Press release issued this afternoon by J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co.:
J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. has named Art Anderson to serve as General Manager and Chief Operating Officer of the shade, flowering and specialty ornamental tree nursery headquartered in Boring, Oregon.
Anderson’s appointment to the leadership role at the family-owned nursery, founded in 1946 by Evelyn and J. Frank Schmidt, Jr., was announced on November 30 by J. Frank Schmidt III, President and CEO, and Executive Vice President Jan Schmidt Barkley.
Anderson brings more than 30 years of practical and scientific nursery expertise to the company, which is recognized around the world as a leader in the development and production of improved shade and ornamental tree cultivars.
“I am humbled and honored to have the Schmidt family place their trust and confidence in my ability to help guide this company, which is widely recognized for its leadership, innovation and philanthropy,” Anderson said.
A graduate of the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, and of Oregon State University, Anderson earned doctorate degrees in Plant Pathology and Soil Microbiology. He began his nursery career as a senior research scientist at Pioneer Hi-Bred International of Portland.
Anderson transitioned from science to sales in 1980 when hired by Klupenger Nursery & Greenhouses of Aurora, where he served as office and sales manager for 15 years. Business and sales management positions at Woodburn Nursery and Azaleas, the Oregon operations of Baker West, Inc., and Berry’s Greenhouses, Inc. of Medway, MA, led to his service as General Manager of Northwest Shade Trees LLC, a 360-acre specimen B&B nursery located in Brooks, Oregon.
“Art’s success in leading Northwest Shade Trees to profitability in a very difficult economy, while improving tree quality and customer service, is a key factor in our family’s decision to choose him to lead our company,” Schmidt said. “We are confident that he will do an exceptional job guiding J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. into the future.”
The recipient of numerous awards presented by his peers, Anderson has served the nursery industry in many volunteer capacities since 1980. A past-president of the Oregon Association of Nurseries, he served as a founding member and first President of the Oregon Garden Foundation during the formative years of the botanical garden located in Silverton, Oregon.
