As we celebrate Mary Kay Woodworth's 20th anniversary as Executive Director of first MALTA and now Georgia UAC, members of the industry share their thoughts on the impact she has had.
"It is hard to believe that we are celebrating your 20th anniversary with our industry. I still remember the first meeting Bret Bowlin and I had with you to discuss some history and lay of the land. We both came away saying the association was in great hands and there was a great future ahead. Looking back, we underestimated the impact your leadership and hard work would have. It has been and continues to be an honor to work alongside you to build our industry and UAC. Thanks for 20 great years!"
~ Ken Morrow
"As a part of the Executive Board of MALTA at the time we hired Mary Kay, we were fortunate to have found her during a period of great need for the Association. She stood above the other candidates and time has proven that to be true. An organization needs consistency and continuity along with foresight to succeed and remain relevant.
Mary Kay has provided all of that for MALTA and UAC for the past 20 years. A tenure that is rare these days! She was a pleasure to work with and I commend her for her commitment, dedication and her accomplishments for the Urban Ag Council."
~ Ray Wiedman
"It has been an honor and privilege to work with Mary Kay for the past two decades! She's probably one of the most professional, smartest, and friendliest people I know. Congratulations on 20 years of making UAC so successful. Let's hope you stay put for a long time!"
~ Richard Ludwig
"I wish I could take full credit for hiring Mary Kay. However, Kevin Caldwell deserves all that credit. At just the perfect time, Mary Kay changed our MALTA organization from being inward facing to being outward facing. For the past twenty years she has been exactly the ally our industry has needed. More than just being an incredible Executive Director, she has become a treasured friend. Here is to another twenty years."
~ Scott Chatham
"I was lucky enough to meet Mary Kay at the beginning of her career in Urban Ag. I watched her and learned as she grew the association from the cozy days of MALTA to the mighty UAC. There have always been many good leaders in the UAC, but her steady hand cradled and nurtured ideas till they had legs. She is a fierce advocate for our industry, and a tireless proponent of education and safety."
~ Ellen Bauske
"When Mary Kay came on board at MALTA over 20 years ago I don’t think she or anyone else expected her to survive a bunch of landscape contractors and their friends for all these many years. But here we are. Many of us have retired but MK keeps moving onward. Thanks for sharing the better part of your life with us. We are blessed."
~ Charlie King
"We have seen and dealt with everything between droughts, gas prices, immigration and beyond! You have handled it all with grace and professionalism! Our industry would not be the same without you. Much appreciated for your 20 years of service!"
~ Teddy Russell
"Congratulations and thanks to Mary Kay for your incredible commitment and leadership to the local Landscape industry! It’s been a pleasure and an honor to work with you over the years!"
~ Ken Thomas
"You make our industry better. You make my life better. Thank you for all that you do!"
~ Jenny Hardgrave
"Mary Kay, congratulations on your 20-year anniversary working with MALTA and UAC. Thank you for your leadership and steady hand."
~ Mark Banta
"I don't think a brief quote could sum up what Mary Kay has meant to me and our organization. Unwavering determination overcoming the obstacles that have faced our industry and her personally. Her guidance and leadership Mary Kay makes everyone welcome and has created a family type organization that cares personally for those who are within her circle. Personally, a dear friend and glad to be with her on her journey. Life is better!"
~ Todd Guilmette
"UAC is fortunate to have a leader that is passionate about the industry and the people that make it special. Her talents and relationships have guided the Council through drought mitigation challenges, outdoor water use protections, comprehensive statewide water policy changes, workforce training and education advocacy...and a pandemic, just to name a few. MK has proven to be the leader UAC needed through so many pivotal junctures. She is an amazing talent!"
~ Bryan Tolar
"MK, Thanks so much for your wisdom, friendship, and leadership over these past 20 years. The green industry is better because of you and your efforts. Congratulations…and here’s to another 20 years!"
~ Jeremy Smearman
"This fall, we celebrate Mary Kay's 20th year with UAC! For two decades, she’s been the steady hand, the voice of reason, and the momentum we’ve all needed to keep moving forward. Her passion for our industry and her tireless work behind the scenes have shaped UAC into the strong, respected association it is today. Congratulations on 20 years—here’s to your impact, and the many ways you’ve made this journey better for all of us!"
~ Jennifer Jorge
"Congratulations on 20 years, Mary Kay! What an incredible milestone. Your dedication, passion, and leadership over the years have made such a difference—not only for the MALTA/UAC but for all of us fortunate enough to work alongside you. Wishing you joy as you celebrate this accomplishment and continued success in the years ahead!"
