DENVER, Colo. — From in-field technicians and managers to pest control owners, presidents and CEOs, PestWorld attendees walked away from the annual convention and exposition full of meaningful conversations, educational takeaways and continued opportunities for leadership development.
Wednesday morning, National Pest Management Association (NPMA) President Faye Golden, director of governmental affairs for Cook’s Pest Control, addressed the crowd to share why her presidency is historic for several reasons. Golden has made history in the association as the first Black woman and first woman from Alabama to be elected as president of NPMA. “My love for community, agriculture and education started in my hometown in Alabama,” she said.
Golden’s background in governmental affairs has propelled her to have a seat at the table where important regulatory and state preemption conversations are taking place.
“When we speak as one voice, we are stronger,” she said. “I know how critical it is for us to know and understand what [governmental] changes are being posed.”
The opening general session, sponsored by Corteva, featured Kelly McDonald, a multicultural marketing & business trends expert, on “How to Work & Lead People Not Like You.” McDonald said she’s discovered two macro trends from recent census data: “We’re being more diverse and becoming more diverse more quickly.”
McDonald shared the top five most diverse states: California, Texas, New Mexico, Nevada and New Jersey. She said diversity comes in many forms, including working alone versus collaborating, self-expression, family dynamics, education, creative versus analytical thinkers and more.
She shared eight ways to produce better outcomes and build a diverse team: build vulnerable trust, be aware that our differences are real, give people what they want, collaborate, be open to the intersection of random, agree to disagree, take the emotion out of it and say “I need help” more often.
Thursday morning, Tim Pollard of Arrow Exterminators, chair of The Pest Management Foundation, talked about the mission and purpose to advance the pest management industry through education, research and outreach. Pollard said the foundation has awarded $21,000 in educational advancement throughout 15 scholarships this year.
The general session, sponsored by Syngenta, featured NFL Pro Bowler Justin Forsett on “The Hustle & Huddle: Leading Teams Through Change, Adversity & Opportunity.” He shared his strategy on how to break through in the midst of challenges.
Forsett said, “Showing up for people and letting them know you care is how we build culture and employee retention. Service is the difference between being good and being great.” He added, “Showing up for people and letting them know you care is how we build culture and employee retention.”
Other highlights from PestWorld, Denver, Colo., included:
Pi Chi Omega held its annual membership meeting Tuesday. Desiree Straubinger, president, said the past year has been full of growth and opportunity for members. The first industry grant was awarded, and six scholarships were awarded in 2024. Nancy Troyano, Rentokil Terminix, talked about the new Jr. Entomology program initiative to bring more applied science to young minds through interactive videos and resources.
“We know our industry is very science based, and we’ve been having conversations on how we need applied entomologists and attract the younger generation to get them interested in the pest management industry,” Troyano said.
Additionally, Judy Black and Rebecca Baldwin were this year’s Pi Chi Omega’s Achievement Award winners.
PCT and Syngenta recognized five industry professionals at a special Crown Leadership Awards reception on Wednesday night. PCT also recognized Bobby Corrigan as our Lifetime Achievement Award winner as voted upon by past leadership winners.
What started out as six people in one room 15 years ago has led to hundreds of men and women gathering for the annual NPMA Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) networking breakfast, sponsored by FieldRoutes each year. Mickey Thomas with Arrow Exterminators presented two Women’s Professional Empowerment grants to Michelle Taylor, Deans Services, and Ecolab entomologist Morgan Manderfield. Each recipient is awarded $1,000 for further educational development.
The organization’s annual 5K event held on Friday morning raised more than $20,000 for Steps to Hope charity. Colorado’s PWIPM President Kristen Ewals-Strain, Northern Colorado Pest & Wildlife Control, talked about the newly established chapter and its goals for the coming year.
NPMA recognized industry leaders during an awards ceremony as part of its Thursday General Session. Several key awards were presented, including the ACE Professional Award (presented by the Entomological Society of America), Emerging Leaders Award, NPMA Gives Award, Committee of the Year Award, Chairperson of the Year Award, Women of Excellence Award and the Pinnacle Award.
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