Executive Committee
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President – Lauren Stufft
Lauren has been a volunteer with MSA for over 5 years. She is currently a Consulting Arborist at Rainbow Treecare and has been the Forestry & Natural Resources Supervisor with the City of Eden Prairie, an Urban Forester for the City of Saint Paul, and a Project Coordinator for a tree nursery. She has a B.S. in Forest & Natural Resource Management from the University of Minnesota and has served as the Programs and Education Committee Chair for MSA. Lauren is passionate about arboriculture and always willing to work to improve the industry professionally and scientifically.
Vice President – Ryan Gustafson
The majority of my time is split between working with trees and being with my family, and the best times are when those two things combine. I have been working with the Davey Tree Expert Company for almost 14 years in many different roles over the years. I received a B.S in Urban Forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. I also volunteer with the TREE Fund and the Minnesota Shade Tree Short Course planning committee. When I am not at work I spend my time with my wife, 3 kids, and our golden retriever getting them outdoors to explore nature and burn off all of their energy!
Treasurer – Michael Van Dyken
Michael’s interest in tree care was originally sparked as a youngster while watching a tree crew work on his parents’ trees in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Shortly after graduating from Calvin University with a degree in Biology, Michael started his career with Bartlett. He currently serves as a Bartlett Arborist Representative, but has also held the roles of Plant Health Care Specialist, Climbing Arborist, Crew Leader, and Regional Inventory Arborist. Gaining experience in a variety of these roles has helped Michael fully understand all facets of arboriculture. Michael, his wife, and two sons live in Savage, and enjoy spending time with friends and family.
Information Officer – Brian Volz
I am an arborist and tree inspector for the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board where I have worked for over 5 years. I have an MS in Urban Forestry from the University of Toronto and a BS in Cartography from Missouri State University. I have over 12 years experience in the field including as production climber, plant health care technician and sales arborist. My favorite parts of day to day operations include structure pruning young trees, tree inventory documentation, special climbing projects and making house calls to Minneapolis residents who have questions on their trees. In addition to my passion for trees, I enjoy cycling, rock climbing, hiking, gardening, cooking and wood working.
ISA Council Representative – Lara Newberger
Lara has been a volunteer in the Minnesota urban forestry community for nearly 30 years, volunteering with both MSA and MnSTAC, but also working to promote forestry with 4-H youth programs. Lara has shown dedication to all of her volunteer ventures. She has served as the MSA awards committee chair for over 15 years, and during that time, led the merger of MSA’s and MnSTAC’s awards programs into the Minnesota Community Forestry Awards program.
Past President – Kameron Kytonen
I’ve been Natural Resources Technician with the City of Andover for more than 15 years; and have 20 years experience in Forestry/Arboriculture. I have been very active with MnSTAC for over a decade and served as a board member for several years. I appreciate the natural resources in Minnesota and hope to make an impact on protecting, preserving, and enhancing them. In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hunting, golfing, sports, fitness and music.