~ Bodie Pennisi
"Congrats! I am so grateful to you for all your hard work to position UAC for premier service and strong growth for our industry. But mostly, for your friendship over many years!"
~ Bret Bowlin
"Congratulations, Mary Kay, on your 20th anniversary as Executive Director of the Georgia Urban Ag Council/MALTA! You are an inspiration to me and a true pillar of the Georgia Urban Ag Industry. Wishing you a wonderful anniversary and heartfelt thanks for your steadfast leadership and dedication over the years. May the years ahead bring you continued happiness, success, and joyful moments."
~ Rolando Orellana
"Congratulations on 20 years of service Mary Kay. Your hard work and dedication to the landscape industry has been incredible. Thank you for the work you have done and are doing."
~ Randy Moody
"Congratulations, Mary Kay, on 20 years of service to the green industry — your dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on our community."
~ Mario Cambardella
"Mary Kay is a pleasure to work with. She is quick with a smile, works hard and smart, and brings a level of professionalism to the Atlanta landscape industry that is so important. When things are easy it's a wonderful time to be a landscaper but when we run into drought or flooding or a down stock market or spiking oil prices or burdensome regulations, that's when it gets tough. And that’s when she shows her talent as a strong advocate for our industry."
~ Eric King
"I remember meeting Mary Kay for the first time at an UAC networking event, and I wasn’t surprised that she was just as lovely in person as she’d been to me for years over email. I’ve always appreciated Mary Kay’s kindness and professionalism. It’s hard to sum up her 20 wonderful years with MALTA/UAC, but many hold her in high regard, as her work and passion speak for themselves. Congratulations!"
~ Ashley Frasca
"I am grateful for Mary Kay's leadership and advocacy for our green industry. Especially during the covid, when we were declared an essential workforce, and didn't have to shut down. Thank you for acting quickly on our economic behalf."
~ Marta Garland
"Mary Kay, you continue to represent all of us in the green industry with the utmost in professionalism and class and I appreciate the opportunity to work with you all these years, you're the best! Congratulations on 20 years in support and service to all of us in this great industry! "
~ Drew Watkins
"Congratulations on 20 awesome years Mary Kay! I think most of you would agree that Mary Kay is a great consensus builder, leader, and gifted communicator. We are fortunate to have someone with her talents and abilities as the leader of the UAC.
When I was president of ALCA, now NALP, I had the opportunity to work closely with all of the directors of the state organizations. There are few that came close to equaling Mary Kay's abilities. Some of the directors thought that running the state organizations meant taking full control. Mary Kay has the innate ability to lead the organization by getting consensus from the Board as well as other members. That, in my mind, is a true leader. I can't wait to see what you will accomplish in the next 20 years!"
~ Jud Griggs
"Congratulations on your 20th anniversary as Executive Director of the Georgia Urban Ag Council/MALTA! Your vision and dedication over the years have had a remarkable impact on urban agriculture and the community. I’m inspired by all that the Council has achieved under your leadership and wish you continued success as you celebrate this incredible milestone."
~ Melba Salazar
"I think Mary Kay is simply the best! She is so caring, so professional, so knowledgeable, and so engaging! I am always so impressed when I read the newsletters at all that she and her team do! UAC is VERY fortunate to have such a well-rounded Director!"
~ Freda Witherspoon
"Congrats, Mary Kay! You have been an inspiration to us all in our industry. You kept us all growing and had our backs during times of economic, weather issues and the pandemic. It has been a pleasure to work with you. Keep up the great work so that our industry continues to be a major force. Keep it growing!"
~ Scott Barnard
"Congratulations to Mary Kay on 20 years of service! Thank you from your friends at NGTurf!"
~ Jason Poor
"From boots on the ground to the Capitol, you bring people together and help them succeed by developing and supporting excellent events and training programs, fostering great communication, and serving in so many different capacities. Congratulations and thank you for 20 years of leadership and service in Urban Ag. Your hard work and dedication have truly made a positive impact."
~ Greg Huber
"I am deeply grateful to Mary Kay for 20 years of dedication, leadership, and care for our organization. Your hard work and passion have made a lasting difference in our industry! Thank you for inspiring us and guiding us so well – we celebrate this milestone with admiration and appreciation. You’re the best!"
~ Steve Murray
