Hickman named CEO of PLANET

The Professional Landcare Network (PLANET) announced today that Sabeena Hickman has been named chief executive officer.  Hickman was formerly chief operating officer and has been acting chief executive officer for the past 18 months.


“Due to the economy, we received a lot of interest in the position from highly qualified candidates,” explained William Hildebolt, Ph.D., CTP, CTP-CSL president of the PLANET board of directors. “Over the past 18 months, Sabeena has demonstrated that she is, by far, the best and most qualified candidate for the position.”


Hickman came to PLANET in June, 2007 and served as chief operating officer up until March, 2008 when she became acting CEO of the organization.


“Through Sabeena’s leadership over the past year-and-a-half, she has built a highly successful, talented and effective team at PLANET,” Hildebolt stated.  She has also overseen new initiatives on behalf of the PLANET board including leadership training, policy development and disaster recovery, emergency succession, etc.


Under Hickman’s guidance, PLANET launched a large national event—National Day of Service which incentivizes PLANET members to go out into their communities on Earth Day each year and work on green (landscape and lawn care and interior plant) volunteer projects.  The organization also successfully grew its annual signature event—Renewal & Remembrance, a national volunteer project at Arlington National Cemetery.


PLANET has seen many additional successes through Hickman’s work at PLANET, these include the launch of a CEO forum at PLANET’s annual conference, development of “PLANET Universe”—a comprehensive Web portal, and maintaining strong partnerships through relationship building and implementing programs with other associations and organizations.  Recently PLANET held a successful LawnCare Summit in Florida.  The annual Green Industry Conference, held each year in Louisville, KY also continues to enjoy success.


“We are delighted that Sabeena has accepted the position of CEO with PLANET,” said Hildebolt.  “With Sabeena at the helm, the organization will further its vision for a bright and successful future.”


Sabeena is a graduate of Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  Prior to joining PLANET she was chief of the Learning Center for the Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA).

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