RISE hosts industry issues update at GCSAA Conference

RISE (Responsible Industry for Sound Environment) and GCSAA leaders met early Feb. 4 for specialty pesticide and fertilizer industry issue updates and to learn about new initiatives during GCSAA’s Conference & Trade Show at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

RISE governing board chair Neil Cleveland, PBI-Gordon Corporation, welcomed attendees from both associations, and discussed the importance of developing future industry leaders through the new RISE Young Professionals Network.

Founding members of the YPN were recognized for their work to create an actively engaged national network of early-career professionals from within RISE member companies. 

“The Industry Issues Update was a great kick off for our Young Professionals Network’s 2026 recruitment and connection initiatives,” Cleveland said. “The event brought together our YPN founders and our industry’s mid- and later-career professionals for conversations and relationship building. We’re looking forward to growing the network as a pathway for future leaders and advocates.”

Cleveland also announced that the global executive search and leadership development firm Kincannon & Reed is undertaking the search for a new RISE executive director. Megan Provost served in the RISE leadership role for six years and left in October to pursue other opportunities.

“We are partnering with K&R’s outstanding team to find the next RISE leader and industry advocate,” Cleveland said.

Karen Reardon, RISE vice president, public affairs, and Jon Gaeta, senior director, government affairs, discussed federal and state priority issues with focus on the Environmental Protection Agency pesticide registration activity, Capitol Hill, and state-level legislative trends impacting pesticide and fertilizer use.

Reardon and Gaeta were joined by Michael Lee, GCSAA senior director, government affairs, for an insightful discussion about the current political landscape and the two associations’ issue management partnership that continues to deliver policy success.