Kim Coder

University of Georgia Professor Honored with Award of Merit from International Society of Arboriculture CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (August 2014) – Dr. Kim Coder, a tenured professor of tree biology and healthcare at the University of Georgia’s Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources in Athens, Georgia, is this year’s recipient of the International Society of Arboriculture’s (ISA) Award of Merit. This is the highest honor ISA bestows on a member and acknowledges Coder’s service in advancing the principles, ideas, and practices of arboriculture. Dr. Coder is a past president of ISA international, the Arboriculture Research and Education Association (AREA), and ISA’s Southern Chapter. He is a prolific author, having written more than 500 technical articles and publications, as well as an accomplished global speaker and trainer. ISA presented the award to Dr. Coder on Sunday, August 3rd in Milwaukee as part of the 90th Annual ISA International Conference and Trade Show, August 2nd—6th, 2014. “Kim has maintained a legacy throughout ISA, concentrating on improving the quality of life for trees and the people who care for them through education,” says Mark Roberts, ISA president. “He has taken advantage of the many opportunities that allow him to encourage others to be advocates for trees and the profession.” Dr. Coder has dedicated the past 25 years to expanding knowledge and educational support in the industry. “Over the years, the arboriculture industry has improved quantitatively and qualitatively the perception people have of our profession and how and what we do,” says Dr. Coder. “Some people hold a lot of beliefs for various reasons and only through education can we look at those beliefs, hold them up to the light and modify or change them. Through an education process, we can increase the tree quality of life and the arborist quality of life by understanding how things work.” Dr. Coder is one of nine distinguished professionals who make up the circle of winners for ISA’s Awards of Distinction, sponsored by Bartlett Tree Experts. Robert Bartlett Jr., chairman and CEO of Bartlett Tree Experts added, “As the tree care industry continues to change and grow, we need individuals like these to help lead the way through scientific study, research, and dedicated work in training and education. We are so proud to support their efforts by partnering with ISA in sponsorship of the Awards.” ISA has been honoring members and industry professionals with the Awards of Distinction since 1963. Nine categories recognize candidates in such areas as research, publishing, education, and advancing the cause of the organization. The winners are selected by a diverse group of experts in arboriculture. More than 20,000 members make up ISA’s organization worldwide. ABOUT ISA The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., U.S., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. To promote the importance of arboriculture, ISA manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org, which fulfills the association’s mission to help educate the public about the importance and value of proper tree care. Also, as part of ISA’s dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA and Certified Arborists, visit www.isa-arbor.com. ABOUT BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS The F.A. Bartlett Tree Expert Company was founded in 1907 by Francis A. Bartlett and is the world’s leading scientific tree and shrub care company. The organization’s current chairman, Robert A. Bartlett Jr., represents the third generation of Bartlett family management. Bartlett has locations in 27 U.S. states, Canada, Ireland, and Great Britain. Services include pruning, insect and disease management, fertilization and soil care, cabling and bracing, tree lightning protection systems, and tree and stump removal. Its corporate offices are located in Stamford, Connecticut. To find out more, visit the company’s web site at www.bartlett.com or call 1-877-BARTLETT (227-8538). Editor’s Note: Photos are available upon request. To arrange an interview with Dr. Kim Coder, contact Julie Gaier at 262-786-5970 or julie@trg-marketing.com.