M E M B E R
S P O T L I G H T
In this issue of the MAA News, we are happy to catch up with Marc Fournier, MCA , MBA , LEED AP .
Marc is a regular participant in MAA events. In particular, Marc is closely involved with
Arbor Day Celebrations in Andover each year, bringing together numerous community groups
and residents to celebrate trees.
Marc Fournier,
MCA , MBA , LEED AP
When did you join MAA?
I have been involved in some way with the
arboriculture industry for decades. I have been
a consistent MAA member since 2011 and on
and off for years depending on my current job.
Deputy Director of Public Works
& Highway Superintendent
Andover DPW • Andover, MA
What was your first job in the industry?
Assistant Director for Grounds Management
at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Where did you go from there?
I’ve held an array of jobs including the Director
of Public Works in Hull, MA, where I was also
the Tree Warden. I was the Executive Director
of WasteCap of Massachusetts, an Environmen-
tal Specialist at Haley & Aldrich and the MA
Department of Environmental Protection. I’ve
served as an Adjunct Professor in the College
of Management at UMass Boston, and as the
Director of Plant Operations and Sustainability
at Lasell College in Newton.
Who was your mentor when you were first starting out in
the business, and why?
I had three mentors when I was a young boy growing up in
North Smithfield, RI. One was Dr. Ramella, who lived next door.
He taught me about trees and helped me begin my lifelong love
of trees. The second was Rene Drolet, a “Tree Surgeon” in the
area who taught me about pruning and caring for trees. He gave
me my first can of Cabot’s Tree Paint! And the third was my
grandfather, Ernest “Tom” Blanchet, who taught me how to work
with wood and many other lessons about working in the forest
and landscape.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Everything I learned from my first chain saw safety workshop!
After that workshop, I immediately retired my old chain saws,
which were still in very good condition, and went out to pur-
chase a Husqvarna 445 with all the modern safety devices
(especially the chain break!).
What advice would you share with people starting out in
arboriculture today?
Get a good education (preferably at UMass Amherst – my alma
mater)!
Since the beginning of your career, what is
the biggest change you’ve seen in the tree
care industry?
Cranes! They have completely changed the
way we do our work.
What is the next “game-changer” you see
on the horizon for the tree care industry?
Advanced equipment like the Sennebogen
718. This machine can perform an amazing
amount of work, while at the same time mini-
mizing damage to the surrounding trees and
landscape.
What’s your favorite/most useful
Equipment? Modern PPE, especially my
chaps and forestry safety helmet. They are
now lighter, safer, and so much easier to
wear and use.
Product? My Barnel Z240 curved blade
folding saw. It’s easy to use, good for small
and large work, and sharp!
Technology? Rechargeable electric arboriculture and land-
scape equipment like chain saws, pole saws, trimmers, and
blowers. The technology has advanced dramatically
recently. These tools are quieter, healthier for the operator,
start every time, and can be recharged by the sun! And GIS,
which can be used in so many applications in Arboriculture.
What’s your favorite tree? Why?
Ginkgo biloba. I love its amazing fan shaped leaves and its 270
million year old history. My wife bought us two for our wedding
ceremony, which we have planted in the yard of our circa 1748
homestead in Andover.
What do you enjoy most about being an MAA member?
The networking is wonderful. It is always a pleasure to share
expertise and stories about the trees we love and the arboricul-
ture industry with others who our passionate about our industry.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with your fellow
MAA members?
I will love and work with trees for the rest of my life! I already
have accepted a part time position with The Trustees of Reserva-
tions beginning in April as a part time Arborist at Mytoi Garden,
their Japanese Garden on Chappaquiddick Island, in Martha’s
Vineyard.
MAA NEWS / March 2019 13