Leadership Changes at Davey Tree

Pat Covey has been named ’s new chief operating officer for all U.S. operations. Additionally, Jim Stief has been promoted to executive vice president, operations, and James Doyle has been appointed vice president and general manager of The Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada, Limited.

Karl Warnke, Davey’s chairman, president and CEO, said the changes are part of an effort to recognize factors that have been critical to Davey’s success during this unstable economic period. “Due in part to a strong spirit of innovation, collaboration and determination, we have aggressively managed our business to strengthen our brand image and ensure a successful future for Davey,” Warnke said. “Effective leadership has been the key, and we are fortunate to have
many competent and dedicated people who have stepped up to meet the challenge.”

Warnke said Covey is one of those key leaders. “Pat has been highly instrumental in the successful integration of some of the largest acquisitions in Davey history,” Warnke said. “He has worked relentlessly to build bridges between departments and business units to meet corporate objectives.”

A long-time employee of Davey, Covey has served in various capacities with increasing responsibility in both the operations and administrative/support segments of the company. His most recent position was executive vice president, operations, a title he has held since 2007.

Warnke said Covey’s 20 years at Davey have trained him for this new position. “Throughout his tenure, Pat has gained valuable experience and a diverse understanding of how Davey operates,” he said. “This unique perspective and background provide him with the knowledge necessary to fulfill the expectations that have been set for him in his new role as chief operating officer.”

Covey joined Davey in 1991 as internal auditor. He transferred to eastern utility operations in 1993 and was promoted to administrative manager in 1995. He served as a team leader on the SAP implementation project and managed the systems and process group until 2003, when he was promoted to vice president of southern utility operations. Covey earned a degree in business from the University of Wisconsin and is a certified public accountant.

In other operational news, Warnke announced Jim Stief has been promoted to executive vice president, operations. His areas of responsibility will include all U.S. residential and commercial operations, in addition to the Davey Resource Group.

“Jim has been most effective in his ability to embrace change and initiate aggressive programs that have been successful in advancing revenue and earnings,” Warnke said. “He has excelled at moving our culture in a more customer- and sales-oriented direction.”

A 33-year employee of Davey, Stief began his career in the Atlanta residential territory. Over the years, he has served in a variety of capacities within the service line, including operations manager of the western region. Most recently, he was vice president and general manager for all U.S. residential and commercial operations. Stief earned a degree in forest resource management from the Virginia Tech School of Forestry.

Additionally, James Doyle was named vice president and general manager of The Davey Tree Expert Company of Canada, Limited. In this capacity, Doyle will be responsible for both Western Canada (formerly Davey Tree Services) and Eastern Canada (formerly Davey Tree Limited of Canada) Davey operations.

“James’ tenacity for growth and innate people skills have proven to be effective as Davey has become the recognized leader in Canada for complete tree care services,” Warnke said. “As the first individual to serve as general manager for all Canadian operations, James has the ability to maintain and expand Davey’s position in all market areas.”

Doyle is a 23-year Davey employee who began his career in Davey’s Toronto territory. He has held various positions in the Eastern Canada subsidiary and was most recently named vice president and general manager of the Eastern Canada Davey operations in 2011. Doyle earned an associate’s degree in forestry from Sault College in Sault Ste Marie, Ont.