PLCAA Names New Boss

The Professional Lawn Care Association of America (PLCAA) has a new leader for the new year as the association announced the appointment of Gary Clayton as its new executive vice president effective Jan. 1. Tom Delaney, who served in that role since February 1998, has taken the position of vice president of government affairs for PLCAA. 

Clayton is a 25-year industry veteran who has worn many hats throughout his career, serving as a trainer for various industry suppliers, working as director of technical resources for PLCAA from 1986 through 1988 and working as director of technical services for the lawn care franchise organization All-Green. 

“PLCAA has made a tremendous gain in this staff restructuring with the vast industry experience and leadership that Gary will provide,” said PLCAA President Jon Cundiff.  “Tom, who served as both executive vice president and government affairs director, will now be able to dedicate his full attention and talents to those issues that we consider paramount to our industry.”

“I will assume this role with the pride and respect of knowing the original visionaries who organized the association, and the exciting opportunity to contribute to the association with its contemporary and future leaders,” said Clayton. “I am anxious to join the staff, and implement the strategic plan and directives that have been detailed to us by the PLCAA Executive Committee and the Board of Directors.”

Meanwhile, Delaney returns to his previous role with the association, watching over regulatory issues affecting lawn care operators nationwide. “Even without congressional hearings or national legislation expected, state and local activity is undermining customers’ appreciation for the very benefits of our lawn and landscape services,” he said. “We have learned from the negative activity in Canada that we must put more resources into being proactive and getting control of the issues that can hurt our members’ businesses."