Syngenta adds to sales team

Greensboro, N.C. – Syngenta Professional Products has added certified golf course superintendent Fred Montgomery, Steve Abler and Dennis E. DeSanctis to its turf and ornamental team as sales representatives.

Montgomery, of Ballston Lake, N.Y., will serve Syngenta customers in New York. Prior to joining Syngenta, Montgomery served for 23 years as superintendent of Mohawk Golf Club in Schenectady, N.Y. He is a past president of the Northeastern Golf Course Superintendents Association, and served on the association’s board for 12 years, holding various positions, including employment chairman, tournament chairman and welfare chairman.

Montgomery has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York system and earned a turfgrass certificate from the University of Massachusetts. He became a certified golf-course superintendent in 1988.

“I am very excited about the chance to work for the leader in our industry and look forward to providing my friends in the field with the support that they deserve,” Montgomery says.

Abler, of Manitowoc, Wis., will serve customers in that state and the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

Before joining Syngenta, Abler worked for several years in the academic field as a researcher and research assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.

Abler has a bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and a master’s degree in plant pathology from Virginia Tech. He is a member of the American Phytopathological Society, Golf Course Superintendents Association of America, Northern Great Lakes Golf Course Superintendents Association and Wisconsin Golf Course Superintendents Association. He serves as advisor to the Wisconsin Turfgrass Association.

“We are excited to have Steve join us as a sales representative,” says David Louder, Midwest district manager for turf and ornamental, Syngenta Professional Products. “His research background and scientific knowledge will serve our customers well. Wisconsin and the Upper Peninsula are an important area for Syngenta, and having a capable representative such as Steve dedicated to the area will allow us to better serve our customers’ needs.”

DeSanctis, of Hightstown, N.J., will serve customers in Fairfield County, Conn., the Westchester County area of New York, and Long Island.

Prior to joining Syngenta, DeSanctis worked for three years as a technical sales representative for the Terre Company of New Jersey. He also has worked at New Jersey golf courses, including Knob Hill Golf Club and Metedeconk National Golf Club.

DeSanctis has a bachelor’s degree in turfgrass science from Rutgers University and is completing an MBA from Rutgers.

“I am honored and excited to be joining Syngenta, and look forward to serving our loyal customers in my region,” DeSanctis says. “I strive to be a valuable partner in my customers’ efforts to shepherd and grow their business.”