in developing a ground up safety solution across multiple regions receiving top accolades from The National Association of Landscape Professionals. He also sat on a Battery/Electric committee helping to develop the future of essential equipment.
Paul is also a retired veteran of the United States Navy where he flew on C-130s as a Flight Engineer. Throughout his extensive career, his accomplishments are too long to list but include leading an Aviation Safety Department, formal curriculum design and instruction, Crew Resource Management and was a trusted operations leader, mentor and coach.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Human Resources and a graduate degree in Business/Leadership from The University of Oklahoma. He holds various professional credentials such as Certified Safety Director and Lean Six Sigma.
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.
In his role as President of Hazlett, Mat oversees line clearance on several Co-Ops and First Energy in PA and WV. Mat joined the Hazlett team in 1978 as an apprentice climber working his way up to General Foreman then to President.
With forty-four years of experience in the tree industry; Mat has had the great fortunate of working with great leaders who’ve had open door policies. He plans on keeping the same policy as the leaders before him. Mat is a Certified Arborist, Utility Arborist, and a Certified Tree Care Safety Professional. He also holds Herbicide licenses in PA, WV, and OH.
As Risk Manager, 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.