Dr. Kelby Fite Named VP and Director of Bartlett Research Labs

February 25, 2016 – Stamford, CT – Bartlett Tree Experts announced today the promotion of Dr. Kelby Fite to Vice President and Director of The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories. This role was created to meet growing research and management demands at the labs. Fite will provide oversight for all operations and staffing at the company’s research labs. Fite will also be responsible for on-site events for students, peers and clients as well as continuing education and technical training for the company’s arborists and production employees. He will work alongside Dr. Bruce Fraedrich who will continue in his role of Vice President.

After earning a Masters of Plant Protection and Pest Management from the University of Georgia, Fite joined Bartlett in 2002. He was promoted to Arboricultural Researcher in 2007 after receiving his Ph.D. in Plant and Environmental Science from Clemson University. In his 14 years with Bartlett he has undertaken a number of notable initiatives including efforts to understand the dynamic relationship between soil and roots as well as research to determine how various planting strategies impact long-term success of trees. Fite is also at the forefront of research on the use of biochar as a soil additive in tree care and was instrumental in bringing the company’s Premium Landscape Biochar to market.

“As our Company has grown, so too have the demands on our research labs. As both an energetic leader and an accomplished scientist, Kelby is well-poised to ensure that our company continues to undertake industry-leading research while assisting nearly 300 Arborist Representatives in best serving the tree care needs of our clients,” said James Ingram, President and Chief Operating Officer of Bartlett Tree Experts.

In related news, Bartlett Tree Experts is also pleased to welcome Dr. Gretchen Pettis to the staff of its Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories as an entomologist. Pettis joined Bartlett in the summer of 2015. She brings with her a diverse industry and academic background in entomology, plant pathology and ornamental horticulture. Experience in applied research coupled with technical awareness and communication skills make her a great fit at the research labs. Pettis replaces Dr. Donald Booth, who retired in 2015 after 32 years with the Company.

The Bartlett Tree Research Laboratories is a fully staffed laboratory and 350-acre arboretum operating in Charlotte, North Carolina since 1965. Staffed with scientists specializing in arboricultural research, soil science, pest and disease identification and entomology, the labs evaluate plant, insect and disease samples and advise Bartlett’s arborists on the latest advances in arboriculture.

About Bartlett Tree Experts
The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world's leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organization's current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has locations in 27 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland and Great Britain. Services include pruning, pest and disease management, fertilization and soil management, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems and tree/stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut.





For more information, contact:

Tina McNulty
tmcnulty@bartlett.com
2033231131

Toast Text Goes Here
×