News from this week's NewsBreak! > January 6, 2010

CAGC Welcomes Cynthia Mills as New President

Carolinas AGC is pleased to welcome Cynthia S. Mills, CAE, CMC, as Carolinas AGC's President & CEO. As many of you know, Steve Gennett concludes his 23+ years of service to Carolinas AGC at the end of this month. Cynthia Mills moved into the position of President & CEO as of Monday, January 4, 2010.

The process of selecting a chief staff executive is always challenging, and has been particularly so for an organization with as many complex facets as Carolinas AGC and its associated organizations. Cynthia brings a background, skill set, and leadership style that are uniquely-suited for this position. A few highlights:

Background:

Raised in the South, educated in both NC and in England, Cynthia has spent the last 10 years leading the National Tree Care Industry Association, based in New Hampshire. Its 2,000 member firms include family-owned businesses as well as multi-billion-dollar public and private corporations, much like the construction industry.

During Cynthia's years at TCIA, the organization:

• Launched an Accreditation program to establish best business practices for arboriculture;
• Introduced the Certified Tree Care Safety Professional program to establish a culture of safety in all companies;
• Launched the "Until We're All Safe" campaign to keep arborists safe,
• Established the Voice for Trees Political Action Committee;
• Sealed three OSHA Alliances;
• Secured OSHA's concurrence, with Congress' support, to create a separate safety standard for arboriculture;
• Developed Legislative Conference partnerships;
• Created the Tree Care Industry Association Foundation;
• Is establishing a for-profit-subsidiary to manage other not-for-profits;
• Codified the strategic direction of the association into the Transformation of the Industry (five outcomes to address major industry problems)
• Changed the name of the Association;
• Formalized a nimble governance dynamic;
• Established numerous awards to recognize the contributions of the industry;
• Created a solid financial basis for a sound future.

Cynthia was recognized for her work on behalf of TCIA to Transform the Industry with the 2003 and 2006 Chairman's Awards.

Prior to joining TCIA, for six years Cynthia led Pilot International and Pilot International Foundation, a nonprofit service club organization based in Macon, Georgia. Pilot served 25,000+ individuals in more than 800 chapters worldwide.

Prior to Pilot, Cynthia served for three years as Assistant Executive Director of the National Association of College Auxiliary Services in Staunton, Virginia, whose members are involved in non-academic campus activities.

Cynthia also worked in Charlotte for several years in the 1980's.

Education & Certifications:

Cynthia graduated summa cum laude in 1984 from Charlotte's own Queens University, on a four-year Presidential Scholarship. The following year she earned her MA degree in York, England, on a full Rotary International Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship.

She is also a Certified Master Coach (CMC). She has written curricula and taught strategic planning and the dynamics of governance to masters' degree students at New England College.

Transition Comments:

Cynthia has already "hit the ground running" in the CEO position, and Steve Gennett will work with her during the first few weeks of the year. They will both be present at the CAGC 2010 Annual Convention in St. Thomas.

Natalie Bonanno, with whom many members have worked over the years in her capacity as Steve's Executive Secretary, will be moving into a more leisurely lifestyle as well. Natalie will remain in her current position through 3/31/2010, and will also be missed greatly.