Executive Leadership Team
Brent Lovett, President
Brent Lovett serves as President of Southern Shade Tree. He joined the company in 2003 and is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the organization. He brings over 26 years of experience to the role and oversees all aspects of the landscape management divisions, working closely with the team on business development and day-to-day operations.
Brent graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in Landscape Architecture. In his free time, Brent enjoys restoring vintage cars, outdoor activities and UGA football.
Nathan Smith, Vice President of Maintenance
Nathan Smith is the Vice President of Maintenance at Southern Shade Tree. With over 22 years of management and landscape industry experience, he is responsible for all aspects of the landscape maintenance division, including the day to day operations and business plan/growth management.
Nathan graduated from Kent State with a degree in Conservation and a minor in Environmental Management. He spends his free time golfing, saltwater fishing and coaching his two sons’ athletic teams.
Scott Roberts, Executive Vice President
Scott is Vice President of Business Development for Southern Shade Tree. Prior to joining the company in 2005, Scott worked as the Director of Sales for two of the largest plant/tree nurseries in the country. He has an extensive knowledge of green goods and the landscape trade, with over 20 years of industry experience.
He is currently licensed and registered as a NC Irrigation Contractor, NC Landscape Contractor, NC Plumber, NC backflow tester, and SC nurseryman and broker.
Scott graduated from Penn State with a degree in marketing. In his free time, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife and two children. Scott is passionate about skiing, hunting, camping and exploring the outdoors.
Allison Norris, Director of Risk Management
Allison Norris is Director of Risk Management at Southern Shade Tree. She is responsible for employee relations, development, benefit analysis/ administration and compliance. Allison brings over 10 years of experience in organizational administration and 7 years of legal experience in the areas of construction and tax law.
Allison holds a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts from Austin College. In her free time, Allison enjoys spending time with her family, cooking and volunteering.
Seth Phillips, Vice President of Construction
Seth Phillips is the Vice President of Construction at Southern Shade Tree. He has over 25 years of landscape management experience and is responsible for all aspects of the company’s production/new home division.
Seth graduated from Gardner-Webb University with a BS in Business Administration and received his Masters in Business Administration from Anderson University. He also has received an A.AS in Turfgrass Management and Horticulture. He is a NC Licensed Irrigation Contractor and NC Licensed Landscape Contractor.
Rick Bridger, Chief Financial Officer
Rick Bridger is the Chief Financial Officer of Southern Shade Tree. He has over 26 years of finance leadership experience working with middle market companies, managing working capital, cash flow and cost structure.
Rick graduated from Wake Forest University with an Accounting degree. He is a North Carolina CPA with an Audit background.
Rick enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors and gaming online with friends.
field Leadership Team
Ben McGarity Director of Operations
Zach Smith Director of Operations - Greenville, SC
Jason Helms Director of Operations - Myrtle Beach
Sergio Laris Senior Land Operations Manager
Brent Thibodeau
Construction Account Manager
Jody Smith
Construction Account Manager
Daniel Trueman Construction Account Manager
Tony Vieira Construction Account Manager
Kayla Kelly Construction Account Manager
Michael Weber Construction Account Manager
Jose Perdomo Construction Account Manager
Sherri Shipley Construction Account Manager
Jeff Flemister Coastal Account Manager
Kelvin Gower
Maintenance Operations Manager
Earl Anderson Maintenance Sr. Account Manager
Gracie Woelffer Maintenance Account Manager
Nick D’Auria Maintenance Account Manager
Jacob Wilke Maintenance Account Manager
Cody Clark Division Manager- Lowcountry
Ryan Camden Construction Manager=- Charleston
Aaron McVay Operations Manager- Hilton Head
Paul Morissette Nursery Manager
Paul Wania Business Development
Braxton Wyatt Environmental Design | Sales
Bryan Squibbs Safety Director
Travis Capalbo Fleet Director
Steve Grove Lead Mechanic
administrative Leadership Team
Christian Bolo Controller
Emily Scott Senior Human Resources Manager
Kathy Aguirre HR Administrator
Brandy Thomas Charlotte Production Business Administrator
Candice York Charlotte Production Business Administrator
Mya Patton Assistant to Executive Vice President
Sheryl Lantzy Environmental Design
Pamela Hardison AR Analyst
Amy McMahan Accounts Receivable Analyst
Eleanor Winters Accountant
Charity Kourkoulis Maintenance Business Administrator
Leonel Infante Financial Analyst
Leanne Mellino Land Development Business Administrator
Valeria Robles Administrative Assistant
Monique Heyward Charleston Business Administrator
Raven Mack Myrtle Beach Business Administrator